Conquest Victory

[pop daddy]

How do you do it?

Are there any basic strategies for beginners going for the the conquest victory? I've done just about every other one on Warlord, but this one causes me trouble, primarily because I tend to anger other AI players by attacking their friends and such. There's nothing like getting attacked when you're trying to beat the piss outta someone else.

Something that has occurred to me more recently is that I'm not settling enough cities early in the game. Additionally, when I conquer an enemy city I tend to install a new governor, rather than demolish it. Good idea?

 

[Joshua368]

Have you gotten Domination before? You sound like you haven't gotten either military victory...

 

[pop daddy]

Correct. I was just using a generic term... Ha. I need to start somewhere!

 

[Iranon]

Taking over the world isn't the problem; unless you're very quick about it Domination is the more natural win though - especially on low levels where vassals will be useless.

You can be a generation ahead in military techs at some time or other at any level (at the highest level, a beeline for your renaissance unit of choice is the safest option). The gains from easily conquering a civ or two snowball, leaving you in a good position to win even at tech parity once the opponents catch up.

***

More cities are generally good. My general aim is a dozen at 1AD, normal speed and map size. Just make sure they're developed and connected to the trade network, otherwise they'll just be a drain on the economy for little gain (it's ok to lose money initially... as soon as the city has grown and basic infrastructure in place it'll be worth the investment).

I tend to keep conquered cities unless the placement is absolutely horrible or I am losing money at 100% gold and really can't afford another one.

 

[alfon]

My best tip would be to build a very early army of axes, rush a civ or two and take over their cities. After that you have the production to build a much more advanced classical age army and medieval age army. After you initiate you third war you should raze all of the conquered cities. Remember, you must have a huge a rmy to declare war on all your nearby neighbors, that is the only way to prevent them from settling the lands that you razed.

 

[Supr49er]

I would recommend you spend some time at the War Academy.

 

[Shurdus]

I would recommend you spend some time at the War Academy.

And I second that.

Also, there are a few threads around here that cover an entire game on deity level. Those games are an excelent read if you want to get into how to play this game efficiently.