> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/openfrontio/OpenFrontIO/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Maps & Map Types

> Explore the diverse maps available in OpenFront, from realistic continental maps to fantasy and arcade battlefields

OpenFront features a wide variety of maps ranging from real-world geography to fictional battlegrounds. Each map offers unique strategic challenges based on terrain, size, and layout.

## Map Categories

Maps are organized into four main categories:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Continental" icon="earth-americas">
    Large-scale maps based on real-world continents and the entire globe.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regional" icon="map-location-dot">
    Focused maps depicting specific countries, regions, or strategic locations.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fantasy" icon="dragon">
    Fictional maps including other planets, imaginary landmasses, and creative designs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Arcade" icon="gamepad">
    Simplified, geometric maps designed for fast-paced competitive play.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Continental Maps

Large-scale maps perfect for epic, long-duration games:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Global">
    ### World Maps

    * **World**: Standard global map with all continents
    * **Giant World Map**: Expanded version with more detail and tiles

    These maps support the most players and offer diverse strategic options across multiple continents.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="North America">
    ### North America

    Features the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America. Great for medium-to-large player counts with varied terrain.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="South America">
    ### South America

    The Amazon basin, Andes mountains, and coastal regions create interesting chokepoints and expansion routes.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Europe">
    ### European Maps

    * **Europe**: Modern European geography
    * **Europe Classic**: Traditional Europe map layout

    Dense terrain with many nations and strategic waterways.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Other Continents">
    ### Asia, Africa, Oceania

    * **Asia**: Largest continental map by area
    * **Africa**: Continental map featuring diverse terrain and regions
    * **Oceania**: Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific islands
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Regional Maps

Focused maps highlighting specific geographic areas:

### British Isles & North Atlantic

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Britannia & Britannia Classic">
    Detailed maps of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Close-quarters gameplay with limited expansion room.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Iceland">
    Volcanic island nation with unique geography and strategic maritime position.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Faroe Islands">
    Small archipelago offering intimate multiplayer battles.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Gateway to the Atlantic">
    Covers the western approaches to Europe, including Ireland and surrounding waters.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Mediterranean & Middle East

* **Black Sea**: Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, and surrounding Black Sea nations
* **Mena**: Middle East and North Africa region
* **Between Two Seas**: Strategic crossroads region
* **Strait of Gibraltar**: Narrow chokepoint between Europe and Africa
* **Italia**: Italian peninsula in detail
* **Halkidiki**: Greek peninsula
* **Lemnos**: Greek island
* **Bosphorus Straits**: Strategic waterway connecting Black Sea to Mediterranean
* **Strait of Hormuz**: Critical Middle Eastern shipping lane
* **Nile Delta**: Egyptian heartland

### Asia-Pacific

* **East Asia**: China, Korea, Japan, and surrounding regions
* **Japan**: Japanese archipelago
* **Australia**: The Australian continent
* **Baikal**: Lake Baikal region in Siberia
* **Yenisei**: Siberian river valley
* **Hawaii**: Pacific island chain

### Americas

* **Montreal**: Canadian city and surroundings
* **New York City**: Urban battlefield in the NYC metro area
* **Gulf of St. Lawrence**: Eastern Canada waterways
* **Lisbon**: Portuguese capital region
* **Manicouagan**: Quebec reservoir region
* **Amazon River**: South American river system
* **Bering Strait**: Crossroads between North America and Asia
* **Falkland Islands**: South Atlantic archipelago

### Other Regions

* **Alps**: European mountain range
* **Two Lakes**: Strategic dual-lake configuration

## Fantasy Maps

Imaginative maps that break from real-world geography:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Extraterrestrial" icon="rocket">
    **Mars**: The red planet reimagined for conquest

    **Pluto**: Distant ice world with unique terrain
  </Card>

  <Card title="Alternate Earth" icon="globe">
    **Pangaea**: Supercontinent configuration

    **Deglaciated Antarctica**: Ice-free Antarctic continent
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fictional Worlds" icon="wand-sparkles">
    **Achiran**: Custom fantasy map

    **Svalmel**: Imaginary landmass

    **Four Islands**: Balanced island configuration

    **Traders Dream**: Optimized for trade routes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Special Scenarios" icon="radiation">
    **Baikal Nuke Wars**: Nuclear warfare scenario

    **Passage**: Unique corridor-style map

    **Surrounded**: Defensive challenge map
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Arcade Maps

Simplified geometric maps for competitive play:

* **The Box**: Rectangular confined battlefield
* **Didier**: Geometric design for balanced starts
* **Didier France**: French-themed geometric variant
* **Sierpinski**: Based on the Sierpinski fractal pattern

<Note>
  Arcade maps prioritize game balance and speed over geographic realism. Perfect for quick matches and skill-based gameplay.
</Note>

## Map Sizes

Maps are available in different size variants:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Normal">
    Standard map size with full detail and typical game duration.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Compact">
    Reduced map size for faster games and higher player density. Same geography, fewer tiles.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  Compact mode reduces game time by 30-50% while maintaining the same strategic layout. Great for shorter play sessions.
</Tip>

## Map Selection Strategy

Choosing the right map depends on several factors:

### Player Count

* **2-4 players**: Regional maps, arcade maps, smaller fantasy maps
* **5-10 players**: Medium continental maps, larger regional maps
* **10+ players**: World maps, large continental maps

### Game Duration

* **Quick (\< 30 min)**: Arcade maps in compact mode
* **Medium (30-60 min)**: Regional maps, compact continental
* **Long (60+ min)**: Full-size continental maps

### Playstyle

* **Aggressive/Combat-focused**: Smaller maps with limited expansion room
* **Economic/Builder**: Large maps with room for peaceful growth
* **Naval warfare**: Maps with significant water (Oceania, Iceland, Hawaii)
* **Land warfare**: Minimal water maps (Pangaea, continental interiors)

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Beginner-Friendly" icon="graduation-cap">
    Start with medium regional maps like Britannia or smaller continental maps like North America.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Advanced Play" icon="chess">
    Try complex maps with varied terrain like World or strategic chokepoint maps like Strait of Gibraltar.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Random Spawn vs Fixed Spawn

Some game modes allow random spawn locations:

* **Fixed Spawn**: Players start in designated positions
* **Random Spawn**: Spawn locations randomized across the map
* **Team Spawn Areas**: Teams spawn in designated regions

Random spawn increases unpredictability and reduces spawn camping strategies.