Bored of the standard starts and want to look for a more interesting start? Look no further.

I have compiled a list of coordinates in the game that have interesting resource placements for a more interesting map. You can click on the title to read a briefing on why this place is interesting in the game from my point of view. Or you can just copy the coordinates and figure it out yourself.

This is more for myself for when the game updates so that I don't lose the coordinates for those interesting starts.

Have a location which you think might be an interesting start? Post a comment with the X and Y Coordinates alongside the Zoom Percentages.

If I too find it an interesting start, I will update the guide and credit you.

The starts need not be beginner friendly, just something you might find interesting.

Named after Amyclae[en.wikipedia.org], this start has a bit of every resource node in the game.

Geographical Map

As you can see, this location has a small amount of every single node of resources in the map, so you can pursue any play style direction.


The Northwest has your Bronze Nodes and the Northeast has your Clay Nodes.


The Southwest has your Marble Nodes and the Southeast has your water for Fishes and Trade.

Political Map

The Amyclae start position replaces Gytheio, unfortunately. This means that the tactics and strategies you use for Gytheio will work for Amyclae to some degree.

If you can find a start with has all nodes while being able to retain both Sparta and Gytheio, please update me the coordinates and I will update the guide and credit you.

Recommended Ambitions
Historically, Amyclae was conquered by Spartan King Teleclus[en.wikipedia.org] before the First Messsenian War[en.wikipedia.org]. The interesting ambitions would then be to replace Sparta as the regional superpower.

- 3 Allies
- 2 Tributaries
- Enact Democracy (If you like Athenians)

Named after Aiani[en.wikipedia.org]. This position is an interesting start as the only city in the area with Marble Nodes located far away from the fertile region.

Geographical Map

Marble Nodes are located far south of the position. With additional Marble Nodes further South and North east if you wish to adjust the position. I didn't find anything interesting about the Northwest position other than trading Marble Nodes for more Grapes and Olives Nodes.
This was the first custom location I found which the river (Haliacmon River[en.wikipedia.org]) provides some geographic challenges to solve.

Political Map

The nearby cities around you do not sell Marble, which makes this start interesting as you are the only city with Marble. As for selling Marble, there's also only 1 city who will buy Marble from you.

For Bronze, the nearest city is Kalindonia to the east who will sell it to you.

Pottery is easily obtainable from Aigai.

Recommended Ambitions
For a fun challenge, I'd recommend a Marble-heavy challenge
- Build a Grand Stoa
- Build a Stadion
- Build a Theater

There wasn't a notable city in the area, so I named it after the island Lesbos[en.wikipedia.org] which the start is located at.

Geographical Map

Fields and Trees and one side of the map, Marble and Stone on the other side. This interesting start requires a bridge built as soon as possible.

Political Map

Compared to the Geographical Map, the Political Map is pretty tame. You can buy and sell almost every resources to the nearby cities. You play this start for the more for Geographical Challenge.

Recommended Ambitions
Be the greatest exporter of Wood and Stone. Export 75 Wood and Stone and build a Grand Port to establish your Influence as an Exporting Power. Try doing it without relying on imports from your neighbors.

- Export 75 Wood
- Export 75 Stone
- Build a Grand Port