What is it? A streamlined take on Catan
Who is it for? Board game fans who want to play online
How much does it cost? Core modes are free, with optional paid expansions
What makes it special? Fast play and instant matchmaking
Colonist takes full advantage of the fact that game rules can’t be copyrighted, taking on the popular tabletop game Settlers of Catan with a surprisingly well thought-out clone that improves where the official Catan apps fall short.
The original gameplay is intact from the board game: place settlements and cities, gather and trade resources, play development cards, and scrap over bonuses like Longest Road. Winning means reading the board, planning ahead, and blocking your rivals. As ever, it’s a neat blend of skill, luck, and bargaining.
Although also available online at colonist.io, the iOS app is my favorite way to play. Portrait mode feels natural, touch controls are straightforward, and most games wrap in under 30 minutes – roughly half that for the popular 1v1 mode. You can warm up against bots or find a real opponent in a matter of seconds, which makes it dangerously easy to squeeze in a match whenever you have a spare moment. The interface isn’t what you’d call beautiful, but it’s refreshingly utilitarian: no cruft, just speed and clarity.
An Elo‑style ranking system keeps online match-ups fair and makes wins feel meaningful, and there are regular tournaments if you want to go deeper. Playing online, what surprised me is how sharp the average opponent is. If you’re used to casual kitchen‑table sessions, expect to up your game. My tips? Don’t underestimate the value of ports, work out what your opponent wants and block it, and take advantage of the “friendly robber” rules in 2-player.
Pricing feels friendly, too. The main modes are entirely free, and while expansions and extras (like the seafarers board above) sit behind a subscription or expensive virtual currency unlocks, I’ve played 50+ games without feeling pushed to pay for anything.
Colonist is to Catan what Words With Friends was to Scrabble – a friendly, modern spin that prioritizes what fans actually want: solid online play and a streamlined interface. It’s easy to see why it’s taken off.