technology question

[skisphereo]

when you guys play, especially earlier in the game, do you go straight for one technology, like monarchy? or do you more of spread the tech out? thanks

 

[Buecephalus]

For me, it depends on the situation. If I get an archipelago world or start on an island I'll go for map making asap, to be able to expand when I've used up all my starting space. Most of the time my first goal is iron working and then the wheel. Getting those resources on the map (iron, horses) gives me an idea of how I want to expand and in what direction. But long term in the Ancient Era I go for republic, it gets my economy, tech moving at a fast clip. Now when I decide to play a conquest game I go for iron working and then straight at monarchy, not forgetting warrior code on the way because archers can be very effective offensive units early.
I'm sure others will chime in on this but that's my research path.


"do or do not, there is no try."

 

[BillChin]

I play on Emperor difficulty, but have read some of the comments for lower levels. Literature and the Great Library is worth rushing towards on Regent level or Monarch. On higher levels, wonders can not be built. Monarchy is a half-baked government and not worth the effort. With a well built empire, Republic is superior. On Emperor or Diety, horses are the key early resource, so the Wheel is the first tech to get in order to be able to claim a horse icon.

Some people play with 0% research or 10% research (especially after getting Great Library) and buy all their tech or get it through the Great Library. This is only for Monarch and above as the computer researches too slowly on the lower levels.

To sum it up on higher difficulty levels (Emperor and Diety): get the Wheel then Iron Working and Mathematics. On middle difficulties (Regent Monarch) rushing for Literature and the Great Library is a good plan. On lower levels, you can do whatever, but build well and aim for Republic and gain enormous leverage over your less advanced opponents.