monarch help

[JCC]

Can anyone help me out on monarch level ?

I've been beating prince level a couple of times and decided to move it up a notch. However, i'm having some trouble tweaking my tactics and always face the same situation :

- Tiny map, 4 civs
- I usually play inca's
- I start with worker, worker, 4 * settler trying to cut off resurces from my opponents.
- next to the usual (the wheel, connecting my economy and resources) i go for code of laws to compensate for my quick rush
- first two cities are usualy production cities with primarily units and sometimes wonders.
- I play moderately peacefull. Defend as much as possible and always build an attacking army to take out a weaker neighbour
- emphesis on trade, though not to much of zourse. Balanced but with focus on trade

From there i've tried many tactics, but the end result is alway this : Computer has more power and importantly a more modern civ / army than i have with the same or often even less cities. Help !

 

[Izipo]

I've been beating prince level a couple of times and decided to move it up a notch. However, i'm having some trouble tweaking my tactics and always face the same situation :

Why don't you change the game settings ?
ever tried standard continents with 7-8 AIs epic speed ?
Plus, you choose Inca most of the time and don't rush early ? Maybe instead of building settlers, you should just build 2 cities and grab the AI cities ? Keep the capital, raze the rest... conquer one neighbor (two if you're good and/or lucky), stop at 6 cities and then grab CoL, courthouses and all that jazz.
When your science slider is at 60/70% : time to expand (either by force or by landgrab if land is still available).

I usually lose at monarch, so I'm not the one to give the best advice.
Have fun.

 

[madscientist]

Tiny maps I guess I would suggest building alot of Quencha early, smash a few close opponents early, then tech away. Similar to Izipos advice. Think of it this way before you could and tech peacefully. Now other leader just do not see the light so you bash them and subjegate them quickly, then have peace for several millenium.

 

[JCC]

ok i get the picture : bash more on tiny maps...

 

[futurehermit]

Incas have the quechua as their unique unit. On tiny maps, your opponents are going to be CLOSE.

2 + 2 = ?

Start with quechuas, NOT workers. Sack the first enemy capital with 6-9 quechuas asap (hopefully not protective or creative). Send workers back to develop your capital. If you have time (they don't have copper or horses hooked up yet--scout them early!) and another close neighbour, then take another capital. If they have copper/horses hooked up then go for an axe/spear rush to take out your second opponent.

Once there is only 1 opponent left, the game should be a cake-walk and you will change your leader and/or settings.

 

[Molon Labe]

I kind of know what you're going through. I'm winning pretty handily on Prince nowadays, even trying leaders and traits I've never played with. My monarch games are a bit more hit and miss.

I would suggest changing your settings to more of a default setup. However, if that is the type of map and opponents that you enjoy playing, by all means, play the game how you like.

With Incas, or any civ that has an early UU, you would be crazy not to use it. You've gotten good advice here about taking out the neighbours early. You should be able to get at least one enemy capital, and probably wipe out a neighbouring civ with the quechas. If you're lucky you might be able to get two capitals, but definitely one on monarch level is feasible.

What I've noticed on Monarch is a greater need to emphasise some dominance early on because the AI just grows like crazy. They have advantages over you, and the only way to level the playing field is to keep pressure on them. They will also out tech you, so you have to be smart about what you research and how you trade.

Unfortunately this means that you have to be aggressive, diplomatic and teching at the same time. I've found the step between Prince and Monarch to be a pretty big one, but I have also found that keeping the closest AI stunted while using others to benefit my research and diplomacy is the key in all the games that I've won.

 

[JCC]

Ok. I get the picture. Taking out my enemies more and earlier.