Difficulty + Map = "True" difficulty

[Bleys]

An observation from a relative n00b.

Map selection plays a huge role in difficulty, almost more-so than the difficulty level itself. For example, Pangaea on Emperor is far easier for me than Continents on Prince.

I do have a "new" custom map I have been playing though, which seems a reasonable compromise of both of these popular maps.

Custom_Continents, 2, and add a civ to the "standard", for a total of 8 civs (7 AI and player). The computer almost always splits them 4-4, with some 5-3 (I have yet to see a 6-2 split). This gives you a little of both. Your own continent to play "Pangaea style" with all the strats that go along with that map (rushing, REXing to cut off opponents land, etc), and another continent to "travel and conquer" eventually when you get Galleons/Transports.

 

[Rusten]

I find Pangea to be harder than the sea-based maps, as the AI sucks at naval and cross-continental warfare. Once you claim your land/continent you usually won't have any trouble defending it or even getting attacked at all by rival nations from far away (most wars turn out as phony). If you go out of your way to destroy an enemy on Pangea and suffer in tech you will have many more threats left as neighbours. At least that's how things have been in my experience.

 

[CivMcNut]

I agree that maps can add a great degree of difficulty. I find the Terra Maps to be a real challenge. They're like a cramped Pangea map where everyone is breathing down your neck. Winning by domination is real tricky cause you need to settle the other continent as well as take out the nearby neighbors. I agree with Rusten in that Continents can be easier as the AIs can be tough if there's a bunch of em on your continent. It's not nearly as common that you have a huge group of troops drop in from overseas as it is having them march overland.

 

[The Rook]

An observation from a relative n00b.

Map selection plays a huge role in difficulty, almost more-so than the difficulty level itself. For example, Pangaea on Emperor is far easier for me than Continents on Prince.

Yes, map selection AND speed can have a huge influence. Inca+Duel+Marathon+Pangea is such an easy combination that even the worst noob could conquer Deity, if you would call that conquering Deity.

IMO, the quality of the start plays an enormous role in affecting the difficulty too. I don't particularly mean the merits of the BFC, but rather the terrain configuration outside the BFC, the proximity to rival AIs, and the AIs randomly generated. Sadly the map generator seems to produce lop sided fortune for each competitor. The very best start on Immortal would probably be a similar level to the very worst start on Monarch, assuming the map settings are the same. Unfortunately there is no way to configure this aspect of the game.

 

[alex sword]

True strateg should be able to play on random maps. Play "Fractal". Many of famous tricks like Quecha rush won't work. In real life civilization had no idea what the world is before Copernicus.

 

[CivSetä]

Sadly the map generator seems to produce lop sided fortune for each competitor. The very best start on Immortal would probably be a similar level to the very worst start on Monarch, assuming the map settings are the same. Unfortunately there is no way to configure this aspect of the game.

I agree 100%. Perfect start with 3+ happy resources in a easily defendable peninsula with lot of land to claim after founding 2-3 blocking cities towards AIs usually means game already won.

Also other AIs can make a difference, if other continent is full of warmongers you will have much easier time compared to a lovefest of a religious block of Mansa, Hyuana and Zara.

 

[obsolete]

For example, Pangaea on Emperor is far easier for me than Continents on Prince.

A few reasons for that, which you are probably aware of. Rolling vassal exploits don't work on Continents like they do on Pangaea. Also, with the new culture running changes, Civs on other continents run away very easy, and you simply can't do anything without using your brain, and even then you'll often have a hard time, while on Pangaea all you need is to razz one nearby city and you're laughing. Actually, trying to invade the AI on another continent is VERY TUFF to do. And this is one of the most critical differences between an easy Pangaea and Continents.

And of course, getting domination/conquest vic on Continents takes much longer to do than the other.

However, I have to admit, that picking a war-leader like Romans, and having everyone all on one continent does make for a very quick and fun slash & burn game. But these set-ups are very autonomous and don't give much for creative or out-of-the-box type strategies.

And as Rook said, Turn speed has a tremendous impact as well.

 

[InvisibleStalke]

My experience is

Easy maps:
- Archipelago (AI doesn't play this well)
- Pangaea (Easy military victory)

Medium maps:
- Continents/Hemispheres (fewer trading partners, possible trading blocks on other continent)
- Great plains (not sure why - but I found this wasn't too hard)

Hard maps:
- Lakes - borders in all directions
- Hills/Mountains map (can't remember the name of this but very challenging with enemies all around and many more hill and mountain tiles).

 

[madscientist]

Some comments about intercontinental warfare. How to succeed

1) Establish control over your own first. Via military or diplomacy. If there are unvassaled AIs on your continent, better make sure there are permanant "friendly modifiers" Like same religion for the zealots, or maintaining a favored civic all game.

2) Maintain a tech edge, particularly military.

3) Encourage "Dissent" amongst the other continents members. If they are all friends, they are a har dnut to crack but usually this is not the case.

4) You first naval assault should be against the weakest AI, and claim enough land to avoid culture problems.

5) Prioritize Flight for airports.

6) Once you have a foothold proceed as you usually would on land.

7) Bring carriers with planes. Great for bombarding or protecting your Armada.

8) DO NOT LAND the assault force if you do not have to. Take advantage of Marines, they work. If American utilize the UU here. Also destroyers and battleships bring down defenses VERY fast.. Speed is the thing here.

9) Stronge AI coastal cities may be razed. I have played games where I razed the AI coastal cities of a very powerful leader to essentially landlock them.

10) Always be prepared for teh AI sneaky maval assault.

Often I find continents easier since I have to worry about defense less, and it's easier to subdue the few AIs on my home turf.