Catan: Cities & Knights is a richly immersive expansion for the classic game of Catan, introducing new layers of strategy and depth. In this expansion, players must defend their cities against the looming threat of barbarians while also striving to develop their civilizations. The game introduces new elements like commodities, which allow for the upgrading of cities into metropolises, and knights, which players can deploy to protect Catan from barbarian invasions. Unlike the base game, where the focus is on expansion and resource management, Cities & Knights emphasizes city development, defense, and interaction between players. The expansion also brings more complex trading dynamics, as players must balance the need for resources with the defense of their cities. Cities & Knights transforms the Catan experience, making it a favorite among players who enjoy deeper strategic challenges.