Which map should I choose (New Player)

[Chalax]

I am new to the game and I only have the global disasters DLC (forgot the name).
I am torn between World or some other. I started playing Real Locations according to history but I didnt really like the map.

Any suggestions?

[Oaks]

Imo random maps are the best. I really enjoy "continents," give it a go.

[Harris]

I mostly play "real" (TSL Earth) as I'm a history nerd and besides each civ's starting point is balanced for the specific civ to be able to make use of its abilities. Otherwise you are pretty much able to spawn as Russia in a land without tundra or England with no water to be found around.

[MikeNearLeigh]

Try one of the maps with islands. Large land masses with other competing AI civs can be tricky to manage at first. On maps with islands there's a good chance you'll have the opportunity to build without being badgered by the AI right from the start. Dealing with two or three (sometimes more) AI civs on your doorstep can be a nuisance, even if you know what you're doing.

If you like the challenge of dealing with the AI civs go for it but if you fancy learning how to build empires first, try a map with smaller land masses.

[Crim]

Fractal is generally the safest choice, it usually creates significant land masses

I recommend Shuffle
Shuffle is special because it gives you a chance at 3 possible maps, Fractal, Continents, and 'Continents and Island' (if I remember correctly), which are the 3 option closest to balanced

I say closest to balanced because something like Pangaea for example heavily punishes several naval civs, and heavily rewards some specific types of play

while something like Archipelago is in the opposite, heavily rewarding naval civs and punishing some specific types of play...

So, again
Shuffle is simple, but great

[brooklyncontrivance]

Originally posted by Chalax:

I am new to the game and I only have the global disasters DLC (forgot the name).
I am torn between World or some other. I started playing Real Locations according to history but I didnt really like the map.

Any suggestions?

Yes. Since you're new to the game, I suggest tailoring your map choice to what civ you're playing in any given game. For example, Indonesia, Mali, Carthage, Vikings? Go with archipelago or island plates to maximize their civ-specific bonuses. Russia? Consider Inland Sea for more tundra tiles than any other map. Scythia, Nubia, Mongolia? Pangaea, to assure you have nearby neighbors to conquer. Etc Etc.

And don't forget to look at the advanced set up options. New vs old planets, warm or cold climates, dry or wet, raised or lower sea levels.... for some civs, these can make a big difference.

Later on, when you've got a better handle on things, it can be fun and challenging to play on maps that don't give you a leg up, or start you off in difficult positions you have to overcome. But when just starting feel absolutely free to maximize your advantages.

[Remove Sniper from TF2]

Continents is the default map and is fine. Continents and islands is the same but with some more islands, and is my personal go-to choice.