Tips for Newbie: Advancing to Warlord

[cgannon64]

Well, I'm moving up, graduating from Chieftan (don't laugh). I could use some tips, because I don't want to be trashed on my first game on a higher level. I've done well on Chieftan, only lost one game (Diplo...grumblegrumblegrumble)...what will the AI throw at me?

Thanks in advance!

 

[BCLG100]

it isnt really that much difference just that the AI build more militry and gets tech a bit quicker all you have to do is make sure you have a reasonable sized militry force and not be too far behind in tech.

check out the war academy for more details

 

[Alec006]

yeah. I suggest starting on a tiny map (i tend to chose contentents, but thats just me)
Expand REALLY quick, and hopefully ship some settlers to enemy continents
Build the great library and pyramids. Once you get the GL, turn off science until it goes out, so you'll have tons of money and still be advanced in tech. (and when you get a new one, sell it to anyone who doesnt have it, even thought that's like 1 guy on small)

 

[Hawkster]

my advice

1.have a plan - decide what victory you want to go for and work towards it - also choose your civ on the basis of what victory you are aiming for.

2.not sure about the tiny map I always use a standard - more room to expand

3.have a strong millitary - the AI is more likely to attack on wwarlord -

4.tech trading is necessary to keep up - trade often

5.close build of cities (see war academy) works well - gives you an early boost

6.dont believe what some people say - that you need to have an early war - you can win peacefully if you want to.


7.keep you citizens happy - luxury resources help a lot!

Hope these help - maybe post more if I get chance.

 

[fidelcastro]

If you were pretty good at chieftain, I would consider to already try regent. I did so and I don't regret it. Maybe just try a game on regent, and then decide.

 

[Maple]

Originally posted by fidelcastro
If you were pretty good at chieftain, I would consider to already try regent. I did so and I don't regret it. Maybe just try a game on regent, and then decide.

That's what I did. I only played one warlord game, and then started to play regent as the persians. The AI is a bit more intelligent, has more troops, and expands a bit faster. Along with the science and unit support bonuses, those are really the only differences between the difficulty settings.

 

[bobgote]

play at least one warlord game, otherwise regent may be a shock. i've heard many posts along those lines. I found my difficulty in going from warlord to regent. You have to have more emphasis on military. trade techs to keep up with the AI. just give it a go and if you have any problems, post back here.

 

[BCLG100]

or altenitavely try the GOTM i normally played on warlord but this GOTM is on emporer im not doing very well but im learning a lot

and not dead yet

 

[dojoboy]

Originally posted by cgannon64
Well, I'm moving up, graduating from Chieftan (don't laugh). I could use some tips, because I don't want to be trashed on my first game on a higher level. I've done well on Chieftan, only lost one game (Diplo...grumblegrumblegrumble)...what will the AI throw at me?

These guys are right --- the AI is not going to do much different, you're advantages are less than on chieftain. Be aware, that as you move up difficulty levels, how you "war" is very important.

Even though a civ is "stronger" than you in units, effective warring is important. Keep in mind workers count in calculating troop strength, until the next patch. Another civ may just have more workers, scouts, artillery, etc. than you. You may have more offensive units which is better.

If you are truly "weaker" than a rival civ, put together a stack of mostly offensive units w/ a couple defensive units. Keep them poised near the said civ's nearest city. When war is declared, if you can quickly take 1-2 cities, maybe raze another, the rival civ will sue for peace or you can. Again, he may be stronger, but he doesn't like losing cities. A protracted war might do you in early on. If you effectively whittle down the bully w/ war and diplomacy, you'll eventually be his master.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[bobgote]

The taking of cities quickly (as mentioned above) Is a great way to keep peace going. Once you take a city, the opposing civ will generally take a peace treaty with you ASAP, which is very handy if your outgunned.

 

[cgannon64]

Thanks. I made a small white lie here---I tried a Warlord game already, just to get a feel, and I got trashed in the tech race. This time I'll try your advice---I'm going to beeline for Great Library and build up an absurd amount of cash. I've got expansion down, pretty much, because in a Cheiftain game I'm doing now (hopefully my last) I't outnumbering the largest AI by about 10-12 cities. This should come out to about even on Warlord, right?

Oh, and thanks for all the tips. I thought no one would listen!

 

[bobgote]

Originally posted by cgannon64
Oh, and thanks for all the tips. I thought no one would listen!

We always try to help the newbies. If I see a newbie thread with no replies, I always answer it.

 

[BCLG100]

yeh me too there the threads i normally answer

 

[Arathorn]

One thing nobody has mentioned so far is the importance of workers and developed land. Your goal should be to never have a city's citizen working an undeveloped square (except maybe a little bit VERY early in the game). That means a lot of workers who are reasonably well coordinated. Good worker usage can easily vault a person two difficulty levels.

Second point is the earliest builds. My recommended start for the capital (while researching Pottery at 100%):
- warrior (unless you have scouts)
- repeat
- granary
- settler

And now you're ready to really look around more and have an idea of the direction you want to take.

Arathorn

 

[bobgote]

What i do now (up to monarch level) is that the first thing i build in a new city (one that i build, not capture, or my capital) is a worker. It has to fulfill a criteria, but yeah. It means i get better production and growth, faster. I don't know if it'll make much difference in warlord tho.