How do you get a decent map?

[Noblemarques]

I'll start off saying i'm still in love with this game, but i am constantly frustrated when I try to create a map to play, so is there a trick to get a decent map to play? w/o having to sub to one, or using a YouTube map

[Tsubame ⭐]

Fiddle with the New Game's map and seed generators.

Make your own in the Map Editor.

Or a mixture of both.

You can also try the Sandbox mod to change things in an actively played map.

You could try mods that improve the New Game's map generator, there are a few different mods, such as this:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1959994153

[Metacritical]

what do you consider to be "decent"?

[Noblemarques]

Originally posted by Metacritical:

what do you consider to be "decent"?

For the most part, i'd like an area to start in. So far i have created 10 maps, an no decent starting location is all

[Vimpster]

I'm not sure what you are looking for. I find all maps are decent.

[BuckleUpBones]

There are some good maps in the workshop, use them.

Ultimately, editing is the only way. Also, there's no logic to the placement of industries, so relocating them is a must. Especially if you use an expanded industry mod and/or extra large maps. But you need abide to some personal rules, so as not to make it too easy.

[Dr.Acula]

Originally posted by Noblemarques:

Originally posted by Metacritical:

what do you consider to be "decent"?

For the most part, i'd like an area to start in. So far i have created 10 maps, an no decent starting location is all

What do you consider a "starting location"?

I usually create megalomaniac maps and I find businesses to start with every single time. But for me I don't really expand from a starting area. I build a a train line where I can transport at least 100 units of cargo back and forth reliably via trains. In terms of line length I try to get to this number with about 4-6 trains to make a decent profit.

If I can boost the cargo production to 200 units I will continue upgrading that line by adding more trains and reach the 200. Once that is done I look for more cargo options on the map without sticking to the area where I contructed my first train line though.

I build where I can get the money...

[numbat]

Originally posted by Noblemarques:

Originally posted by Metacritical:

what do you consider to be "decent"?

For the most part, i'd like an area to start in. So far i have created 10 maps, an no decent starting location is all

I found starting my first few maps the hardest part of all, mainly because I was looking at where to start my "main network". Now, I just find some places on the map where I can build a few profitable lines, and then let the money start rolling in. Once I have a bit of reserve, I then start creating my main network.

I find that many of my early lines are bulldozed and rebuilt around the time there are decent diesel locos available and my main hubs have been placed.

Cheers,
Chris.

[Jarlsh Rels]

I found using the "Linear" setting in modded generator with high mountains, some ocean, and no plains, with bit of everything else is good. Will form a flatter coastal area that is easy to start, and become more mountainous the farther inland. All the rivers are still at sea level of course.

Currently playing a somewhat modded 1900 start, huge map, hard mode. Truck start with lots of lines getting 6-8+ cities to grow. Then added train routes looking for gondola, tank, or stake car that can haul something both ways.

Some maps just won't have a gravy route so I re-roll until i see at least a workable oil/fuel, or ConMat to start with.

Think I only have couple hundred hours so still getting hang of it, LOL

[Zapp]

The game desperately need a way to create brand new generators. Not just tweaking the three existing ones, but map scripts that generate completely different terrains.