Most Traders & Barbarians nights still start from the familiar nineteen-hex island. Roll a
fair base here, then add fishermen docks, rivers, or caravan rules from your book.
Think of Traders & Barbarians as a toolkit of shorter stories: fishing for points, cheaper roads along
rivers, camel races, deliveries to a castle, or everyone defending against waves of invaders.
Scenario snapshots
Fishermen — fish tokens spend on small bonuses or points.
Rivers — bridges score and roads along water cost less lumber.
Caravans — rewards for reaching both sides of a desert strip.
Barbarian attack — shared defense track with personal victory points still on the line.
Setup tip
When a scenario leaves the footprint at nineteen land hexes, fair mode here is a quick
way to avoid hand-placed clumps of sixes and eights before you add scenario pieces.
Frequently asked questions
What is Catan Traders and Barbarians? ▼
It is a box of several scenarios—fishermen, rivers, caravans, barbarian attack, and more—most of which still begin from the standard nineteen land hexes.
Does Traders & Barbarians change the island? ▼
Some scenarios add overlays (rivers, caravan paths). Most still use the classic island size; follow your scenario book, then copy terrain here when you want a fair shuffle.
Can I mix Traders & Barbarians with Cities & Knights? ▼
Only where the official compatibility notes say so. Always read the scenario sheet before combining boxes.