More Random Start Locations?

[Mr. Habba]

Hey guys,

this might sound like a bit of an odd request, but I'm curious if there are any (map-gen) options or strategies to increase the chances of more central start locations. Right now, whenever I start a random map, I seem to be placed somewhere along its edges. Often times this means the city radius of my starting city would be limited by the map edge and even if not it makes for a somewhat boring game if I'm constantly restricted to three (sometimes even just two!) avenues of expansion.

I know I can start with a settler instead of a city, but it feels like spending the first few turns searching for a good location to place my first city puts me behind the AI/other players.

 

[Packallama]

You can by changing the starting distance to average or near instead of far in advanced map settings under game flow. You'll start closer to the center of the map with sites in all directions. It will create a much more aggressive game if that's what you're looking for. You can probably rush your opponent in 5 turns with near starting distance on a small map.

 

[Mr. Habba]

Thanks for the suggestion, this seems to have done the trick! It's still not perfect (on average distance, at least) but I greatly helps.