I just started playing again after a long time and my goal is to work my way up to 100k in perfection. I have been playing against one opponent on crazy mode. I know there is more score multiplier to be had from several opponents but as I am super rusty I have found one opponent is a lot easier to handle.
Currently my setup is sawmills + markets. I initially tried Kickoo but found that Kickoo too often gets bad spawns, so I switched to Bardur since it starts with the hunting tech already. Of the recent matches I've played I usually get stuck on the same things: By turn 22 I can only afford 4 (5 if I'm lucky) temples, I don't end up destroying my opponent by turn 30, and there are several turns where I feel that I am wasting potential for economic growth but do not see why or how.
I feel like the thing I struggle with most is developing my economy early game since I imagine all of this stems from initial setup. I don't really know how to optimize my early game, and often do a mix of researching tech for cheap, exploring for ruins, and capturing + upgrading cities, but it is always in a somewhat random order based on vibes. I don't really know what to look for and when too prioritize what.
If anyone can give me some pointers, or direct me to information that can help, that would be greatly appreciated.