How do you obtain an early victory?

[Tristan_C]

I know "early" is a bit of a hazy adjective in this game. I'm really asking for your testimonials here, because I have no idea how to score a victory before the year 1800 in single player Civ4. So I'm anxious to hear peoples' stories. What size of world and what difficulty did you play on? Game speed? How many rivals, or did that matter? And of course, how did you win?

Marathon sounds like it could afford an advantage, because troops very fast relative to civ development. And it seems like if you choose a Huge world with 100% land and just a couple of massive civs, you're setting yourself up for a space or culture race or something way out in the distance like that. No real chance of an early victory.

 

[Moonsinger]

I know "early" is a bit of a hazy adjective in this game. I'm really asking for your testimonials here, because I have no idea how to score a victory before the year 1800 in single player Civ4. So I'm anxious to hear peoples' stories. What size of world and what difficulty did you play on? Game speed? How many rivals, or did that matter? And of course, how did you win?

Speed = Marathon is the best.
Number of Rivals = really depending on the type of victory that you are shooting for. However, keep in mind that usually the more rivals, the tougher it gets.

As for the rest of your questions, take a look at the Civfanatics HOF. It will give you some ideas on how fast you can do it on various difficulty level and map size/type.

 

[drkodos]

For certain, controlling the game parameters is a big part of getting early victories. So, too, can be your choice of civilization to play.

If you want the earliest possible victories, play the smallest maps (Duel), pick the Incas, and bum rush your only opponent with those Quechas.

With a bit of luck, and an aggressive attitude, the game will be over before the year 3000 BC.

Of course, the game claims to be about building a civilization that will "stand the test of time" so I'm not sure what value early victories have except for boosting ones ego in a bizarre way. Sort of llike trying to be the first one done at sex, IMO.

 

[Admiral Kutzov]

IIMHO, maces rule. get them, go kill

 

[cabert]

as you said "early" is not very precise

some general facts:
- smaller maps = faster military wins
- bigger/crowded maps + high level AIs = more opportunity for tech trades = faster teching = faster space race/cutural wins (diplo may be faster too, but more AIs = more wars AFAIK)
- you don't need to get all victory conditions = focussing hard on one victory conditions can result in making others come completely out of range, but with a faster conclusion (like going for conquest by building hordes of HA closes the door to everything that needs teching beyond Horseback Riding, because the cost of the horde will be unbearable)
- playing your traits will have a huge impact on the fast outcome : it's obvious if you're agressive but a philo leader focusing on GP generation will outech his rivals early and so can hope to be in a dominant position soon... Example: you play bismarck. His traits are expansive and industrious. If you focus on BW, pottery then metal casting, you can very quickly whip a granary, then a forge in some cities, making those whipping centers for whatever you need.