My current strategy

[CKS]

In Conquests, it is easier to set up to get the Republic free (by reaching philosophy first) than it is to set up to get monarchy free. The slingshot makes the Republic come much earlier than Monarchy. While you are not guaranteed to get it, and your chances depend on your tribe and those you are playing against as well as the terrain, your chances are reasonable at emperor and below.

 

[vmxa]

Regardless of the number of techs, you go for the one that is best for the game you are playing. If lots of wars, Monarchy is a priority. Otherwise get to Republic as quick as you can.

 

[Nergal]

Yes, sort of. Its very unlikely to pop techs from goody huts at Monarch level or higher, I dont even have barbs on because it aids the AI more than me. Its also a shorter route to Republic if you use Philosophy; Alphabet Writing Code of Laws then Philosophy and take Republic as a freebie. It makes sense because Rep is the most expensive tech. It is possible to take Monarchy with Philosophy but that means researching Alphabget Writing and also Ceremonial, Mysticism and Poly etc. Its a lot more techs in real terms. I have managed it a Regent level but its way harder at Monarch or higher.

 

[PaperBeetle]

I've never really tried to slingshot Monarchy, because I don't play always war, so Republic is usually better. But the distance should be about the same as Republic? Trade Alphabet as soon as possible, to get the curraghs out and meeting new people, then trade Writing at some point before you get Poly, and finally research Philo. i.e 1 tech at each of the first 3 tiers, followed by Philosophy.

 

[Nergal]

The only problem is that the AI puts a pretty high value on Alphabet and doesnt research Writing as a priority so its usually a good one ot research and then trade after gettting Philosophy. Sometimes it worth taking a risk andgoing for Philosophy and Lit maybe and SGL and the GL.

 

[Ataxerxes]

Regarding Republic vs. Monarchy - I am a monarchy player. I have recently been making attempts with republic to see what the difference was and my major problem with republic is that it takes so much longer to get there. Monarch is a combined total of 11 tech levels deep (2-1st level techs, 1-2nd, 1-3rd, 1-4th). Republic is a total of 13 tech levels deep (1-1st, 1-2nd, 2-3rd, 1-4th). Because of this set up, you can reach Monarchy quicker - you are more likely to pop 2-3 of the required Monarchy techs from a GH even on a mediocre hunt. Am I wrong in this?

Unless you're playing at a high level, you can usually "slingshot" republic. Start or trade for Alphabet, go for writing with 10-20% research and then gun for Code of Laws and Philosophy. Take Republic with Philosophy. Although you can get to Monarchy faster, true. It's a question of how much the research advantage of republic is worth to you.

 

[death505]

thank you for the advice. im not good at the game so ill take any advice you got

 

[AutomatedTeller]

you can often slingshot monarchy, actually - ironically, it's probably easier on higher levels, where the AI will often research mysticism and polytheism for you.