Argh, newbie needs pointers

from Stardock Forums
Ok, I can beat this thing on beginner but as soon as I move the difficulty up to normal I get my clock cleaned. The AI is building unique galactic trade goods before I have my third planet colonized.

I suspect part of the problem is that I can't find more than basic documentation. For example, in spite of my best efforts, I cannot find an explanation for the "auto-survey" function of survey ships. How do I determine when/if to use this feature? How does the AI build things so quickly? I am guessing that I have overlooked the 'full' documentation somewhere and I am perfectly happy to read it, if only someone would put me out of my misery and point me towards it.

I have read the 'articles' in the galactic encyclopedia.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


~SDC~
280 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
You should not wary about fast AI, they have a natural technological advantage on the human player, so you just have to spend more money on reaserch for evening that one out.

Concerning the auto-survey:
if you activate it the survey ships will fligh to any "anormaly" in range. I usually use this feature after scouting all planets in the galaxy
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
The AI is building unique galactic trade goods before I have my third planet colonized
End of quote


The reason is because the AI will occasionally rush buy things (though I am not sure how often) and more likely the AI will set its production to all in one area, such as 100% military, social, or research. I am guessing by your account that you keep your sliders for production about equal. If you start out by setting more to mililtary, say above 60%, you get more planets quicker, then switch to a research/social base to get techs quick, and to get wonders quick. Just ask if you need anything clarified, or you need more help. You will find the community here willing to help all the time. :)
The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
I tend to start off with a military/research concentration and then switch to social/research, mainly because I like playing a research bunny :) But I also don't want to fall behind in the rush for Diplo Trans and the other early trade goods.

Trade goods are my key to making everyone in the galaxy lurve me :D I'll sell them for cash (mostly to the minors), or give them away to the majors to improve relationships.

You've really got to grab as many good planets as you can in the first rush - if you can do that, you'll be on a much stronger footing later on in the game. If you have a strong economy, the galaxy is your mollusc ;D
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
or give them away to the majors to improve relationships.
End of quote


I wouldn't recommend this because you can get techs from majors, and if your diplomacy is higher, and your abilites are higher, you get more. Besides, the majors are only good for cannon fodder. ;)
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
You should not wary about fast AI, they have a natural technological advantage on the human player, so you just have to spend more money on reaserch for evening that one out.
End of quote

Thats only true for genius and increadible intelligence!

I think he probably missed that he has to increase his spend-rating...
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
ARRRGH!!!

Want full documentation? See my empty thread asking for the same thing. LOL

Seriously though, has everyone forgotten about the unofficial guide? I know it's a bit outdated, but it'd be a good read for newbies. Gimme a minute to track down the link... :)
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
"The Unofficial Terran Strategy Guide" brought to you by Gibbie99 (a former pirate! :CONGRAT: ) and Ralegh:

WORD.DOC - http://www.orionsector.com/pages/galciv/downloads/The_Unofficial_GalCiv_Strategy_Guide_v1_0.doc

ACROBAT.PDF - http://www.orionsector.com/pages/galciv/downloads/The_Unofficial_GalCiv_Strategy_Guide_v1_0.pdf

This is really old stuff, but it helped me a lot when I was starting out. :)
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
I wouldn't recommend this because you can get techs from majors, and if your diplomacy is higher, and your abilites are higher, you get more.
End of quote


I always keep the good stuff to myself (and the minors, I like them) :) I do so love giving away useless tech - you know, the stuff that only gives you a galactic wonder or a trade good that I've already built ;D I never give away diplo trans though. Just aphrodisiacs, ultra spices and suchlike.

I find that giving away trade goods does help me stay out of trouble in the early game though. I use them instead of ships - as long as they all like me, they won't start threatening to go to war and I can dissuade them from attacking with my mighty fleet of constructors :D
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
(and the minors, I like them
End of quote


the minors will trade it eventually with the other majors ook ook

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top
I think there's a bit of confussion here.

Yes, Ook Ook, trade goods can only be traded by the civilization that built it.

Yes, Exar, regular technology will be traded by the minors to the majors.

...unless someone knows otherwise ;)
Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top
#4 by ABetterTomorrow - 2/14/2004 3:13:25 PM or give them away to the majors to improve relationships.I wouldn't recommend this because you can get techs from majors, and if your diplomacy is higher, and your abilites are higher, you get more. Besides, the majors are only good for cannon fodder.
End of quote



I have to disagree with you here ABT.. By improving relationships, you dont get picked on by the majors and trade increases significantly..

It's a strategy, certainly at higher levels that reaps dividends
Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top
All right, the majors are good early in the game for trade, but late game, they are cannon fodder. And the minors are same for early game, plus free cash. Then they can jump in front of the battleship for all the good it will do them. LOL
Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top
They can be good mid-game too, as long as they get a good start and I keep a big minor shored up with tech and ships. They can keep a major stupid enough to go to war with one of my minor friends tied up for years. I tend to do this if the minor is in a key strategic position (like on the other side, or preferably smack in the middle of someone else's empire).

I'd rather let the minors do the fighting than get a major to do it as I can be pretty certain those ships aren't going to be used against me (until I declare war on them).

I just love watching the Drengin declaring war on the I-League and then come crawling to me asking for help when they get slowly destroyed.

Everyone is cannon fodder in the late game! :D