How many cities before 1AD if you REX?

[DirkDivac]

I hear a lot of folks talking about REX'ing quickly to take as much land as possible in the higher difficulties (Monarch+) and was wondering how many cities is an actual REX? My understanding of the REX is you build a lot of cities on your way to teching Writing so you can build libraries and scientist specialists to keep the beakers coming in while your slider is down 20% or less.

Is that the right definition of REX'ing?

How many cities do you reccommend for a REX?

What techs do your prioritize to get the economy out of the dumps after the REX?
For this question I am assuming sailing, CoL and currency. Just wondering which is most effective to get that economy up and running again?

 

[Conqistador]

As far as I am aware, that is what a REX is, the SG's I follow seem to do something similar. As for number of cities, it depends on the size of your starting landmass and map type.

Priesthood (especially if you are Sumer) and Writing. Both lead to CoL and an Oracle getting CoL can jumpstart an economy with the potential 3rd religion (Priesthood is cheaper to research than Monotheism unless you get Masonry in a hut and really beeline it) and GP points. Writing which enables open borders will get early trade points, Sailing only makes this easier.

 

[TheMeInTeam]

It's kind of like the terms "CE" and "SE" in that there's no clear definition, although REX is probably a bit more meaningful, because it implies you're settling cities at the expense of something else.

The # of cities by 1 AD depends on traits and the land available to you. You can get 8 with virtually anybody up through immortal (deity will probably box you in for many starts). I usually aim for 10-12, and having some commerce around makes doing so a lot easier. Jungle will of course slow you down (need more workers).

The most important thing is getting to writing before the tech sags completely. After that you can zero out. What you research after that depends on difficulty:

If you have AIs that will trade:

Monarch + below ----> Alphabet
Above monarch -----> Aesthetics

If not:

Alphabet, currency, CoL.

If you get aesthetics trade it for alphabet. You can then build research to currency or CoL (if the latter is good trade bait and/or founds religion still). Currency is faster to recover though.

The best way to recover after expansion is trades. This usually implies bulbs on high difficulties, or settling great people under rep w/ pyramids (but if you're REXing, you probably don't have pyramids unless IND + stone).

Trading for monarchy is extremely important if you don't have pyramids, so you can grow your cities with HR garrison.

Although you want fast generation of GPP to help research, cottages can be a good mainstay other than that, and very powerful if you're getting 12+ cities after backfill (or renaissance war). 15-20 cities with about half of them as good cottage centers is enough to win on immortal.

 

[DirkDivac]

Great answer TMIT. Exactly what I was looking for. Now another question, how do you build settlers for all those cities while still having hammers to build infrastructure? (Libs, Grains, LH, etc?) Do you just ignore them while pumping settlers or do you have a certain build order, IE,, settler, worker, archer, settler, worker, etc.?

 

[TheMeInTeam]

You want to grow onto special tiles, but most of the early go into units rather than infrastructure. Exceptions are an early library (usually whipped) somewhere to run scientists, and granaries/border pops. However, the priority is settling the land. Cottages and city growth can dig you out later.

In LHC Mehmed so far, I'm doing pretty well on immortal. I opened up worker, improved corn and pigs (grew to 2 while building warrior after worker), then switched to settler @ pop 2. The 2nd city had its pigs improved and since no mysticism yet, start settler @ pop 1 with pigs. Initial worker helps another worker improve capitol enough that it can grow to max pop, chop settler, etc.

To defeat barbs @ immortal with only warriors requires some tight control over the spawning rules, but that's not going to be a serious issue for you at prince yet, and maintenance should be more palatable too.

Note that in that game it was a bit of an exception. Isolation led me to NOT REX, so I only had 6 cities @ 1 AD (mids and hanging gardens). Skip those 2 wonders for the 9-10 cities.

In short, the more cities you have, the more special + improved tiles you work, the better your production. Buildings are constructed more rapidly with the decent pops and improved tiles anyway.

You do have to balance it slightly, but try settling down to close to strike while building settlers/workers off improved tiles until you get used to it. You can grow onto decent tiles like mines/farms and whip too, and overflow into spawnbust/escort troops. Once you get more cap the granaries become a lot more appealing too.

New cities develop a lot more rapidly if you start improving their food resource the instant they're founded.

 

[Jamuka]

Defining rex: To weaken your immediate position to expand extremely quickly.

When to rex? When you won't be able to expand if you wait, or you are in a good position to sacrifice BPT and military growth.

Risks? You get invaded or are inable to recover tech-wise.

 

[JonathanStrange]

Regarding the "How many cities before 1AD if you REX?" - it's so situational, so map dependent, etc. BUT in if I had less than 8-12 in my usual Immortal/Deity games on large pangaea maps, than I'd be in for a rough next millenium (and I usually am anyways). Still, I repeat, it depends...

 

[TheMeInTeam]

True, all of my above is for normal maps and speed. Cities have less maintenance on larger maps so you do want to settle/capture more of them early on (usually settle due to longer distances to opposition)...and marathon also tilts in favor of addition cities by year x.

 

[Crusher1]

higher difficulties (Monarch+)

Monarch is a novice level.

