Is War Necessary -- Really?

[Moulton]

I started a thread like this once before, but this is a little different. Not complaining, not feeling guilty.
I looks like the AI is built for war, and is not happy unless it is at war with someone. Im going to try again and again to build a civ and finish the game with no war involvement. Not necessarily win... just to see if it can be done.
This current world, a large pangea, civs have marched happily to war almost since year one. I think I did the first when I took on the rRomans at about turn 10.
The Aztecs sent droves of people to war through my land... and I did not dare rebuke him. He had no ROP. I got him to ally with me against the Zulu, and then game him a ROP, which he cancelled aafter 20 years, and proceded as if it were still there....
England is sstill at war with Zulu after 2000 years. And happy about it... the only one currently happy with me.
I got Rome to ally, while she was still angry over our earlier war, gave her ROP and she became happpy as a pig in mud. Until I signed peace --after about 30 turns, so did not break my agreement.
Aztec is finally aware of my power -- now that I am closing in on him
Iroquois came looking for a fight. sent settlers into my land, and declared war when I challenged him. And had a horde ready to invade. Too bad, they all now have their head on my gateposts.

I am beginning to think the AI wants war somewhere all thetime or it is not happy.. Doesn't have to be war against me, just war.

 

[gonzo_for_civ]

if you have ANYTHING that the AI wants they will try to kill you eventually. If not, you can go for a long time without war. But whats the fun in that???

 

[BillChin]

I believe it is possible to play a peaceful game. Difficult, but possible. It takes a certain personality and a certain style of play.

Most civs will look for a fight after producing their unique unit. The best way to head this off is to have a large army and be second or third in tech and land. If the human gets too far ahead on all counts, the AI is programmed to roll the dice and attack rather than let the player steamroller to an easy win (a good thing).

Probably the best level to try this is Regent (if you can win on the higher levels). On lower levels it is a pain to wait for the computer to stay ahead on tech, on higher levels it is sometimes difficult to keep up without a war. Build fast from the start, always have a lot of troops, but lag a bit on tech and land mass.

Always give in to the AI demands, offer small gifts from time to time, and never demand that they leave your land. Again, it takes a certain personality to maintain the peace. Aim for a spaceship or a United Nations victory.