Just started playing last week : Am I doing this right?

No expansions owned (yet)

from GalCiv2 Forums
I've been reading the forums with much relish and the information I have obtained are priceless. I am currently playing Terran, using both advanced algorithm and Tough mode. Large galaxy and about 5 opponents. The first few tries were embarassingly short to say the least. On my latest game, I have concentrated on diplomacy and trade. What I can't research I buy from other races or trade them. I instigated war between other races. I fawned at the feet of mightier races to prevent them from attacking me. It's the mid game (or at least I think it is). My rank is the lowest of all the races as of this moment. All my stats are pathetically low. But I've successfully brought down 1 high ranking major race by instigating war. All in all, I'm not sure whether I'm doing this right or is it that I survived merely on fluke. Should I pay attention to the graphs and stats in the middle of the screen or am I doing it right so far? All my graphs sucks big time but what little military might I have is sufficient to repel my immediate neighbour's superior force. I'm like the underdog that's trying to increase my capacity but don't know how to do so.
strategies
2,783 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Not all graphs are important in the beginning of the game. But you have to make sure that you have a relative big population and economy. Those two are the most important in the beginning of the game. Also, do not get behind too far on research. When trading with other races ensure that you have a relatively high diplomacy rating since this will get you more bang for the bc. Your military rating, on the other hand, is not that important in the beginning.
But after a while you should start considering buidling up your military and make sure your ship design matches that of your worst (potential) enemies.
Most importantly is that you should have fun and if you can't beat the ai on tough, first start playing on a lower level and get comfortable with the game. In addition, you should really check out the galciv2 wiki.

Have fun!
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If you're having fun - you're doing it right, even though you're unlikely to win against tough AI as a novice player. If it starts getting frustrating, play a few games at normal difficulty on medium maps to get a feel for the game. If that's too easy, start advancing the difficulty and move to larger maps.

The forums and wiki discuss 3 quite different games. The original DL (Dread Lords), the first expansion DA (Dark Avatar) and the latest expansion TA (Twilight of the Arnor). Make sure the advice you're reading applies to the version of the game you're playing because they require different strategy, especially in the early "colony rush" phase.
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
if you can't beat the ai on tough, first start playing on a lower level and get comfortable with the game.
End of quote


Good advice. I started on cakewalk and played through every difficulty level with one 'good', 'neutral' and 'evil' race. It gave me an awesome feel for the game. I have one more game on tough with a neutral race and then its on to painful.

Has anyone beaten it on 'suicidal'?
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Absolutely, there are players who only play on suicidal - though it's taken them time as well to refine their strategies enough to survive.