Do AI play to win?

[Seb1974]

Trying to learn the game a bit while I'm waiting for the GOG release.
(Guess this will be easier when game is out on Steam also, cause that's when all guides and videos will pop up...)

Anyway, I'm wondering if the AI plays to win, or is it obvious while playing that behind the scenes they are all against you, just to make it harder?
Would be very cool if they act logically, for their own interrest, instead of making stupid choices just to make it harder for you...

I think games like these gets more immersive if the other players actually feel real, and act logically.

Anyone noticed how they behave in this game?

 

[Solver]

The AI plays in a way that's meant to provide a fun challenge. The AI nations don't always team up against you, and they're also not hyper-focused on a victory. They can definitely win, but the AI doesn't even have ambition victory enabled, so that's a major win condition not available to them.

For those who want less roleplaying and a more direct challenge, there's an option appropriately called "play to win", where the AI will ruthlessly do what it can to make things hard for you. That includes more aggressive play in general, launching all-out assaults if you're close to victory, and using certain "dirty tricks" early on.

 

[Seb1974]

The AI plays in a way that's meant to provide a fun challenge. The AI nations don't always team up against you, and they're also not hyper-focused on a victory. They can definitely win, but the AI doesn't even have ambition victory enabled, so that's a major win condition not available to them.

For those who want less roleplaying and a more direct challenge, there's an option appropriately called "play to win", where the AI will ruthlessly do what it can to make things hard for you. That includes more aggressive play in general, launching all-out assaults if you're close to victory, and using certain "dirty tricks" early on.

Ah ok, so you mean for a default game without "play to win", the AI would act pretty realistic? Playing for themselves, rather than only for you to loose?
I like it when you can keep a good relation to other AI players, and not always be backstabbed even if it's bad for the AI doing it, but they do it anyway just to make it hard on the player.
Or when one AI can start a war on another AI, even if it makes it a bit easier for the player.
Better when it feels like everyone is equal, if you know how I mean, more immersive experience

 

[jguy100]

On the default settings (middle level of difficulty, "play to win" off, etc), I don't think I've ever had a friendly AI backstab me. Relations can still erode over time to the point they don't like you, but as long as you're putting some level of effort into keeping them happy, they'll stay on your side. When you switch "play to win" on, all bets are off. Once you get close to victory (ex, 9 ambitions completed), the world wants to curb stomp you.

 

[PiR]

On the default settings (middle level of difficulty, "play to win" off, etc), I don't think I've ever had a friendly AI backstab me. Relations can still erode over time to the point they don't like you, but as long as you're putting some level of effort into keeping them happy, they'll stay on your side

Same

 

[Seb1974]

Sounds good, thanks for the feedback
Nothing worse than artificial difficulty in form of AI secretly ganging up on you, when you expect all players (human and AI) to be treated the same way.
But good there are settings for that too, for the really good players that need the extra challenge.
Back to waiting I guess, should be a few months left I guess until GOG/Steam release...game will be well patched and tested by then!

 

[jguy100]

@Seb1974 every Thursday (well most of them), a Mohawk employee livestreams the game for a couple of hours on Twitch. It usually starts at 7PM EST (eastern standard time). Definitely recommend checking it out to see the game in action! The streamer is usually Maddie, and she runs a nice relaxing stream.

 

[PiR]

game will be well patched and tested by then!

Oh but it is already