New-ish player looking for hints

[liquid150]

I've played Civ4 for a while, but I'm new to the forum and not as experienced as many of you.

Regardless of how I got to where I am now, I have a decision to make. I am putting some of the strategies into practice that I've read about here, and I am looking for a little hint. I was able to knock my only neighbor out of the game early, and it looks like I'm on a continent all to myself for now. I also was able to finish the Oracle first with some chop rush tactics. Right now I'm around 2350 BC on Noble.

However, I'm not sure what technology to pick as my free technology. Some of the choices, like Iron Smithing (or whatever it's called) and Monarchy are pretty high in the department. However, I need things like Animal Husbandry and Masonry to get where I'd like to be even though they are cheap in the department, comparatively.

Any hints? Oh, I'm Huayna Capac and I've killed Peter already. I'm comparatively new to the forum so I am not quite sure how to attach a file, yet. I just tried to get into my saves folder and it told me I don't have permission, and I don't have time to do it right now (sorry).

Hopefully a little simple advice as to whether to go for the big cost ones free, or to take something that I'll use right now. I have pigs right next to me for Animal Husbandry, and I would like to get the Pyramids if possible (the capital has a bunch of woods to chop nearby) so I can run Representation early.

 

[Cam_H]

I hate to say it, but without a saved game to look at, it's hard to give you a convincing direction on the best technology for you right now (Code of Laws is one that rarely is a bad choice however, and more so if you're intending to run a Pyramids-Representation oriented game).

If you think that you're now isolated, then I'd point you to You , Yourself and your shadow : Some lessons on isolated starts by r_rolo1.

 

[Gwaja]

I don't think you are restricted from being able to post saves and screen shots. I did it on my first post in this forum fairly recently. It really helps to point out things because every game is different. For example, none of us know what kind of techs you have researched so far, as well as the layout of the land and your cities and such.

On Noble, I believe that it is not always best to get the Oracle as early as possible. Sometimes it pays off to delay it a bit. I believe that Civil Service sling shot via Oracle is still doable.

By the way, why do you not have an early worker tech like Animal Husbandry? It is best not to delay those. I hope you don't have a lot of unimproved tiles that could have been improved.

 

[VoiceOfUnreason]

However, I'm not sure what technology to pick as my free technology. Some of the choices, like Iron Smithing (or whatever it's called) and Monarchy are pretty high in the department. However, I need things like Animal Husbandry and Masonry to get where I'd like to be even though they are cheap in the department, comparatively.

Any hints?

You have the wrong problem.

OK, so first of all, the answer to the question you are almost asking is that you will almost always take an expensive technology, and research the cheap ones for yourself. It's almost never critical to get Animal Husbandry or Masonry on the turn when you finish the Oracle - either you needed it long ago, or you can afford to wait 5 more turns to research it by hand.

But that's a minor thing. The bigger problem is this: you constructed the Oracle without knowing what you wanted if you completed it. In other words, you didn't have a plan when you built the Oracle (and probably not when you researched to Priesthood).

Failing to plan is a significant handicap in a strategy game.

What good players will do is figure out early on what technology they want from the Oracle (Code of Laws and Metal Casting are two popular choices), and then they will make sure that they research any pre-requisite technologies before the Oracle is finished.

On an unrelated note: if you have pigs in your capital, you should discover Animal Husbandry long before you discover Priesthood.

 

[Cam_H]

(I just want to say that was an excellent post VoU. )

 

[liquid150]

Thank you very much for the constructive criticism. I will try to think ahead a little better. I am still somewhat new to actually paying attention to what I'm doing and planning strategy in this game, rather than flying by the seat of my pants.

 

[Anomander Rake]

There is a Series called "The Nobles Club" which are games aimed at Noble lvl players who want to improve - you could take a look at them. Look at the Nobles Club Bullpen for a list.

I find that actually taking a few secs to write down what I did/am thinking and also taking screen-shots helps me play and plan ahead a bit more.

Edit: here is the link to the Bullpen http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=374632

 

[liquid150]

A little update, just for kicks. I've found the continent where everybody else happens to be, and interestingly enough a third continent with a small barbarian "civ" on it. I am thoroughly crushing all the other civs in points, tech, map controlled, and economy. I'm pretty happy thus far. I might throw together a mass invasion at some point, but I doubt it will be necessary.

I realize this is just noble, but it's a great accomplishment for me.

 

[Cam_H]

I realize this is just noble, but it's a great accomplishment for me.

No need to be self-deprecating ... a win is a win ... assuming that you actually go on to win!

 

[Mec AntiKythera]

Don't count your legendary cities before they hatch?
Don't count your spaceships before they launch?

Good to hear you are having fun, now post some screenies so we can too!