The best way to cut time/clicks that I've found is to fleet the constructors or at least have a pile of them in the parsec next to the starbase and send one to upgrade the starbase. At least then you stay in the upgrade window to knock out a pile of upgrades w/o re-entering the window each time.

Is there an option/feature that automates this task?

Hehehehehe *breathing* Hehehehehe

About waypoints...if that's what you want to know...

There's a little blue button on the top edge of the lower UI bar at the far left-hand side. Use it to create a waypoint. You can select a few different types of waypoints (like auto-fleet on arrival) and name them whatever you want.

When a new constructor/whatever is built and you launch from orbit, press 'T' and you get a popup to select which waypoint you want to send the ship to (there's an icon for this on the lower UI bar too, near the ship image, when a ship is selected). This method is good if you wanna use waypoints but want some manual control.

Or.

You can press the little yellow (if no waypoint in use, otherwise it's blue) icon near the planet image on the main lower bar to set a waypoint for a particular planet - so any ships built by the planet will auto launch and head for the waypoint. Ex, I usually set up a few worlds to build transports nonstop - and set them to a "transports" waypoint that's configured to auto-fleet. I do similary if I'm in a mass constructor/starbase phase, or on a larger map and building warships light years from the front, or whatever.

The great thing is that if a waypoint is moved (click the tile with the waypoint, select 'move' from the left hand side of the lower UI bar) all ships going to that waypoint will alter course to where you move it automatically. So, say you have a series of starbases to develop - make one waypoint at the one you wanna do first, and after it's upgraded enough just move the waypoint to the next, all constructors formerly enroute to the first starbase will head for new loc.

I tend to do my trade routes from one planet (my cap) to one planet (fattest AI planet that's furthest away and a likely late/last conquest victim). I use a waypoint to send my freighters too. Much easier.

You can also use the governors to alter waypoint actions. Say you have multiple constructor waypoints and decide you wanna merge two "routes" - use the governor (F6, governors).

It's not full automation, but waypoints help reduce a lot of tedium, even with starbase building/upgrading.

I *think* there's a video tutorial for waypoints in the tutorials if you have them installed. Maybe I'm imagining things though.

You know, if they're going to stick with the constructor spam, they could at least add some features to help out. Here are my suggestions:

- Allow the creation of starbase module build queues in the preferences (one per "type" of starbase)

- Add an option for automatic upgrade: on (all modules), on ("free" modules only), off (always ask for permission).

In theory, this should allow constructors reaching a starbase to complete it as you have specified without interrupting you while you're doing more important things.

Edit: Perhaps it could warn you when the starbase is complete. Maybe it should also have the first contructor to reach a waypoint ask the player what type of starbase to build and make it automatically.

You and also press T to open the *Rally* Point window for a selected planet or ship.

I'll be surprised if 2.0 doesn't have at least a little something to help with this category of complaints. But I'm not holding my breath for true waypoints (the ability to set a non-linear or looping course for a ship or fleet).