Help! AI is untouchable at level 6!

[Jethro31]

Getting killed in my 5th attempt at level 6.

I finished third in my previous 2 attempts, each time losing by a science victory around 1940.

This time I have a good section of a continent, easily defendable, and thought I would have a chance.
Was friends with the the civs ahead of me when Egypt backstabbed me and DOW'ed becuase he said he couldnt "miss this opportunity to eliminate an opponent"

We've been at war now for like 300 years and he won't even begin to discuss a peace treaty. I have repelled about 50 attacks at my natural choke point (complete with 2 citadels) and it seems quite obvious he will never gain an inch.

Somehow, amidst this constant barrage, he completes the Apollo Program... IN 1840!!!
It is now 1875~ and he has rocket artillery and paratroopers... I just finished steam power ffs!

I have also had 3 spies killed trying to steal techs!

My question is, how can I possibly slow the other civs tech growth?
Short of early military action (which I always avoid) I don't see how it is possible.

Even if I could control Egypt on my continent, The Iriqouis are running neck and neck with them on another.
With the bonuses the AI has level 6 is beginning to feel impossible.

Moderator Action: Moved to Strategy forum.

 

[sufficiency]

You don't slow the AI's growth - you try to outgrow them on Emperor

EDIT: anyway, you can try perhaps posting some screenshots and let others criticize your play.

 

[eldiablonoche]

I'm at Emperor level now and when I get crushed it is also due to massive AI science. Probably just a need for more population(more/bigger cities), that's often my problem. Also, don't discount war as an avenue to a) get more cities and b) limit your opponent(s).

One thing I'd suggest is to accept Research Agreements if and when they come along (in my experience not that often in Emperor). I used to avoid them thinking that it makes one enemy civ tech even faster but I every time I deny an RA that civ just finds someone else and they BOTH tech faster, become better friends and sometimes keep making RAs throughout the game.

 

[Giskler]

Use espionage, make friends and sign RA's, use limited wars to stunt your enemies growth.

 

[marekb]

The standard advice. Science comes from population, thus concentrate on growth at the beginning. Don't build early wonders (such as GL) , sell luxuries and strategic to AI and buy settlers/workres or buildings. Build a couple of archers for defence and upgrade them to composites later. Build National College as fast as possible, no later than 100.

Read tradition 4 cities opening thread and Sadato Deity OCC threads.

Anyway, on Emperor you can outtech AI with the only one city.

 

[nanomage]

I have just finished my first decent game on emperor and for me the key techniques for beating it were agressively selling all my luxes and resources and trying to grow early.

Admittedly, I had some luck with the Spain's UA, so my early growth was mostly horizontal, with Liberty policies.

After a nice start, tech wasn't an issue at all, and Rationalism was great to secure the tech lead.

 

[bison21]

for me the key techniques for beating it were agressively selling all my luxes and resources and trying to grow early.

This. I hovered on King for ages and with that playstyle I got comfortable on emperor, trying to move up to immortal atm.

What helped me tremendously against my urge to 'turtle' and wonder-spam was following the Tradition 4 cities opener guide, like ten times. I no longer follow it strictly and I use liberty as well, but it has helped me to play more aggressively and keep some checks on my expansion- at turn 60 or 80 I see what my growth and my number of cities are doing, and whether it is satisfactory.

 

[Herfelt]

I have recently moved from king to emperor and further on to immortal. As mentioned is fast growth in the core cities the key to keep up with the AI. The 4 cities tradition opening allows you to grow your cities fast while you build military units. Eventually you will be able to kill the nearest AI with cbows and one or more AIs with xbows. Puppet the good cities, raze the small cities in crappy spots.

4 cities tradition opening: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=468487

 

[Fire0rb]

What helped me tremendously against my urge to 'turtle' and wonder-spam was following the Tradition 4 cities opener guide, like ten times. I no longer follow it strictly and I use liberty as well, but it has helped me to play more aggressively and keep some checks on my expansion- at turn 60 or 80 I see what my growth and my number of cities are doing, and whether it is satisfactory.

The first point you mention is VERY important for players who want to move up.

You build wonders when you can afford it and have a very good economy.
Most newer players, or players who play on lower levels think you build wonders to GET a better economy / gameplay.
But wonders are the RESULT of a good and well going economy (like in the real world) not they key to it.
And when you focus on Wonder Spamming you will fall behind in every other aspect of the game.

 

[dpunk]

Try to focus your core cities on growing except when buildings key buildings, if your unsure just always focus on growing.

When you build universities, make sure to move two population to the university specialist slots.

 

[CornPlanter]

Most newer players, or players who play on lower levels think you build wonders to GET a better economy / gameplay.
But wonders are the RESULT of a good and well going economy (like in the real world) not they key to it.

Slightly oversimplified, but very well put.