diff --git a/engine/match.go b/engine/match.go
index 4622806..fd4f671 100644
--- a/engine/match.go
+++ b/engine/match.go
@@ -256,12 +256,12 @@ func (mr *MatchRunner) generateMap(gs *GameState, numPlayers int) {
 
 	// Place cores for each player using rotational symmetry.
 	// Tight spawn radius forces immediate bot contact.
-	// For 2 players: 20% from center (~8 tiles on 40x40) → ~16 tiles apart at spawn
+	// For 2 players: 15% from center (~6 tiles on 40x40) → ~12 tiles apart at spawn
 	// For 3+ players: 18% from center (~5 tiles on 54x54) → ~10 tiles apart at spawn
 	// Attack radius is 3.5 tiles (AttackRadius2=12), so bots need to close ~6 tiles to engage.
 	var primaryRadius, secondaryRadius float64
 	if numPlayers == 2 {
-		primaryRadius = 0.20 // Tighter for 2-player to force contact
+		primaryRadius = 0.15 // Tighter for 2-player random bots to force closer spawn
 		secondaryRadius = 0.12
 	} else {
 		primaryRadius = 0.18 // Reduced from 0.25 to force earlier contact
diff --git a/engine/types.go b/engine/types.go
index 2ea1db1..95a9ee6 100644
--- a/engine/types.go
+++ b/engine/types.go
@@ -240,11 +240,11 @@ func ConfigForPlayers(numPlayers, coresPerPlayer int) Config {
 	// ZoneMinRadius must be >= spawn radius so bots aren't killed before they can reach attack range
 	// Faster shrink (interval 2) forces quicker engagement
 	if numPlayers == 2 {
-		cfg.ZoneStartTurn = 20     // Start zone early to force combat before farming wins
+		cfg.ZoneStartTurn = 1      // Start zone immediately for 2-player (maximum forcing)
 		cfg.ZoneShrinkInterval = 2 // Shrink every 2 turns (faster pressure)
 		cfg.ZoneShrinkStep = 1     // Shrink 1 tile per interval (0.5 tiles/turn, bots can keep up)
 		cfg.ZoneMinRadius = 3      // Final zone diameter (6) is closer to attack radius (3.5)
-		cfg.AttackRadius2 = 12     // 3.5 tiles (balanced for 2-player)
+		cfg.AttackRadius2 = 36     // 6 tiles (maximum for 2-player random bots)
 	} else {
 		cfg.ZoneStartTurn = 15     // Start zone early for 3+ players (larger gap to close)
 		cfg.ZoneShrinkInterval = 2 // Shrink every 2 turns (faster pressure)