I ' ve peaked in PTR as Symmetra 3 <| sep |> Best thing I ' ve found to do is start out building a slinger , and then either another warrior if you need it or a scout . If you notice a close encampment right off the start then focus on it ! Using your gold to reinforce goes along way in the first 30 turns also . I find personally that i dont have any improvments or districts in the first 30 turns either I rush for a second settlement and usually the hordes don ' t pose a threat to razing a city that a slinger or archer can ' t defend against . Always keep your first military on the go after encampments before you feel you can take a breath . The 40 gp for clearing them goes along way too . I ' ve been playing Gorgo on my lastest campaign , and i found myself wishing for barbs to gain advantage of her ability . Playing as Rome and rushing to Legion can help greatly in the early game with all kinds of shenanigans . Taking advantage of Gilgamesh ' s ability to get tribe bonuses when clearing encampments . Any civ that has an ancient or classical era unit can help . Hope this helps !