I beat the AI my first Deity game with the Mongols. It was actually my first game with the Mongols, but my strategy was to get as many cities as possible early via the Barb Huts (their bonus ability). Basically by doing so I had 7-8 cities when they only had 2-3, I then concentrated on defense and science. My numerous cities pushed my research rate very high and I was able to reach important Military techs first, and build advanced armies while still defending my borders and when the time was right, I attacked and achieved a domination victory by 1720AD.
I think the key to winning at Deity level is early expansion, and trying to take up as much good land as possible. Leave the crappy land for the AI, don't settle areas with little or no food in the early stages. Also, be sure to take advantage of any nearby islands, they tend to have good resources and can make very good science/gold cities, plus they are isolated so they require less defense. Also, make sure you exploit your civ's bonuses ASAP. Also research techs that are going to give you immediate bonuses (so pay attention to what resources are close to your cities and try to research those first).
Hope these tips help...
Hi, I'd like to know how you beat the AI on Deity. Did you beat him on the first time? Which civilization did you use and what was your strategy throughout the game?
Best regards,
Flower
I lost 3 times on normal 'single player' Diety before I tried Deity in the Beta Centuri scenario. I was the greeks and dominated the game (I had 3X leads in all victory condition categories before I closed out a cultural victory). My strategy, which seemed to make the difference, was not destroying any barbarian villages. With one infantry in each city, I was able to defend against weak barbarian mauraders. The barbarian cities on my borders acted as a buffer against other civs...I didn't meet the 1st opposing civ until like 1,500 AD and hence had no reason to build military units beyond one per city to that point. By 1,500 AD, my cities were all cranking production, cuture and gold. I had about 4 cities that would build at least 4 infantry units per turn, so I became unstoppable. I dominated more than any game I played previously, even on King difficulty. Now I just have to figure out how to win a tech victory on Diety, since I can't use that same strategy.
Why can't you use that same stratedgy but swap gold for science?
Expand fast and early and be prepared for the AI to constantly be at war with you. Defend yourself well and DO NOT fall behind in the tech race.
1) Never attack a barbarian village with wounded military, unless you have a wounded army.