Want to Play the Catan Basic Game for Free?

Access to the Catan Online World at PlayCatan is easy and straightforward, although some preparations are needed.

Here you will find a 9-step guide to get started.

Step 1: Registration

In order to be able to play at PlayCatan, you have to register. Please register here.

Step 2: Download of Client Software

Here you can get the current software for Windows, Linux, and Apple Mac OS X.

Step 3: Client Installation

• Windows:
  Double-click the downloaded file and follow the instructions of the installation program.
• Linux:
  Extract the archive into the desired folder.
• Mac OS X:
  Open the image and copy the application into the Applications folder.

Step 4: Starting the Client

• Windows:
  Click on the shortcut in the Start menu (Programs->Catan GmbH->Catan Onlinewelt starten)
• Linux:
  Execute the script ./COWStarter.sh
• Mac OS X:
  Click on the icon "Catan Onlinewelt" in the Applications folder.

Step 5: COW Starter (Windows only)

In Windows, now the COW starter appears, displaying current news regarding the Catan Online World. To continue, please click on "Start Catan Online World."

Mac and Linux users go directly to Step 6.

Step 6: Auto Update

Now the software is being updated. Here you can also set the desired resolution. To continue, please click on the left button with the green checkmark.

Step 7: Login

Please enter your PlayCatan nickname and your password in the corresponding boxes. Confirm by pressing the Return key or by clicking on the button with the green checkmark.

Step 8: The "Message of the Day"

In the next window, the current "Message of the Day" with news or important information regarding the Catan Online World is displayed. A click on the button "To the games" transports you directly to the Board Game Tavern. If you click on the other button, you get to the Hostel; from there, you can explore your city.

From wherever you are in the Metagame, you can always jump directly to the Tavern to play the board games - just click on the beer mug in the upper button bar.

Step 9: The Tavern

As soon as you arrive at the Tavern, a window with the Game Manager opens.

• Look for an open game (light green bars) and click on it; then click on "Join."
• As an alternative, you can also open up a game yourself. Once a sufficient number of players have joined the game, click on "Start," and the game begins.