How to Add the New Encounters Expansion to CATAN Starfarers

By Asmodee – Asmodee USA | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Add the New Encounters expansion to your CATAN Starfarers game in six clear steps. Learn how to integrate the three missions and new alien encounters without breaking the core rules.

Quick Answer

Add the New Encounters expansion to CATAN Starfarers by replacing the standard encounter cards with the mission-specific deck, then following the three campaign missions: stop the pirate Hog-Kahm, save your sector from space amoebas, and study ancient alien technology.

What the New Encounters Expansion Changes

The New Encounters expansion replaces the random alien encounters of the base game with a structured campaign. Instead of drawing a card and hoping for a good trade, you now work through three sequential missions that each have a clear goal and reward. This gives the game a narrative arc without adding extra rules overhead.

The expansion works with any number of players from 3 to 4, and it does not change the core resource gathering, building, or victory point system. It simply gives you a reason to explore and befriend aliens beyond just collecting bonuses.

How to Integrate the New Encounters Expansion

1. Set up the base game normally: Place the main board, distribute starting colonies and ships, and shuffle the resource cards as usual. The expansion does not change the initial setup. Checkpoint: Make sure every player has their starting hand of resources before adding the encounter deck.
2. Remove the standard encounter cards: Take out the regular alien encounter cards from the base game. You will not use them while playing the New Encounters campaign. Store them separately. Common mistake: Leaving the old cards in the deck will confuse the mission objectives. Remove them completely.
3. Shuffle and place the New Encounters mission deck: Open the New Encounters card pack and shuffle the mission cards. Place them face down near the board. The top card shows the first mission: stopping the pirate Hog-Kahm. Checkpoint: The deck should contain exactly the cards for the three missions. Count them if you are unsure.
4. Read the first mission aloud: Each mission has a setup instruction and a victory condition. For the first mission, you need to track how many pirate ships Hog-Kahm controls. The mission ends when all players collectively defeat him. Common mistake: Do not skip reading the mission text. Each mission has unique rules about how to interact with the alien civilizations.
5. Play the game with the mission objectives: During your turn, when you would normally draw an encounter card, instead draw from the mission deck and follow its instructions. The missions often require you to trade with specific aliens or collect special tokens. Checkpoint: The mission deck replaces the encounter deck entirely. Do not draw from both.
6. Advance to the next mission when the current one is complete: Once the mission's victory condition is met (for example, Hog-Kahm is defeated), reveal the next mission card. The game continues until all three missions are completed or a player reaches the victory point threshold. Common mistake: Some missions have a timer or a limited number of rounds. Pay attention to the mission card for any time limits.

Product Facts

CATAN - Starfarers - New Encounters: After befriending the many alien civilizations across the galaxy, you must prove you are worthy enough to be a member of the Galactic Council by completing three missions: stop the pirate Hog-Kahm, save your sector from giant ship-eating space amoebas, and find a lost group of ancient people. This means the expansion gives you a clear campaign goal instead of random encounters, so every alien interaction moves you toward a specific victory condition.
CATAN - Starfarers - New Encounters