AI Tech Path?

[Ai Shizuka]

It definitely depends on the AI.
I've seen Montezuma researching Mil Science, while still missing stuff like Education.
In my last MS game Ramesses researched every single possible tech before rep parts and then, while getting obliterated by my cavalry, he started on Steam Power, still ignoring rifling.

Electricity is often beelined by wonderbuilders.

 

[30+]

I like to know certain things about game mechanics, but knowing too much about game mechanics seems like it could ruin the game for me. The example you gave is perfect. If you knew enough about the game, you might be able to skip espionage altogether, and yet still know exactly what the AI is doing. This is the same as cheating,

Players aren't about to give up their Steroids. Lot's of people like deficit building and other exploits as well. Just the way it is for some people.

DMOC said it best:

Common AI beelines:

-Monarchy/Feudalism
-Calendar
-Construction/Engineering
-The religious techs
-Scientific Method

Some techs they seem to ignore for a while (e.g. good tech trading fodder)