My understanding of the REX is you build a lot of cities on your way to teching Writing so you can build libraries and scientist specialists to keep the beakers coming in while your slider is down 20% or less.

Zero works better because the more gpt you have the more cities and units you can afford. Depending on the level you play 20% slider could be as many as 3-4 more cities.

What techs do your prioritize to get the economy out of the dumps after the REX?
For this question I am assuming sailing, CoL and currency. Just wondering which is most effective to get that economy up and running again?

Writing is the holy grail. At zero slider cottages do nothing for fueling research but do supply valuable gold so you can eventually raise the slider. If you find yourself in a circumstance that you are becoming broke very fast always skip pottery and go directly to writing, then back to pottery.

For normal tech progression I would follow something like Writing -> Alpha -> Currency to start off with. Monarchy can be fit in before or after CoL depending on the situation.

I usually aim for 10-12

Most people like to say pretty numbers (myself included - I like to say 12-15) but when you take a look at their average game these same people usually have 8-10 cities around the 1AD time frame. It's map dependent ^^. Huge maps can push the numbers towards 20 while small maps run out of room very fast and you'd be lucky to get 8.

Above monarch -----> Aesthetics

Huge disagreement here. Monarch AIs very often don't end up teching Alphabet until 1AD so you won't be able to trade in time. Emperor AIs also tech very slowly and in the vast majority of the games I have played at that level and they don't get Alphabet nearly quick enough. The only level I would start with Asthetics is Immortal and Deity, and even on Immortal, you might have to wait several hundred years to get Alpha.

 

[TheMeInTeam]

Maybe I was giving the EMP AI too much credit . I used to be a lot slower when opening and would tend to fall behind more readily. I stopped playing emperor a little over a month ago entirely, to truly get better @ immortal (and have actually gone alpha first @ immortal)...but for someone bumping up a difficulty and teching slower aesthetics is probably stronger. If you want to say above emp rather than above monarch, I won't argue.

Most people like to say pretty numbers (myself included - I like to say 12-15) but when you take a look at their average game these same people usually have 8-10 cities around the 1AD time frame. It's map dependent ^^. Huge maps can push the numbers towards 20 while small maps run out of room very fast and you'd be lucky to get 8.

I aim high, but the key word is AIM . 8 is pretty typical for me (with blocking room for backfill). However, ORG, IMP, or commerce resources can put me @ 10. A combination goes beyond that. Of course it's assuming normal speed and no war, I had over 15 on marathon once with a horse archer charge that went well.

Monarch is a novice level.

This is a little ridiculous. Monarch is ridiculously easy for emp+ players, but not everyone. The polls suggest it's more average than novice. My guess, however, is that the players that actually show up on civfanatics are already a cut above the overall average. Many non-posters who have viewed my youtube videos are well below.

 

[Crusher1]

This is a little ridiculous.

I honestly don't 'think so . Any person who claims to have no success at Monarch can follow any guide you or I have and completely rape and crush that level as if it were settler. Monarch is in no way shape or form difficult in any universe

Many non-posters who have viewed my youtube videos are well below.

I loved your videos actually.

 

[Amao]

I honestly don't 'think so . Any person who claims to have no success at Monarch can follow any guide you or I have and completely rape and crush that level as if it were settler. Monarch is in no way shape or form difficult in any universe

You have just humiliated me. Anyway, since I basically climbed up to Monarch and got my first win inspired by your post on SE demo early. I won't accuse you. Good job explaining how the game works, both of you.

 

[EdCase]

I honestly don't 'think so . Any person who claims to have no success at Monarch can follow any guide you or I have and completely rape and crush that level as if it were settler. Monarch is in no way shape or form difficult in any universe

And in following said guides they may indeed suck any pleasure they gain from the playing of the game. It isn't always about the victory...............

(Point of fact i tend to play Emperor myself, but sometimes play at Noble for sh*ts and giggles)

 

[Crusher1]

Of course not, it's about learning. After the follow through they will have acquired enough basic knowledge and skill to consistantly win at that level.

 

[EdCase]

Actually, let me apologize a little. Playing since the original Civ, I quite often forget that this is a "game" and tend to use it as a sandbox toy. Hence I don't regard levels,score or optimal strategies etc., as particularly important. I realize however that others , including you it appears, do. I respect that as we can all draw enjoyment in our own ways.

 

[Crusher1]

@ EdCase

No worries. I saw the latest version of Family guy where you found yourself on a vacation, back in time, and ran into yourself . I'm guessing your a bit annoyed that you were a 35 yo virgin all stemming back from the bomb mishap at the swimming pool. You then got laid, lasted 8 seconds, cried for 45 minutes, went to work the next day and were fired ^^. That episode aired last night actually - nifty timing eh?

The difference between you and I seems to be a lot ^^.

Not to mention I actually gave advice to the OP. Take the difficulty comment like a grain of sand and put it in a place that fits you best.

Do you actually have any advice to the OP or just fun and witty comments for me? Either way I'm obviously game, but lets keep it real. Some people are giving advice and some people are preaching.

