Catan Universe

Catan Universe is the kind of game that makes people realize board games can be more than dice and luck, even though this one definitely still has both. You’re collecting resources, building settlements and roads, upgrading cities, and constantly watching the board for opportunities to trade your way into a better position. It’s one of those games where a strong start can fall apart fast if the tables turn on you, which is part of what makes the game so fun.

What’s great about the game is that it’s easy to start; you can jump into the base game for free and expand into Seafarers and Cities & Knights when you’re ready for more complexity. At its core, you only have to roll, collect, trade, build, and repeat. With that said, the game has more going on than other options on the list. And because it supports solo and multiplayer sessions, it can be either a serious strategy game or a more relaxed board-game fix when you just want to play around for a while. Plus, it’s a seamless experience across the Apple ecosystem, making it easy to get your strategy fix whether you’re on your MacBook or waiting for a train with iPhone.

This is a great game to try if you want something that feels like a real board game. Catan Universe retains the same slightly competitive and social energy that made it famous in the first place, while recreating the tabletop experience with vibrant 3D boards that make the island of Catan feel more alive than ever.