In the Catan: Cities & Knights expansion, players aim to develop their civilizations beyond basic settlements and cities by constructing city improvements, accumulating victory points, and defending against barbarian invaders. Progress is driven by strategically acquiring and utilizing commodity cards, upgrading settlements, and contributing to the collective defense. For example, a player might focus on acquiring ore and wheat to develop a metropolis and acquire victory points associated with that city improvement.
This added layer of complexity enhances the base game’s strategic depth. Players must balance economic development with defense, creating dynamic gameplay that encourages adaptation and long-term planning. The historical context of medieval city-building and defense is subtly woven into the mechanics, adding thematic richness. A robust defense against the barbarian threat not only protects individual players but also contributes to shared victory, fostering a sense of cooperation alongside competition.
