Maps in Conquerors Edition

The new map types and how to play them

  
Mongolia - This map is certainly one of the favorites. It has the same resource pattern as Arabia (8 sheep, 2 boars, 1 berry patch, and some deer), but the ground has an entirely different layout with chokepoints and numerous walling options. Feudal rushes are 100% viable on this map, but you had better scout well because there are plenty of ways to defend with walls.

How to play this map: you can use whatever technique you would like and that is what makes this map such fun to play.
Oasis - If you were the type of person who played Mediterranean and ignored the fact that there was water in the middle then you will have no problem with Oasis. The combat basically falls like a Mediterranean game where you focus on the land and leave the seas alone.

How to play this map: scout the corners, as bonus sheep are located there. Focus on setting up the front line as close to the opponents base as possible. Don’t be surprised to have long drawn out battles and having more land in your possession translates to more resources in the long run. Since the battle lines are drawn early, aggression is a good idea. However, Feudal rushes are risky as it is very hard to surround the enemy on this map. Sneak attacks should be fairly defendable because the enemy can only come at you from one of 2 directions and doesn’t have the option to use a transport. Consider chopping some of the center forest and fishing the oasis for an extra food supply that may be safe from the battle (especially if you wall up the hole in the forest you made)
Ghost Lake - Similar to Oasis, this map forces you to consider land control, however there is a marked difference in that you are vulnerable from all quarters. Early forward building is not necessarily confined to one of 2 sides, it can now come from any point of contact with the central frozen lake.

How to play this map: Again attempt to set up the front lines near the enemy OR consider a sneak attack from the across the lake. Cavalry are powerful with their ability to quickly cross the lake undetected and raid the enemy. A recommended tactic is to place houses around the lake’s shoreline to keep an eye out for enemy villagers. Walls are only marginally successful since they cannot be built on the ice. Use them sparingly. Keep an eye out for a few bonus sheep in the center of the map - you may just get lucky!
Salt Marsh - This map is very similar to the Rivers map of AoK. The waterways tend to twist and turn a little bit more, but for the most part the map plays much like a river map.

How to play this map: Scouting is of paramount importance. Fishing may or may not be available, but when it is often it is only a very specific region. So scout out before you place a dock down. This delayed docking time and the extensive water network that is often available makes an early galley strike deadly when appropriate. Don’t count on the river to offer choke points as there are often numerous points of entry of various widths. You will often find yourself cramped for building room when you get to the Imperial Age so plan accordingly. Once again this is a map where you cannot be relaxed about your scouting.
Scandinavia - With an extra boar, better herds of deer and lack of berries, hunting is a skill you want on this map. It isn’t easy though since wildlife is nearly impossible to find on the minimaps on these snowy maps. Fishing is a good idea since the water is almost always on one of the borders of the map (east/west or north/south) and contains plenty of deep sea fishing. Its location on the map periphery makes it nearly immune to an early galley strike providing you with a nice stable food income either while you are attacking or being attacked.

How to play this map: This map is very tricky with it’s lack of berries. Like all the fast maps, don’t wait at home because people are going to be able to pull some blazing age times and hit you hard if you haven’t set up your defense (don’t forget that a good offense is a good defense). The ability to “safely” fish will help a little bit, but work on controlling chokepoints with towers and troops. Your opponent will be limited in where he or she can build because of the ice fields, so push him back when defending and close him or her into a corner. The ice fields and water on the side often forces the players to start very close to each other so keep an eye out for your sheep before they are stolen! All in all, I am guessing that you will hear a lot about this map as time goes on because it is quite different from the other maps.
Yucatan - This map is simply bursting with free food; two berry patches, 3 boars, 12 turkeys, and a large deer herd. There are going to be some absolutely amazing age times on this map - watch out! Although the water often provides some sort of barrier, don’t count on it to stop them. Options for walling are minimal.

How to play this map: Get to where you want to be faster than your opponent. Whatever rush you have in mind, make sure you do it and do it FAST! Keep a good eye on the stone - there is plenty of it, but sometimes you need to find it. A fast early game might run something like: 1. use strictly turkeys, deer, and boars to get you to the Feudal and maybe even castle age. 2. Go light on wood since you won’t need the farms 3. Save the berries for low maintenance food while you attack. Although completely walling yourself in is often impossible, it is wise to wall off a few points to limit the points of entry for your opponent.