Civilization 6 has been out for a while now, with the game earning plenty of fans. While the game seemingly throws out random maps at players, each configuration comes with a map seed, which can then be used to activate the same civilizations and their starting points. This makes a big difference as certain Wonders require the player to have cities on a specific type of tile. Likewise, placing certain Districts on tiles can benefit a civilization with added bonuses. With these factors in mind, what are some of the best starting positions in Civilization 6?
Some players might get lucky and find an easily defendable area or somewhere with an abundance of resources. Sometimes if a person is lucky enough, someone else will post a fantastic starting point with the map seed included.
Updated on June 29, 2023, by Joe Grantham: Nearly 7 years after its release, Civilization 6 is still receiving updates and love from its developers despite confirmation that the next installment in the series is in the works. As fans continue to enjoy the game which innately has fantastic replayability, the desire to try new maps and new starting locations within those maps increases. Playing with different map seeds in Civilisation 6 can present players with new challenges or create fun and unique experiences. Selecting where to play also avoids wasting time in the worst or most boring starting locations.
How To Enter A Map Seed
Setting up a game in Civ 6 and generating a map seed may seem daunting to a newcomer. However, the process is actually quite easy. Follow these simple steps to navigate to the proper screen:
- From the Main Menu, select Single Player
- Click "Create Game"
- Select "Advanced Setup"
- Scroll down to the bottom to find "Map Random Seed"
In the "Map Random Seed" field, enter the correct string of numbers to generate a specific map, such as the ones included in this list. Sometimes, players may also have to enter a "Game Random Seed" value as well. If applicable, enter that number too, and the map is ready to play!
12 Develop Safely In Japan, Map Seed: -1772721411
Using this map seed with a Random Leader selected will start the player off with an incredibly advantageous defensive position. Enter this seed with the following options to play this particular map:
- Map Type: Pangaea
- Map Size: Large
- Game Random Seed: -1772721410
With these selections, players will take the reins of the Japanese Empire. With dense rainforests to the north, mountains to the west, and the sea to the south, enemies will find it massively difficult to approach one's starting location. It's a strong early-game position with a lot of potential to grow in peace.
11 A Natural Wonder And Sea, Map Seed: -680694974
The Civ Fanatics Forum is a great place to discover interesting map seeds. One such user on the forum suggests this particular map seed, along with these additional parameters:
- 10 City-States
- Map Type: Continents
- Map Size: Standard
- World Age: New
- Rainfall: Wet
- Sea Level: Low
- Turn Limits: None
In addition, be sure to also enter the Game Random Seed as -680694975. The result is a pretty interesting setup whereby the player can make use of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Natural Wonder right off the bat, providing +1 Culture, +1 Science, and +2 Appeal to adjacent tiles. The sea lies to the west, which gives the player access to water and a nice defensive position to boot.
10 Resources And Sea, Map Seed: -1
This easily-inputted map seed comes from SmilingRhino on Reddit. Don't forget to apply these additional settings to get the exact setup:
- Map Type: Continents
- Map Size: Large
- Start Position: Legendary
- Game Random Seed: -1
Players won't be left wanting for resources on this map, as there are a plethora of useful goodies scattered close together. Initial access to the sea won't be a problem either. There's also a nearby Natural Wonder that can be claimed in the first few turns, granting bonuses to adjacent tiles.
9 An Isolated Strip Of Land, Map Seed: -832501228
This map seed is one of the more unique ones when it comes to Pangaea. A majority of the map is located together, but there is a strip of land to the left of the landmass. Any civilization that starts in this area will have a little bit of an advantage compared to the others.
The extra area also limits contact with one of the civilizations for a while until the player gains access to boats. If someone is placed on the island, they can build up their forces and not have to worry about competing with others for a while. Not focusing on a specific starting point, players can choose any settings they want for this seed.
8 Sea Surrounded By Mountains, Map Seed: 1467965906
Being surrounded by mountains gives players a huge advantage. Starting in this type of area makes it so enemies can only attack from one side. This is very beneficial if a player is going for a domination victory, as their capital can easily be defended. Selecting Huge Map, Legendary Starting Position, Standard Resources, and the Roman Civilization will give players this defense.
