Questions from a long-time dabbler

or: What happened in Crusade?!?!

So I'm trying to figure out what all the changes were in Crusade.  If anyone has a page that explains everything, I'd appreciate it.  I've been having some learning-curve issues (e.g., I gathered together enough administrators to build multiple Constructors to upgrade my starbases, only to find out MUCH later why they couldn't do anything when they arrived).

First question: For the resources (galactic and planetary), is there a way to find out what upgrades/buildings/weapons/etc. use what resources?  For instance, I went through a phase for about 30 turns where I couldn't keep Durantium to save my life.  I THINK some auto-upgrades were happening on my planets, but those mostly seem done now.

Second question: Are the Mercenaries from that DLC viable with Crusade?  For instance, there's the one Mercenary Constructor, which has 5 modules.  I'm guessing he's no worth much more than a bog-standard Constructor, now, since we have to pay for the upgrades out of cash and resources.

Third question: From reading the forums, it looks like population is almost worthless now.  Does this mean I can free up the slots I'd use for Cities, Farms/Hospitals/Clinics, and extra Entertainment Centers (beyond one or two to keep the masses in line)?

Edit: Also, is there some way to specify to the auto-ship-designer what you want in terms of focus?  E.g., there's three forms of defense (shield, armor, and point defense).  The auto-ship-designer keeps using shields.  Which is great... as long as my ships don't encounter the type of weapons that ignore shields.

17,715 views 4 replies
Reply #1 Top

Definitely a steep learning curve. I'm still trying to figure out how to increase Research and Construction higher than 15 in the first hundred turns. I am being out produced in just about every area.

Reply #2 Top

Adjacency bonuses.   Increasing research and construction above 15 is easy, by taking advantage of adjacency bonuses.   Particularly, in your buildings which produce raw output, i.e. +1 all construction and +1 research, vs. +2.5% construction, etc..   

Reply #3 Top

In Crusade, you upgrade your starbases using money and resources. Constructors are only required to build the initial starbase structure.

Reply #4 Top

Quoting tetleytea, reply 2

Adjacency bonuses.   Increasing research and construction above 15 is easy, by taking advantage of adjacency bonuses.   Particularly, in your buildings which produce raw output, i.e. +1 all construction and +1 research, vs. +2.5% construction, etc..   

I think asteroids, with mining bases (i.e., not starbases), increases raw output.