Civ has more advanced military

[Prozac1964]

Hey everyone, I'm getting spanked by Germany. I actually conquer their capital 2 x but they keep taking it back. I noticed they were further down the tech tree when they sent Great War Infantry and Bombers against my Calvary. Suddenly I realized I was doing something wrong and needed advice on how to get the techs as fast as other Civs.

Still I am in 2nd place...lol. Any ideas how to keep you military up to standards of other Civs? Thanks

 

[meatpardle]

That's a massive question and ties in all facets of the game, so there will be no easy answer I'm afraid. You won't have a very successful military for very long if your other areas (mainly tech and economy) aren't in order.

Keeping pace in the tech race is crucial for all kinds of victories as it opens up useful buildings and, as you've discovered, better and more competitive weapons. Unfortunately there could be 100 things you're doing 'wrong' that mean that you aren't keeping pace with Germany.

Are you utilising your land fully to exploit resources?

Is your economy in good shape and are you using trading to generate more income (thus allowing you to buy new buildings when you need to get them quickly)?

Are you building/buying the right buildings or wasting time and money on ones you don't need?

Are you utilising promotions before going into battle?

Are you following the most optimal patch through the tech tree for your situation?

Are you selecting and using social policies efficiently?

These are just example questions, each one will open up more and more questions.

If you can post a save game file here I (or someone else with a hell of a lot more knowledge) can have a look at your game and see if there's anything that could be improved.

 

[Prozac1964]

Thanks for your reply, I'd love to have my game analyzed, but how do I post a save game file here? I've never done it.

 

[Browd]

When you compose a post, just click on Go Advanced and select the traditional paperclip icon on the top row to go to the Manage Attachments screen, where you can attach your save file.

 

[Sherlock]

How many cities do you have? Did you pick your second city location well?

Did you neglect building science buildings early on?

These early game decisions affect you later on in a major way.

 

[Prozac1964]

Here is the first save game file I've ever loaded. I really appreciate any help. I'm trying to improve at this game but there are so many things to learn. Don't be shy, rip it apart. That's the only way I will learn. Thanks.

I don't even know if this is the right file.....hmmm....

 

[Prozac1964]

Ummm, did I attach the right file?

 

[miaasma]

generally speaking, science rules everything in civ 5. regardless of victory type, you need a high science output or you risk falling behind

early game, national college is a huge benchmark for science and managing to build it within 100-ish turns will significantly improve your position. after that work on universities, and (if you still aren't ahead, though it's good regardless) taking social policies in the rationalism tree

no victory type is a linear, one dimensional road to winning and any end-game goal you set for yourself generally requires that you balance several different aspects of gameplay; science is arguably the most important of these

 

[KevinLandwaster]

The key to getting an edge in science is, first of all, it has to be priority number one, even if you aren't going for a science victory. You need fast population growth for a good base science output. Max out tradition and focus on food production early on. The second thing is, get to national college ASAP. Don't worry about military until you have the national college. I don't expand much in the beginning until I have all the national wonders that have prerequisite buildings in all cities. If you like to go warmongering early, maybe you will want to focus on stealing tech to catch up later. Also, keep specialists in your science buildings working so you can produce some great scientists. With the rationalism tree filled, you will be able to buy great scientists with faith later on.

 

[Prozac1964]

Thanks for the advice. I had no idea science was that important, unless going for a science vic. I have so much to learn......

 

[Prozac1964]

Wow that science stuff is insane. I started a new game focusing on science and the techs are coming faster than I've even seen! I'm pumped! Yipee!!!!