The only worry players will need to have is about rockets, planes, or nuclear weapons. Even then, enemy civilizations will have a tough time trying to take the capital. From having to push through any cities at the mouth of the mountains, they are sure to lose all their soldiers before they make it to the capital.
7 Volcanoes All Around, Map Seed: -685149902
This map seed will start players around three different volcanoes. While that itself is a cool start, there are also other benefits this map can give players. Nearby is Mt. Vesuvius and players will gain historic points for settling the continent first. This will help them gain a Golden Age quicker.
It might seem like a gamble to settle so near to so many volcanoes, but it adds to the excitement of the game. It could be like playing a very unique scenario not offered in Civilization 6. To start in this location, players need to select Continents and use a Standard Size Map. The civilization to choose is the Inca.
6 The Real Pangea, Map Seed: -1537239510
Players who want to play on the actual Pangaea map should enjoy this seed. There are still a few islands located on the map, but no civilization will start on them. There are also numerous mountain ranges, allowing players to establish a secure area that can be easy to defend.
On top of that, there are different types of environment tiles. This can let players build different Wonders that require a certain type of terrain. Players can select any map size and choose from the best Civilizations, but the continent type has to be Pangaea.
5 Small Island Surrounded By Two Big Islands, Map Seed: -1676784071
Players who enjoy playing on islands and Pangaea will enjoy this seed. It features two big islands, along with a smaller one right in the middle. Requiring boats to travel from different islands, some civilizations will be a little more advanced and, consequently, will present more interesting fights.
Two of the islands are big enough that it is possible to find a few civilizations and city-states. Anyone who settles on the middle island will be able to form a defensive area, making it a challenge to take over this section. Not focusing on a specific starting point, players can use any civilization or settings they want with this seed.
4 Coastal Cliffs, Tundra, And A Natural Wonder, Map Seed: 2133957090
This coastal seed is quite defensible and offers a lot of production, food, and culture tiles. There are coastal cliffs, meaning anyone invading from the sea will not be able to attack the city easily. There is also a Natural Wonder close by, Ejyafjallajökull, providing the city with +1 Culture, +2 Food, and +2 Appeal.
The tundra hills also boost the other tiles, adding a huge benefit. Players who use this seed will also have resources near them, giving them a benefit over the other civilizations. While playing as Russia, use these additional settings:
- Map Type: Continents
- Map Size: Standard
- Starting Location: Legendary
3 Build Chemamull With Nearby Natural Wonders, Map Seed: -644841591
The player who found this seed played as Mapuche, an area that allows the construction of many Chemamull. This provides an advantage, as the Chemamull gives players culture equal to 75% of a tile's appeal, making it perfect for going for a cultural victory.
Players are also able to find two Natural Wonders pretty quickly, which can be taken for themselves. Along the coast are many resources, supplying players with the food and production tiles they might need. The finder of this seed says the Map Type is Pangaea but did not offer any other settings.
2 Desert With Two Natural Wonders, Map Seed: -1456009306
A fan playing as Mali found this seed for their civilization. They started in the desert and had two Natural Wonders close by them. The Delicate Arch was to the south and Ejyafjallajökull was located to the east. Being set in the desert, there are also many chances for a player to build the Petra Wonder.
The player who found this seed also says most civilizations will be in the south, with the east being pretty empty. Playing as Mali is ideal, as the civilization gets bonuses when it comes to the desert. Using the Continents Map Type with every other setting as Standard will start players in this location.
1 The Perfect Start, Map Seed: 311793665
This seed, which was highlighted by strongindependentpc on Reddit, starts the player next to the Ejyafjallajökull Natural Wonder, which is obviously quite useful. There's also a diverse collection of terrain nearby, meaning players can build multiple types of Wonders.
On top of that, there are resources readily available to take, making this seed a solid option to start with. Selecting the China Civilization on a Standard Size Map with Small Continents will start players here. Using a Legendary Starting Location and Abundant Resources will make this start possible as well.
Civilization 6 is available for Mobile, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.