Tutorial for Beginners Suggestions

[amateurgamer88]

Hi everyone! This is amateurgamer88. Near the start of this year, there were discussions about making tutorials videos for VP once it goes gold and I'm willing to take up the task. With the last couple of beta versions, we see fewer and fewer major changes so I decide to start now instead of waiting until we have an official gold version for VP. There should be enough aspects of the game that won't see drastic changes for this to be possible. Therefore, I can start making videos on certain topics to help those still new to the game get started.

The purpose of this thread is for people to make suggestions as what they want to see or, for the veterans, what they think would benefit beginners a lot. I'm sure beginners have a lot of questions too so I'd be interested in what sort of tutorials they want to watch. If certain topics seem very popular, I'll move that higher in my priorities when it comes to making videos. In addition, feel free to mention anything I missed in my videos so I can make another video to cover any missed important information. I will make a separate thread for the videos themselves in the Strategy Section.

Note that I'm still learning how to make decent videos so I apologize if the quality and content still have room to improve. Feel free to make suggestions below!

 

[Asterix Rage]

I believe most of new VP players come from Vanilla.
So, no need to explain what Civ5 is. Just focus on what are the changes.

Within the first 30 turns, there are already many things to say.

 

[InkAxis]

I think the main problems new people face:

1. Happiness
It seems everyone struggles with this for a while. It's also a major change from Vanilla. I still struggle with it sometimes with Progress.

2. Early Build Order
Pretty self explanatory. Explain the early strategies, Monument or Shrine, Stonehenge or Pyramids, when would you build a scout, buying or hard building workers. Also early tech order

3. Policy Trees
You could make a video going over each ancient policy tree, either one general video or a video for each. It's kinda similar to BNW except they are now actually balanced.

Those are some that I could think of. I definitely think this is a good idea.

 

[amateurgamer88]

I think the main problems new people face:

1. Happiness
It seems everyone struggles with this for a while. It's also a major change from Vanilla. I still struggle with it sometimes with Progress.

2. Early Build Order
Pretty self explanatory. Explain the early strategies, Monument or Shrine, Stonehenge or Pyramids, when would you build a scout, buying or hard building workers. Also early tech order

3. Policy Trees
You could make a video going over each ancient policy tree, either one general video or a video for each. It's kinda similar to BNW except they are now actually balanced.

Those are some that I could think of. I definitely think this is a good idea.

Thanks for the feedback!

Happiness will be a bit challenging because I don't fully understand the workings behind it like how the numbers exactly work and stuff. I guess I can just point out the tools players have to fight unhappiness and certain useful UI information available to let players figure out the best way to solve unhappiness.

Early build order and early tech order are tricky because it differs with civilization and your starting location factors like monopoly resources. There's also pantheon that comes into play. Maybe I'll do more advanced ones once I get the basics out of the way.

For policy trees, I can probably do a general video for Ancient Era policy trees, Medieval Era policy trees, etc before discussing each one with a bit more detail. I don't know if I should cover ideologies individually as well but one general video on the topic can probably work.

A few other problems might involve religion. Things like Pantheons, Founder, Followers, Enhancers and Reformation. That can take a couple of videos to cover. Then, we can have some early building and units discussions. Talking about early Wonders can be a video in itself. There's also resources and monopolies. Corporations can be discussed if people want me to cover the late game. There's the World Congress stuff. Maybe I can even talk about the various civilization if people are interested.

 

[InkAxis]

Perhaps if any of the "experts" who know the game well (strategy wise) they could help you. If you make a quick "script" before you record the video about what you're going to talk about, and then show it for people to review. You don't have to, just a suggestion if you're interested. But you'd have to find someone who's good at strategy to peer-review. But I don't know if anyone would be willing to do that. Your choice.

 

[azum4roll]

I prefer reading a screenshot playthrough than watching a video. This series of imgur albums was enough to bring me to try VP the first time.

 

[tu_79]

I prefer reading a screenshot playthrough than watching a video. This series of imgur albums was enough to bring me to try VP the first time.

Me too. As a non native, I find it easier to read than to listen to English.