(Point of fact i tend to play Emperor myself, but sometimes play at Noble for sh*ts and giggles)

I feel you there! When I want sh*ts and giggles I find myself playing Emperor.

If you want to say above emp rather than above monarch, I won't argue.

No such luck. I very much enjoy arguing and in fact, have won several public speaking events.

Some people hate buying cars/trucks/motorcycles - I live for it! Nothing is more rewarding than coming back for the 2nd or 3rd time and completely breaking the salesman down until you get the exact price you want (eventually their bosses cave in!)- usually under invoice - Be sure to buy at the end of the month!

 

[EdCase]

@ EdCase

No worries. I saw the latest version of Family guy where you found yourself on a vacation, back in time, and ran into yourself . I'm guessing your a bit annoyed that you were a 35 yo virgin all stemming back from the bomb mishap at the swimming pool. You then got laid, lasted 8 seconds, cried for 45 minutes, went to work the next day and were fired ^^. That episode aired last night actually - nifty timing eh?

The difference between you and I seems to be a lot ^^.

Not to mention I actually gave advice to the OP. Take the difficulty comment like a grain of sand and put it in a place that fits you best.

Do you actually have any advice to the OP or just fun and witty comments for me? Either way I'm obviously game, but lets keep it real. Some people are giving advice and some people are preaching.



I feel you there! When I want sh*ts and giggles I find myself playing Emperor.




No such luck. I very much enjoy arguing and in fact, have won several public speaking events.

Some people hate buying cars/trucks/motorcycles - I live for it! Nothing is more rewarding than coming back for the 2nd or 3rd time and completely breaking the salesman down until you get the exact price you want (eventually their bosses cave in!)- usually under invoice - Be sure to buy at the end of the month!

Interesting....
One : My advice for the OP would be 8 ish cities though this can be be very map dependent.

Two : My advice for you. Never judge a forum poster by his avatar. I wish I was 35 ( I'm 44,happily married with 3 sons).
Bragging on your gaming skills is so 1990's, truly it doesn't cast you in a good light.
I was actually being pleasant when I doled out the apology. I work in advertising and marketing so the trite verbal duels in forums are generally not worth the effort.

Finally, I don't buy (nor want) cars that can be bargained down.This stems from winning awards for my work..they are so much , much more satisfying (awards) when they put large sums of money in my bank.
But thanks for the advice anyway........

 

[Volapyk]

Hmm funny, I always thought I did a pretty good job at REX'ing but reading how high some you guys aim I guess I need to set the bar a bit higher. Though it might be because I tend to play very crowded maps, large/18 civs, that I don't get that many out.

My maps are usually filled up way before 1 ad, so if you want a number I would rather give you a number for ~1000 BC, which is around where I usually aim to have filled up my share of land. Anywho 1000 BC I am for roughly 6-8 cities, though I tend to end up with 5-6 way more often than 8 , a problem easily solved by beating the crap out of a nearby AI.

Even though a crowded map means less cities, the REX'ing wont hurt your economy as much, and you wont fall too far behind in the techs, a bulb or two will see you right back to the front, or almost there tends to be some crazy AI techers out there.

EDIT:
As for you two babbling in the posts before me, read my first quote it will solve your problem

 

[Crusher1]

Finally, I don't buy (nor want) cars that can be bargained down

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a brand new, yet 1 year old Toyota Tacoma JD Power and Associates don't lie =D.

Bragging on your gaming skills is so 1990's, truly it doesn't cast you in a good light.

I agree =D

(Point of fact i tend to play Emperor myself, but sometimes play at Noble for sh*ts and giggles)

This stems from winning awards for my work..they are so much , much more satisfying (awards) when they put large sums of money in my bank.

I'm sure you a fine Role Model ^^. Keep in mind that child therapy can be quite expensive =D.

Ok, now on to real people and the actual thread!

Even though a crowded map means less cities, the REX'ing wont hurt your economy as much, and you wont fall too far behind in the techs, a bulb or two will see you right back to the front, or almost there tends to be some crazy AI techers out there.

REXn is still easily accomplished while maintaining a tech lead, or at the very least, catching up and passing everyone as you go up the Liberalism beeline. The whole point is to make the land you own put you in a much stronger position than everyone else at a later date. The earlier you get more cities hooked up and running the better.

As long as I can start the majority of my vertical growth before 500 AD I don't have any problems - early is always welcome but sometimes you find yourself boxed in and simply have to war war war your self into a big chunk of change. There are plenty of games where I sit on 8 cities and wait for superior tech but I still think the better choice is to crash and burn your economy non stop with early war and gobble up 15-20 cities when possible.

 

[TheMeInTeam]

I'll argue you on points that are arguable, but the skill variance between when I was struggling on emperor and now is so great that my recollections don't necessarily represent reality. With that being the cases, I have no basis for an argument in this case and therefore don't care to contend without any grounds at all.

Monarch being a novice level or not is a better argument, and as you might have noticed you had a couple people point out that it's not a cakewalk for everyone. Of course, it also depends on how one defines "novice". Is that based on time, # games played, or is it a relative comparison to the current average player level? You'll probably get different results each way.