General tips for someone who sucks?

from GalCiv2 Forums
I'm trying to play on normal now, with the default settings, and 5 enemies... I just have one problem.

I suck.

I never know what to do. I always take research as the top priority - which leads to my planets being very empty, because I never know what to build on them, and I'm putting 70-80% of my funds into research. On top of that, I always forget to start trade routes, build a little army for protection, and things like that.

My problem is, I just don't know how to handle everything. I think I lean too heavily on one thing, and completely neglect the other. I also never have any clue how to build planets.
13,244 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Do a search on help for newbs. You'll find a lot of great advice. It's helped me in the past, and it even helps me now.

Sorry, but I don't feel like taking the time to go through an elaborate explanation when that stuff has already been given in great detail by better players than me!

Good luck, and stick with it! You'll catch on eventually.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Try playing against only one or two opponents on an easier difficulty. Then, pick what way you plan to win. Then you'll have a method and road map so you can prioritize the things to do to win in this fashion. For example, if you want to win through military force, your strategy will be to put more of your cash into ships, plus research technologies which will get more advanced spacecraft. You can focus less on influence and alliances.

Once you get the hang of it, then you can add more opponents and a harder difficulty.

-HM
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Lower taxes to 30%. Build labs and factories. Build up diplomatic and trade skills. Open a few trade routes. Don't worry about war happening too early on normal... though that could have changed on DA but I doubt it. Use your normal game to do the right thing before building any war machine. Learn diplomacy, trade and research. Learn to design ships as you explore weapons and defenses. When you win at normal, you'll want to play a higher difficulty. Your third game will probably be your first Metaverse game. Above all, have fun.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Maybe not focusing on a main objective is one of my big problems. I always research all over the place, and never really focus on a single place.

So if I want to be a war monger, I should probably skip the diplomacy techs and what not - and build on fleet size, and weapons.

I suppose I should probably look at the techs and decide what's even worth researching if my main goal is to kill everything in the galaxy (peace is boring to me in these games).
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

So if I want to be a war monger, I should probably skip the diplomacy techs and what not - and build on fleet size, and weapons.


TS Elliott once wrote, "there's no greater treason than the right deed for the wrong reason."

If you plan on doling out cans of whoopass, you absolutely need a higher diplomacy rating than your future genocide victims. Diplomacy will buy you time when the enemy suspects you're about to launch an offensive. If diplomacy is too weak, they won't take your actions lightly. If they think you are the greatest, it really helps on first strike. In fact, if you manage to get an alliance or two, they'll help you out until it's time for them to die.

Note my bling. I play every game as evil as I can possibly be.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yeah, I submitted 'two' Meta games today, DA, normal level, gigantic gal w/9 opponents... they declared war pretty early and all ganged up on me. Technically speaking, I was handed my ass on a silver platter. Sheesh.  
Hey, where's my bling?
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
When selecting abilities, pick and max out economics, then morale, and then finish up with population growth. This will provide you with a strong economy that will help you to survive any mistake you make. You can worry about changing your abilities later when you get more experienced.

...I also never have any clue how to build planets.


Empty tiles is a waste of space. If you are not sure what to put in an empty tile, select an economic structure. You can't have too much money. You can fix things later when you have more money in your pockets than you know what to do with...  
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Hey, where's my bling?


You need to pick a default character on the 'Manage my Characters' page on the meta.
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You need to pick a default character on the 'Manage my Characters' page on the meta


Thanks again Kryo. I see I have a 'wounded in action' medal on my character profile... but nothing in here. Is this so that people won't see how bad I suck? LOL.
Also, it doesn't show what civ I play with. Is this something I have to add or is it just not registering?
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I see I have a 'wounded in action' medal on my character profile... but nothing in here.


Not sure why it wouldn't show up, it should.

Also, it doesn't show what civ I play with


The metaverse hasn't been updated with the new DA race numbering yet so if you're playing Krynn, Korath, or Custom, it may not recognize them.
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
No biggie Kryo, just thought I'd ask. Like I said, maybe it has something to do with the 'humiliation' factor.