Opening with Raging barbarian.

[gavenkoa]

After trying Always War or Barbarian Challenge I like military pressure but want to play "normal" game.

Raging Barbarian option gives some drive to the game. Otherwise I don't build even Warriors and my Settlers travel without guards early in the game ))

What should I do to respond to Barb threat?

* Go for Archery? I don't like wasting time on this early.
* Spawn 3-4 Warriors for fog busting and keep reserve to replace dead ones?
* Gamble with Bronze / Metal / Horses (avoiding Archery)?
* Settle on hills?
* Actively use map blockers (water / mountains / AIs)?
* Go for Great Wall?

Of cause any can say it is situational. But please give me options to choose from! For example early I thought Archery is must have. Now I hardly ever consider it as an option. Because I know others ))

 

[gavenkoa]

I am interested in IMM difficulty. And curious how it looks on Deity.

 

[Tobiyogi]

Imo, setting Raging Barbs and then secretly building TGW is a major cheat. At the sight of any barb, AI always withdraws its settlers even if they are well escorted. So that setting slows them down tremendously. If YOU survive, the game will be easier. Archery is a must, unless you perform a very complete fog-busting.