Best CIV for a N00B

[Madhatter4]

Ok I just started to play FFH2 and was wondering whats the best civ for a N00B to use? From what I have read Bannor is fairly straight forward, anyone have anything to add or suggest?

 

[woodelf]

Too many variables/factors for a straight-forward answer. Are you a builder, a warmonger, a techie? Play a random game or ten and then see who strikes your fancy.

 

[xienwolf]

Bannor is pretty good for a simple/straightforward civ. And Khazad are pretty good if you just remember to keep some gold stockpiled because then you don't really have to worry about magic.

 

[Kael]

I usually recommend the Doviello for new players since you won't have to mess with most building requirements. Mahala is better for a defensive game and Charadon is better if you want to start out attacking.

 

[slowcar]

i would suggest cassiel. leaves all the religious stuff out while introducing something fancy in return.

 

[Dumhead]

for new players, i think the AC is one of the hardest things to manage. i'd recommend elohim since you have another option for lowering the AC.

 

[xienwolf]

[Auctioneer Voice]

I have an Elohim, anyone offering a Balseraphs?

Balseraphs, anyone?

Going once...

[/Auctioneer Voice]


So what we are saying basically is read the manual till you get bored and choose a fun sounding one. Or use Random

 

[Madhatter4]

[Auctioneer Voice]

I have an Elohim, anyone offering a Balseraphs?

Balseraphs, anyone?

Going once...

[/Auctioneer Voice]


So what we are saying basically is read the manual till you get bored and choose a fun sounding one. Or use Random

^^^^I always just play a random civ in CIV4BTS. It just seems to make the expierence all the more enjoyable

 

[BeefontheBone]

Thoughts, including a couple of suggestions for ones NOT to play as your first game. Kuriotates are a bit nuanced, but great for small-empire builders once you understand the ramifications of Sprawling as a trait. The Luchuirp are rather reliant on their hero and golems - sometimes a bit all-your-eggs-in-one-(craggy)-basket. Sheaim have to balance the effects of the AC with their requirements for advanced troops, and can be a bit tricksome. Fun though. Keelyn of the Balseraphs is ok, but I wouldn't recommend Perpentach since you have to be pretty flexible to deal with his insanity. Amurites are great mages if you want to get to grips with the magic system, but if you want to avoid most magic the first time through the Khazad are pretty good - just spend less money than you would normally! The Hippus are good for warmongers - focus on cavalry. Doviello is a good suggestion what with the reduced building requirements and peace with barbs. The Ljosalfar with Fellowship of the Leaves as state religion is a good builder game, but it's not incredibly easy to get the builder victories with them. If you're used to a specialist economy anyway, the Sidar are great for that - just make sure you read up on maximising shades. On Archipeago and other wet maps the Lanun + OO is a very strong choice (perhaps a little too strong in some ways - the AI's still not great with boats). The Calabim come into play later on than many civs, and balancing feasting with growth requires a bit of practice.

Oh, and I'd not recommend switching to the Mercurians or Infernals if you're offered the choice - their mechanics are completely different from vanilla civs

 

[Sarisin]

I usually recommend the Doviello for new players since you won't have to mess with most building requirements. Mahala is better for a defensive game and Charadon is better if you want to start out attacking.

And, yet, Mahala has the Raiders trait which benefits by gaining XP from attacking and Charadon is at peace with the barbs, so less attacking there.

I agree that the best way to start out is to maybe read a bit on the civs and see which one catches your fancy and style. Select that one and stick with the default options, map size, etc.

Personally, I think using the Random feature in selecting civs is the best way to go. I still do that as it is so much fun learning how to play a new civ vs. staying with the same one.

 

[Ecofarm]

Amurite: tech writing, hunting for 3 hunters (defense), ether and then spam adepts. Beeline sorcery, fireballs ftw (use world spell at last moment before you launch attack). Easiest, most resiliant, and most effective strat.

Elves: tech writing, fol, guardian, then whatever you like. While elves are not the most effective or efficient, they will get you where you want to go (forest cottages) and the world spell will make sure have safe time to get there (treants).

My other favs are: Grigori, Luch, Shaeim, and Balseraph (but these are more complicated). Bals only works unrestricted, for me. All other civs (of my favs) have natural leaders who are best for their civ.

The key to any strat, for me, is to have a national unit by turn ~130 (for examples: druids, archs, paladins, shadows, eidolens, war chariots...). It takes an hour or so to get to that turn and I like my games to last 2-4 (1-3 multiplayer). Some people like 10+ hour games (slower speed, large maps), but not me. Even in a long game, I think you need to elminate/capture a civ by around turn 130. [quick speed]

 

[R0GERSHRUBBER]

Bannor are pretty straightforward (and consequently boring, IMO).

Malakim are also easy to play, and the Adaptive trait will give you a chance to try some of the new traits at your leisure.

The Hippus are also straightforward, and Tasunke can produce some pretty mean armies if you're in the mood for warfare.

Civs I would recommend against include: Sheaim (the most unique game mechanics, somewhat complex), Clan of Embers, Khazad (managing your gold is a bit much for a new player), Kuriotate (city placement is very important, skip them for now), and Luchuirp.

Also, I recommend against switching to the Infernals or Mercurians, should you happen to summon either into the world. (Their mechanics are very complex)

 

[merciary]

I was a bit of an odd ball and went for the Luchuirp first, but of course I was around back in FFH 1 so I wasn't a new player but still I don't think that they are too hard to manage. All you have to do is send Barnaxus out with a few wood golems and an adapt out on barbarian hunts until he has combat five. Then stash him in your capital. Once that's done they aren't hard to play, sometimes it can be easier if the player has a hard time with promotions. Plus they are the best civ next to the Infernals and Mercurians for riding out the Apocalypse.

But all in all they are a bit tough on new players I just wanted to put this out there so new players wouldn't be scared to try them.

 

[Maniac]

Bannor are pretty straightforward (and consequently boring, IMO).

You make it interesting by roleplaying as a Order-spreading zealot imperialist.

 

[Ksi]

^
I'd wait for next patch to play bannor as Donal will be fixed !

 

[westamastaflash]

Amurite: tech writing, hunting for 3 hunters (defense), ether and then spam adepts. Beeline sorcery, fireballs ftw (use world spell at last moment before you launch attack). Easiest, most resiliant, and most effective strat.

At what difficulty does the AI beat you with this strategy?