Catan Resource Riches: Starting Combos

Ever felt like you were behind right from the start of a Catan game? Like you just weren’t getting the resources you needed? Well, it might not be bad luck; it could be because of your initial resource choices! Knowing what are the best Catan starting resource combinations is crucial to having a good game, and in this guide we will go through the different options, and what to look for when selecting them.

Ready to become a Catan strategist? Begin by exploring the most effective early game setup strategies and learning how to become a deceptive development card user. Next, build your overall strategic knowledge of the game and create a reliable resource production plan, including the knowledge of the ore and wheat resource partnership. Also make sure to explore the different starting resource layout combinations and the importance of number token frequencies, along with the best way to analyze the token pip distributions. It's also important to understand the probabilities of the development cards and finally learn what drives the appeal of Catan.

Why Starting Resources Matter in Catan

In Catan, the resources you get at the start of the game can set you up for a great run… or a disaster! Your initial resources affect how quickly you can build settlements and roads, and how often you can trade with other players. So, choosing the right combinations is a great first step in the right direction! The correct resource combinations will allow you to learn how to win at Catan easier than having a bad start.

Understanding Resource Types in Catan

Let's look at the five different resources in Catan:

Wood: Used for building roads and settlements. This is important for initial placement in Catan, as they are the first things that you build.
Brick: Also used for building roads and settlements. These are vital for early expansion.
Sheep: Used for buying development cards. These cards can provide a variety of benefits, and may be key in how you master Catan.
Wheat: Used for building settlements, cities, and for purchasing development cards. This is a very versatile resource.
Ore: Used for building cities and for purchasing development cards. Cities allow you to double your resource production.

Knowing what each resource does, and how it is used, can help you to better decide how you want to play the game, and what resources you may want to prioritize.

The Importance of Each Resource

Wood and Brick: Wood and Brick are key for your initial expansion, and for building those settlements and roads.
Sheep: Sheep is used for drawing development cards, and many of these can provide advantages, or even get you closer to winning.
Wheat: Wheat is very versatile, and can be used to build settlements, upgrade to cities, and acquire development cards.
Ore: Ore is key for city upgrades, but is also vital for purchasing many development cards. This resource is often very useful during the mid-to-late game.

Key Factors in Choosing Resource Combinations

What resources should you get early?

Wood and Brick: These should be your focus early in the game, as these are necessary to build settlements and roads, the first things that you need to do.
Some Wheat: It is also useful to have access to some wheat early in the game, as you’ll need it to build more settlements and buy development cards.
Other Resources: Sheep and Ore are useful to consider, but they are not as crucial during the very early game.

What resources should you get during the mid-game?

Start to prioritize Ore and Wheat Having a steady source of these will allow you to upgrade your settlements to cities, and buy development cards.
Consistent Source of All: You should also make sure that you have access to wood and brick as well, so you can continue expanding your empire.

What resources should you get for the late game?

All resources are crucial for victory You need to have a way to get all the resources as you need all of them to either build settlements, upgrade to cities, or buy development cards.
Sheep can become a premium As more and more players focus on upgrades and roads, sheep may become less common and more important as it is the resource that enables you to get access to development cards.

The Effect of Pip Count

Numbers are more important than resources High probability numbers will enable you to consistently get resources regardless of the resource that they provide, so these should be prioritized.
Balance high probability and useful resources Try and combine the two. Good numbers are more important than a specific resource, but good numbers with the correct resource will be the most useful.

The Best Starting Resource Combinations in Catan

Here are a few good options for starting resource combinations:

Balanced Approach (Wood, Brick, Wheat, Sheep)

What It Is: Having all of these resources available during your starting position.
Why It’s Good: This approach provides flexibility, allowing you to build, expand, and develop cards more easily.

Early Expansion Focus (Wood, Brick, Limited Wheat/Ore)

What It Is: Getting a lot of wood and brick at your starting spots
Why It’s Good: You can build more settlements and roads, and can try and get the longest road bonus before the other players. This is beneficial for using the Catan explorer strategy

Development Card Focus (Wheat, Sheep, Limited Ore)

What It Is: Having a good source of both sheep and wheat.
Why It’s Good: If you use the Catan developer strategy, drawing a large number of development cards early can be helpful in getting those extra victory points, or the largest army bonus.

City Focus (Ore, Wheat, limited Wood/Brick)

What It Is: Placing your starting settlements on a large number of ore and wheat tiles.
Why It’s Good: If you decide to use the Catan commander strategy and plan on quickly getting cities, this combination is for you.

When NOT to prioritize a balanced start

When to specialize Sometimes focusing on a specific set of resources may be beneficial if you plan to use that resource strategically.
When to be flexible Knowing what resources to trade at a premium allows you to focus on only getting the resources you need to be successful.

The Impact of Number Tokens on Resource Choice

Prioritize High Probability Numbers

6 and 8: Place your starting settlements near the numbers 6 and 8, as these are the most likely to be rolled and will guarantee you more resources.
Combine High and Frequent If you can't get 6 and 8, then choose to have a mix of 5's, 6's, 8's and 9's which are frequently rolled and will help your consistency.

Balance Number Probability with Resources

Choose Useful Resources: Don't focus entirely on 6 and 8, make sure that you are getting a good mix of resources for your expansion and growth plans.
Trade When Needed If you have the correct numbers, but the wrong resources, you may be able to trade with other players, to get the resources you need.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Catan Resources

Choosing the best Catan starting resource combinations can have a big impact on the game. Balanced combinations of wood, brick, wheat, and sheep are generally great for new players, but you should always consider your strategy, and what you want to achieve in the game, so that you can set your self up for the best chance to win. Remember to also prioritize high-probability numbers, which can also increase your chances of winning. Go out there and experiment with these different approaches and try to master Catan!