Socotra

Socotra is a hybrid map with significant water around a central landmass. Players must decide whether to commit to a fishing economy or focus on land control, and the answer changes every game based on starting position. Vikings, Japanese, Italians, and Malay are top picks because they punish indecision. Pure land civs without water bonuses struggle to keep up economically. Read your opponent's dock count carefully in the first 5 minutes.