Training via Single Player

[AlgaeNymph]

As the title and icon say; how do I do it? Specifically, how should I set the AI? How many players should I go up against? Answers to questions not asked are also welcome.

[coobe]

well what do you want to achieve? Getting better in SP or MP?

As far as MP goes, you will notice that playing the AI is much easier as playing against a Human. There is no real way to train mp situations against the comp

[Micah]

Blitzes and duels on the IRC channel are a pretty good way to learn quickly. It's a decent amount of sit-down time at once, but if you want to get into some long-term games it'll help get you up to speed a lot faster than doing a bunch of larger, slower games since you'll see more stuff coming flying at you.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Hmmmm...there's one part of the multiplayer experience that single player is especially good training for - the expansion phase.

The first time you pick up a new race, try a small map (Silent Seas) with 1 easy, defensive opponent. Put independent strength to six. Since most multiplayer games have independent strength set to 5, this practice should ensure you don't fall short if your multiplayer start falls on the difficult side of five (lots of LA indie barbarians can ruin Atlantis' day, thanks to lack of archers).

So, with a new race, just run through the expansion phase several times against a lackluster AI. Don't complete the match,just get a feel for what to avoid, or what becomes unusually easy, or find experimental expansion tactics.

This is not as important for more conventional, diverse armies such as man, or strong bless nations, but can be crucial for nations like Agartha, or even Ctis, who lack archers and/or cavalry- or nations w/o chaff.

[Humakty]

With the AI set on impossible, you'll need to put some plan to avoid getting crushed by sheer number, especially if you have a bad startpos.
The AI loves GoG map, if you really want a sweat, put the supply to 300, and then you'll see endless hordes comming to you.
It is true it wont help you facing the magic heavy techniques of other humans.

[Gandalf Parker]

Setting resources low can force the AI to build more national units. Setting indepts low can create an AI rush which can compare to a knowledgable player reaching you early in the game.

[Morkilus]

I suggest using one of the No Independents maps (or the mod, if you want to use a particular map that's not modded) since players tend to avoid indies that aren't scouts or archers.

[Meglobob]

The NI maps are a great tool for learning how to actually play a nation and play to its strenghs. The indies can slant or redirect a nations direction in the game. Also you learn the troops/mages of other nations and thus there strenghs, weaknesses. Good training for MP. Also, the challange is far greater so the games more enjoyable.

Lazy_Perfectionist is spot on as well. SP is a brilliant way for learning how to blitz indies with your nation in the first 15 turns or so. A good start is often crucial in MP, you should always look to get your, 'quota' of land, ie...15 provinces per player, make sure you get 15 or higher. Sometimes in such games I have taken 30-40 provinces, a huge advantage for me and a serious disadvantage for your neighbours.