Summer 2017 Patch - Deity SP - is Archer Rush still optimal?

[MIS]

Summer 2017 Patch - Deity SP - is Archer Rush still optimal?

Interested in everyone's opinion, now they are more expensive.

If you don't think it's still optimal, what would be?

 

[martyb36]

I think it's still optimal. Just have to watch your gold, which might slow the rush down a few turns. Which then means walls may be in some other cities. May get 1 less city out of it than you would normally.
Only messed about with a few different starts but it still seems the best way forward on deity, just a little bit less effective than it was.

 

[Japper007]

The upgrade to Archer has become more expensive, so getting all your archers upgraded in a timely fashion is going to be an issue.

AI also seems to be slightly better at combat and defense in this patch, while I was Archer-rushing Saladin he started building walls and encampments everywhere while cash-rushing Spears and Archers and garrasoning those. This might just've been coincidence giving the illusion of intelligence though... I've also seen a lot more Slingers tag along with the AI's early rushes. Looks like the AI finally discovered the power of Ranged units this patch!

That all being said, it's still possible to nab capitals, expands and settlers of off the AI, which is still far better than building. My last "rush" attempt left me with 7 cities at turn 52, that'd be impossible to do with just self-founding, it remains by far the best RoI in the game.