How many nukes do you build?

[Austin IronFist]

For those of you who use nukes, how many do you build in an average game, and why(what is your reasoning for building as many as you do)? Also, where do you normaly put them and when do you use them?

 

[funxus]

I never use nukes, but I'd build them if Manhattan is built, for deterrent reasons. So I maybe build 1-4 nukes. I try to avoid Manhattan project as long as possible by conquering the world before the AI has the chance to build it.

 

[Ace]

I don't use nuclear missiles. They are too expensive and the AI usually has SDIs in all his cities. If I do use nukes, I plant em with spies, its much more efficient. Once Manhattan is discovered, I always build ONE nuke missile because it effects your relations with the AI civs, it makes them just a bit more respectful!

 

[Dark Ascendant]

The only purpose I have for building nuke missiles is to blackmail my neighbors into giving me stuff. If I wanted to nuke, I use a 30-shield spy.

 

[mchorlton]

I also try to avoid Manhattan Project as long as possible. I only build it if theres nothing else to build in a city. And i only use nukes if the AI hasn't got SDI defense. i maybe build 1-2 nukes per game, if that.

 

[cameramano]

I have been known to use nukes... though very carefully. I normally build as needed, with at least one for the diplomacy effect.

When attacking a nuclear nation I make sure I spy them out and determine where their nukes are. Those cities go first. I use conventional forces unless the target is too hard. 7 alpines in a walled city is too hard, if I'm bringing everything by sea and have to take a whole bunch of other 4 alpine cities with howitzers.

btw... what is the threshold for civ splitting? Has anyone (calling Starlifter....) worked it out?

 

[Dell19]

Starlifter has been away for awhile... I only build a couple of nukes and never use them as Howitzers and Tanks make a much cleaner job.

 

[funxus]

Originally posted by cameramano
7 alpines in a walled city is too hard, if I'm bringing everything by sea and have to take a whole bunch of other 4 alpine cities with howitzers.

It's hard, but if they have alpine troops in their cities, they probably have come far enough down the tech tree to have railroads. So I'd take a few cities, beginning with the tough ones, then make peace at the end of the turn, then go for the smaller cities next war.
You'll "only" need 4 howitzers to capture that city...

 

[Ren]

Originally posted by funxus
I never use nukes, but I'd build them if Manhattan is built, for deterrent reasons. So I maybe build 1-4 nukes. I try to avoid Manhattan project as long as possible by conquering the world before the AI has the chance to build it.

Same

 

[gerryandersson]

I bild lots of nukes, but i don't use them unless I get nuked first.

 

[ferenginar]

I try to leave the Manhattan project till the end so usually don't build nukes, but if the AI builds it or forces me to build it earlier then I will arm up with 5-10 nukes just in case they start getting ideas.

ferenginar 57

 

[Adler]

in every city around 1-2 nuclear weapons.
also I built ~ 10 submarines with nucealr missiles , very effective in retaliating.
I'm a nuclear fanatic ^^

 

[Dark Ascendant]

Originally posted by Adler
in every city around 1-2 nuclear weapons.
also I built ~ 10 submarines with nucealr missiles , very effective in retaliating.
I'm a nuclear fanatic ^^

That's right, bomb'em back to the Stone Age where they came from.

 

[ben_weller1991]

do i have to put who originally posted it?

They are too expensive and the AI usually has SDIs in all his cities. If I do use nukes, I plant em with spies, its much more efficient. Once Manhattan

i only build nukes if i am more advanced than the enemy. i also use them with spies.

 

[tbc_tx]

I "build" the Manhatten Project in a city, then make units support from that city so it has no sheild production or growth becasue the AI will never start a wonder you are building and as long as my city sits their "building" it I don't worry about nukes.

 

[funxus]

the AI will never start a wonder you are building

I'm pretty sure the AI can do that.

 

[gerryandersson]

I build nukes just incase im attacked, but i don't use them to strike first.

 

[Priha]

I always build about 10 subs with 2-4 nukes each. I keep them close to enemy coastline in order to strike fast if attacked by nukes. I've never been the first to "push the button"..
Okay.. once I had some fun and nuked the whole world flat, just for fun of nuking. Didn't even bother to conquer the cities..

Keeping nukes in cities is risky. If the city is attacked, or nuked, your own nukes are vunerable. Same with air bases. Nuke-subs can be hidden around the world in such places where enemy naval activity is impropable (coast with no coastal cities, small gulf "in the backyard" etc.). With subs it's easy to cover the whole world and strike anywhere, anytime..

I love the smell of A-bomb in the morning, it smells like victory..

 

[Dark Ascendant]

A spy can suitcase bomb a city easy. Masses of stacked spies in a fort is really better.

 

[Ace]

You building a wonder will not stop the AI from starting to build the same wonder. At least, using MGE on a PC.

Gotta love those spies with the big bomb in their briefcases!! But, you should always build one nuke missile!! You don't have to use it, but, just having one lets the AI know you are a member of the nuke club. This is beneficial to you, because it causes the AI to "tread lightly" when dealing with you. And, when you see the massage "our words are backed by ....nukes", it means the AI has at least one ready to go, and its time to rush build SDIs in all your cities.