CATAN Crop Trust Scenario | Family Board Game on Crop Diversity

Experience CATAN Crop Trust

CATAN: Crop Trust is a family-friendly scenario that enhances the classic CATAN experience by introducing a seed vault objective and a gentle, semi-cooperative twist. Created in collaboration with the Global Crop Diversity Trust, this extension invites players to consider how crop diversity supports a resilient food system—without stepping into medical territory. The goal is clear, but the path to it is playful and thought-provoking, making every session feel fresh and engaging.

Why this scenario matters

As you play, you’ll see how decisions about harvesting and saving seeds can influence a shared outcome. By balancing personal gains with a communal objective, the game fosters discussion, strategy, and teamwork while maintaining CATAN’s signature competitive tension. The Crop Trust partnership adds a meaningful backdrop to your gameplay, turning a fun family activity into an opportunity to explore real-world ideas in a safe, educational setting.

• Semi-cooperative rules encourage thoughtful collaboration alongside competition.
• Educational thread on crop diversity is woven into the decision-making process.
• Completely variable board design delivers near-infinite replay opportunities.

What you need to start

• A CATAN Base Game (required to use this scenario).
• The Crop Trust scenario booklet included with this extension.
• Tabletop space suitable for shared play, whether in person or online.

Gameplay highlights and real-life use cases

In each session, you weigh immediate harvest needs against the mission to store seeds in the seed vault. The seed vault track provides a tangible goal that guides strategy and negotiation, while the flexible board layout keeps the play dynamic from game to game. Families discover the fun of collaboration within a familiar framework, friends connect through shared problem-solving, and classrooms can explore a playful, discussion-friendly approach to a global topic.

• Replayability: a modular board ensures new setups and strategies every time.
• Social interaction: players negotiate, plan, and coordinate around a common goal.
• Accessible yet deep: quick to pick up for newcomers, with tactical options for seasoned players.

Proceeds and impact

Purchasing this CATAN scenario supports Crop Trust, as a portion of proceeds is donated to the organization. It’s a way to enjoy a lively, social game while contributing to a cause that aims to protect crop diversity for the future.