Computer player difficulty ?

[Viking]

I just want to know makes the game harder when i select the toughest setting for the computer players. Is the A/I brighter or what ?

Thanks in advance!

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"what horror, what horror............"

[Atrocities]

AI bonus gives the AI a tremedous advantage in research and intel. Good to challenge the stronger players. Difficulty, I am not familar with and I too thank you in advance for info.

[rdouglass]

The AI in the recent patches seems to be smarter. However there are things you can do to make more of a challenge.

1. Don't use Tactical Combat. It seems that anyone that has played the game for more than a week can usually kick a$$ on an AI in Tactical Combat. Use strategic Combat and the challenge becomes Ship Design and Formations.

2. Don't allow Neutral races. They are usually a "pushover" and usually give you another atmosphere and colonization ability when you force them to surrender. It also seems to allow the AI a better "head start".

3. Don't use missles. IMO, these give you a huge advantage when in tactical due to the "Missle dance" mentioned in other Posts. Of course if you see #1, this doesn't necessarily apply.

4. Give the AI bonuses; low at first and then build up when your experience with the game goes up.

5. If you want a good challenge, sit on your hands for 20 turns and do nothing. In other words, turn all ministers off and click "End Turn" 20 times - THEN start your game.

6. Try some of the Mods - many are well done and add some nice modifications that help the AI.

7. Wait for future patches (the least desireable method).

8. Post more questions....

These are only a few and none are original from me - these are suggestions I've heard and now use depending on my mood.

[Daynarr]

The full explanation of difficulty levels is on MM official site in the Q&A section. The Last (88th) topic explains it.

[WhiteHojo]

For those who are wondering what #88 is:

88. How does the setting of difficulty for the computer player work?. What is the distinction between them, is starting resources or better AI? Is lower setting analagous to easier? AI Difficulty settings:

Low - The AI is quite dumb and will not use fleets. They should be pretty easy to engage and destroy. There is more of a chance for peaceful AI races in the galaxy.

Medium - The AI is of moderate intelligence. They will use fleets and all of the ministers in the game.

High - The AI uses all of its capabilities to destroy you. They also receive some bonuses in resources to help them along. There is a higher chance for aggressive AIs when starting a new game.


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Character is best defined as that which you do when you believe nobody is watching.