Catan VR is a virtual adaptation of the popular board game The Settlers of Catan by Experiment 7
. The game was released in 2018–2019 across various VR platforms (SteamVR, Oculus, PSVR, and more).
The idea is to bring the full tabletop experience and atmosphere into virtual reality: you sit at the
table, the game board is laid out before you, opponents (AI or real players) surround you, trade happens
in real time, you gather resources, build roads, cities, and settlements, and race to victory points.
Gameplay and Presentation
Game Mechanics:
Everything is true to the original version: randomly generated
board (resource hexes, desert, number tokens), dice rolls, resource gathering, trading with players and
the bank, road and settlement construction, city upgrades.
You can play against AI or real people
through online multiplayer.
Cross-platform multiplayer allows players on different VR headsets to meet
and play together.
Presentation, Interface, Atmosphere:
The visuals are well-crafted: the game board,
environment, and effects (swaying wheat fields, drifting clouds, background music) make the “island of
Catan” feel alive.
You can customize the appearance of the room you “sit” in, choosing between several
themes and designs.
Controls depend on the platform — VR controllers let you move panels and menus
around so you can conveniently view your cards and trade.
Strengths
- Faithful to the Tabletop Experience
VR helps recreate the visual and spatial
feel of sitting around a real table. You can walk around the board, view it from different angles, and
feel like you are truly there.
- Social Component
The ability to play online with real people, even
cross-platform, is a major plus — especially if your friends are far away or use different headsets.
- High Production Quality
The atmosphere, visual effects, and interface are
carefully crafted. AI characters, music, and environmental details help with immersion.
- Great for Catan Newcomers
If you’ve never played the original board game, the VR
version can be a great introduction — rules are explained and the interface guides you step by step.
Drawbacks and Limitations
- AI Behavior and Balance
Some players note that AI opponents can feel “teamed up”
against you, and AI trading can sometimes feel unfair, giving them an advantage.
- No Expansions
At this time, expansions like Cities & Knights or
Seafarers are not included, leaving only the base game.
- Game Length and Attention Span
A typical match can take anywhere from 30 minutes
to a few hours, especially online. This can be difficult to sustain in VR, where fatigue can kick in.
- Interface and Controls
While generally well-designed, some users report minor
inconveniences: staring at menus for too long, repetitive gestures that can cause fatigue, and
occasional controller precision issues.
- Online Play and Friend Invites
Some versions have issues with inviting specific
friends or with matchmaking not always working smoothly.
Who Will Enjoy This Version Most
- Fans of board games who want to try them in a more immersive format.
- VR headset owners who are ready for longer play sessions.
- Groups of friends who want to play together online, even on different devices.
- Newcomers to Catan looking for a visual and interactive way to learn the game.
Verdict
Overall, Catan VR is a very successful adaptation of the classic board game. It isn’t perfect —
especially for those who want all expansions and customization like the tabletop version — but as a base
experience and a way to play with friends in an immersive space, it works very well. If you enjoy strategy
games, don’t expect heavy modifications, and want a unique experience, Catan VR is absolutely worth
trying.
