[mac5732]

depends on you really, to learn the game mechanics you might try large map, midlife, medium ai players, 5000 racial points, no bonus for ai. but if you want to have challenge right off the bat, same except med or high aggressivness, low bonus, med to high ai or pick the ones you want. Make sure you upgrade to newest patch. 1.84 and after learnning system try the mods.

for beginners I'd stick with lower settings until you learn some of the mechanics,

have fun, enjoy, welcome to the forum

just some ideas mac