Ceylon
Ceylon begins with players on small islands with few resources, while a richer central island provides the main expansion and staging area. The opening turns on when each side can cross and secure access to the center.
Map character
Scout the crossing and central island before moving workers or the army away from the starting shore. Gather enough local resources to stabilize, then prepare transport or naval cover for the move toward the center.
What to scout
Expand before the central island is occupied, but do not expose Settlers on the crossing without protection. The map rewards a timed shift from local gathering to contested central resources.
Stabilize before crossing to the center
The small starting islands offer limited resources, while the central island provides richer resources and staging ground. Scout the crossing and prepare naval or transport support before sending workers away from safety. Secure the center with an army that can hold it; reaching the island without a reinforcement route can leave the economy exposed.
Island starts make the central continent the prize
Each player begins on a small island with limited resources. A much larger central island holds richer resources and is the staging ground for later combat; Serow are found on the starting islands, while Wild Elephants are on the center. Native settlements and water Treasures are also concentrated around the central landmass. A navy is therefore useful for moving workers and troops and protecting the crossing, not just for fighting ships. Establish a safe landing before sending the whole economy across, and scout the center before choosing where to build.