The Red Cathedral

The Red Cathedral sat on my shelf for a long time and, honestly, I did both myself and the box a disservice. It is one of those rare gateway games that comes to the table effortlessly, stays pleasant from start to finish, and still asks you to pay attention to what you are doing. For me, it is a top recommendation for anyone wanting a medium euro without unnecessary weight.

Its core is a very cleverly tweaked rondel tied to set collection. Your choices are clear and approachable, but they are not automatic: you need to consider your timing and build toward what you need. That lets the game stay relaxed in feel without turning into autopilot.

Interaction arrives quietly, but it can sting. There are a few tougher plays, especially when someone gets to reserve roofs, so I am not simply playing alongside everyone else. It never becomes nasty or chaotic, but it does make me watch the shared board and not take anything for granted.

On its own, I recommend the base game without a second thought. It played flawlessly at every player count I tried, it is always breezy and accessible, and it has enough thought behind it that it does not feel like a mere “Catan substitute.” If you are looking for a game that can bring lighter players to the table without boring the more experienced ones, this is it.

Updated session

I eventually brought Contractors to the table as well. My initial reservation proved correct regarding the added weight: with a new map, extra actions, and a faction system that reminded me a little of Lorenzo, it effectively adds another half-game to the formula. It reminded me of the first Isle of Skye expansion: it is a good and clever addition, but it weighs down a game whose base box shines precisely because it is so elegant and approachable.

For us more hardened euro players, that was not a problem at all; on the contrary, the new mechanisms and greater replayability made it a very good experience. But if your group keeps it as the easy game to bring out instead of Catan, I would initially keep it unexpanded: the expansion may feel heavy for lighter players. I have not changed my mind about how good the base game is—I simply now see Contractors as a fine upgrade for the right group, rather than an essential addition.