Military Strength

[Captain Pugwash]

My normal instinct is to play a peaceful game so I decided to fight against it and play for a domination win as an experiment. I have eliminated 2 civs so far and am looking at who to declare war on next.

The domination victory status thing shows a number for "Military Strength" of opponents. Does anyone know how that is calculated because it seems odd to me. Scythia is on my continent and it says they have highest military strength ( I am 2nd). They have 5 cities; I have 10. I have 20 steps ahead of them on science so my units are all a lot more modern than theirs. I can see they have loads of horsemen (ancient era) but that's about all. I have cavalry and musketmen and bombards and stuff like that. I don't see how their "Military Strength" can be greater than mine.

How do you decide which opponent to war against next ? Do you use this Military Strength number and pick the one where you have a big advantage ? Or do you war against the strongest because the others are no threat ? What is your method ?

I would welcome advice if you play as warmonger more often than I do.

 

[Victoria]

Does anyone know how that is calculated because it seems odd to me.

The sum of the strength of all your units. So while 3 barbs do not equal 1 musketman in battle, they do on paper. Horsemen are 36 and if they have loads, that's probably your answer.

For next opponent advice... the time taken to move units is a big factor. I have bypassed a close enemy before because my army would have to double back while a further opponent may be on easy flat land with other opponents near them to follow up on. Speed is important or you can be out Tekked. You have 2 down so you may be now having more science than anyone else. In this case it is more about enjoyment so make sure war weariness is not going to be an issue and consider the flow of how you are going to take those civs and what you need to do so. Your hard work is probably over.

 

[stinkubus]

If Scythia has tons of units it could also be prudent to save them for last so you only have to get the capital. In general, however, if playing dom I almost always kill Scythia ASAP to avoid that sort of unit spam.

 

[Victoria]

if playing dom I almost always kill Scythia ASAP to avoid that sort of unit spam.

The spam can be both challenging and fun. Scythia can be a great ally and eventually out tech her and it's just sweeping the carpet. But yes, if she is next to you things can be tricky, I have even used a scout to keep her horses from being pastured so I can pasteurise her better.