Espionage problems

[AngularBanjo]

I'm playing a game as Egyptians and have built the Intelligence Agency but when I press the Espionage button I only get Investigate City and Steal Technology as options, I don't get any of the "spy" options...what am I doing wrong?

 

[sabo]

You need to put a spy in the city first

 

[Tomoyo]

That's because you only have an embassy.

 

[alamo]

Planting a spy is not easy. Since you're religious you may want to change to communism to plant spies.

Generally the spy thing is too expensive and error-prone to be useful. It is generally easier to simply research, build troops, or build culture.

Once in awhile someone posts about sabotaging the UN or SS production at a critical point, but that means the player is struggling in a close game.

 

[Tomoyo]

A spy can be used to steal a tech, which is usually cheaper than researching it. Spies are also useful in that they provide cheap information about the AI's armies. Switching to communism just to plant spies is a waste of two good turns of production and commerce.

 

[sabo]

Originally posted by Tomoyo
A spy can be used to steal a tech, which is usually cheaper than researching it. Spies are also useful in that they provide cheap information about the AI's armies.

You can steal a tech with just the embassy too

 

[Tomoyo]

Spies have a higher success rate though.

 

[Fanatica]

I think Facism also has veteran level spies along with Communism.

 

[Tomoyo]

I think Communism has Elite spies.

 

[Ranos]

I always plant spies and I hardly ever use them. Being able to see what units and how many of each kind the other civs have is enough of a benefit.

 

[Gumby78]

Both Communism and Fascism have veteran spies.

 

[Berrern]

@ AngularBanjo:
As already mentioned, you need a spy in the capital of the civilization you wish to spy on.

To place a spy, right-click on the city with your Intelligence Agency, and choose 'Conduct Espionage'.

Be aware though; placing spys are VERY risky, and if you're playing on higher difficulty levels the AI will very often declare war on you if you're caught!

 

[Jawz II]

having a spy is usefull,since it gives you a complete list of enemys units,but its a bit risky to plant them in,a failed attempt can make the AI to declare war on you

also after u succeed i wouldnt try anything else with the spy,too risky and costly IMO