Template Balance

I've played balanced maps on M-size quite a few times, and they are quite playable. The template structure is slightly different – the strength of the guards between zones has been reduced, and some villages have been removed from certain zones (see the diagram).

I believe that on M-size maps, there is a very high probability of a quick restart due to an early encounter (before turn 116). And it's no secret that the smaller the map, the more influence the initial distribution of resources has.

There will be no restart on a balanced M-size map in 95% of cases. There won't be enough offensive power to reach the enemy, unless they place a couple of cons near their castle.