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 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, the COW Starter now appears with current news regarding the Catan Online World. To continue, please click on "Start Catan Online World." Mac and Linux users continue directly with Step 6.

Step 6: Auto Update

Now the software is being updated. The resolution can be adjusted here as well. 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 fields. Confirm by pressing the Return key or by clicking on the button with the green checkmark.

Step 8: The Hostel

At first you always enter the Catan Online World through the Hostel. Later on you can buy a house; from then on, this is where you will begin your forays into the Catan Online World.

The interior of the Hostel is shown in the center of the screen. Your Avatar is displayed as a figure that can be moved around with the mouse. For this purpose, click with your mouse cursor on a free spot inside the room; your Avatar will automatically move towards it. 

You can interact with some of the objects in the rooms. Objects that can be used indicate their function when moused over. In the Hostel, such objects are, for example, the backpack (change appearance, moving, etc.), the chest (brief instructions), the bookshelf (important information about your Avatar), and the door (leave the Hostel).

Below the Room View you can see the Chat window. In the upper part of the window you can read messages from other players, in the lower part you can enter your own messages. The Chat is divided into several channels. The "local" channel is the default option, where the conversations of figures inside the same room are displayed. 

The Avatar bar is on the right side. Here, all the Avatars that happen to be in the same Chat channel as you are displayed.

You can activate important functions of the program via the Button bar on the upper left. For example, via the beer mug you go directly to the Board Game Tavern, where you can play all the board games of the Catan Online World.

If you want to play, please click on the beer mug now.

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), click on it with the mouse, 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. In the Online Instruction you will obtain detailed information about the games as well as further explanations about the program. Explanations on how to operate the Basic Game can be found here.