The AI won't build fleets, protect their planets

I've noticed after a few games that the AI doesn't seem to defend their planets. I thought this was because of the difficulty level. So I started a game on challenging. Still, in all of the AI planets I clicked on, their star ports are almost entirely empty except for a few non-combat ships.

Now I know they've got the money and resources to raise armed fleets. So how come they don't do it? I suppose that should be a good thing, because it makes it easier for me to conquer them But if you take the time and trouble to raise a large navy expecting exciting space battles, its a let down.

I do remember one game where at least a couple of the civs had some decent armed forces, and I actually had an interesting conflict with them. But that was just one occassion I can think of. The only other explanation I can think of is that I didn't click on the Force AI to use CPU button in the options screen. Isn't that supposed to make them smarter or something.

Anyone have any advice on this?
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Reply #1 Top
How far into the game are you playing? From the comment about max CPU option I take it you're playing DA (and yes, it should make them play better if you turn it on). Also, if you use Ctrl+N it may affect the AI's intelligence adversely.
Reply #2 Top
On difficulty level Challenging the AI intelligence is set to Bright so not all AI algorithms are in play. On difficulty level Tough the AI intelligence is set to Intelligent so all AI algorithms are in play and the AI receives no penalties or bonuses.
GalCiv II Wiki - Difficulty/Intelligence Level

As Kryo said a bug might be setting the AI intelligence lower. This is fixed in 1.6b2.

In the early game, the AI will have colony ships in orbit to block rush invasion (they will block transports so you you need combat ships to remove them) or it might be waiting for an extreme colonizing tech before they can colonize some planet. In my last game, DL 1.2, the AI had lots of armed planetary defenders in orbit. My fleets were able to take them out one at a time. Instead it should have fleeted them and paroled the space near its planets. I'm playing my first DA game (1.6b2) so I'll see if this is improved.

If you want a challenge, try playing on Masochistic or above!