The very first tutorial should be about setting up a game. From installing to getting to turn 0.
I mean, where to find the files, which version to install (EUI, only CP, 42 civs?), how to create a new game by the mod menu or by a modpack, what civs to pick, difficulties, game speed, and maps. Of course, I'd love to hear about Communitu_79a.

You'd be surprised at how many people get stuck trying to launch a game and trying in different languages (remark that they must use the English version).

 

[amateurgamer88]

I prefer reading a screenshot playthrough than watching a video. This series of imgur albums was enough to bring me to try VP the first time.

I think it's possible I can do both. It will take longer to get through the various topics but it should give people more options in how they want to learn.

Me too. As a non native, I find it easier to read than to listen to English.

The very first tutorial should be about setting up a game. From installing to getting to turn 0.
I mean, where to find the files, which version to install (EUI, only CP, 42 civs?), how to create a new game by the mod menu or by a modpack, what civs to pick, difficulties, game speed, and maps. Of course, I'd love to hear about Communitu_79a.

You'd be surprised at how many people get stuck trying to launch a game and trying in different languages (remark that they must use the English version).

I'm not too familiar with the different versions so I will likely need help with that. I will also need help of @vyyt regarding common problems people encounter with installing.

As for creating a new game and making modpacks, I can make videos/screenshot playthrough on those for sure. Regarding what civs to pick, difficulty, game speed and maps, a lot of those will be subjective. I guess picking some easier civs, a good starting difficulty and common maps used can be a good starting point. With game speed, I honestly think that's just depend on the taste of players, though I'll have to mention that the game is balanced around standard speed.

 

[CppMaster]

I think it's possible I can do both. It will take longer to get through the various topics but it should give people more options in how they want to learn.

Start with a screenshot playthrough. It's much less work to edit. Then, when it's polished, you can record a video without so many takes with every change

 

[amateurgamer88]

Start with a screenshot playthrough. It's much less work to edit. Then, when it's polished, you can record a video without so many takes with every change

That's my plan for now. I just have to figure out the different versions so I can start making it.

 

[tu_79]

I think it's possible I can do both. It will take longer to get through the various topics but it should give people more options in how they want to learn.



I'm not too familiar with the different versions so I will likely need help with that. I will also need help of @vyyt regarding common problems people encounter with installing.

As for creating a new game and making modpacks, I can make videos/screenshot playthrough on those for sure. Regarding what civs to pick, difficulty, game speed and maps, a lot of those will be subjective. I guess picking some easier civs, a good starting difficulty and common maps used can be a good starting point. With game speed, I honestly think that's just depend on the taste of players, though I'll have to mention that the game is balanced around standard speed.

Yes, a few examples will do.
Maybe pick a couple of civs that feel unique and a couple of non base game maps that are popular. Maybe even a few UI mods (I can't play without city view).
About game speed, you can explain that the slower the pace, the more chances for a warmonger to capitalize on a tech advantage. Effectively making the game easier. But everything else is balanced.

 

[amateurgamer88]

Yes, a few examples will do.
Maybe pick a couple of civs that feel unique and a couple of non base game maps that are popular. Maybe even a few UI mods (I can't play without city view).
About game speed, you can explain that the slower the pace, the more chances for a warmonger to capitalize on a tech advantage. Effectively making the game easier. But everything else is balanced.

Aren't there other things that aren't balanced either like the influence you get from Statecraft policy from TR? I recall there were certain values that stay the same on slower speeds which makes it unbalanced. I also vaguely recall a promotion that gives X yields on standard doesn't give X/3 yields on Marathon.

 

[Cokolwiek]

@Milae had already made an excellent guide. It is mostly oriented around hint for better competitive play on higher difficulties, as he is an excellent deity player, and had more focus on early game choices than explanation of any new mechanic, but can be very useful. It wasn't for me though, but new players who wish to better they early decision-making or start playing higher difficulties should consider watching it. It's not concise, but it's quite exhaustive. The link is here, there are two parts.

 

[azum4roll]

New players aren't supposed to learn about optimal decision making though. They just need to know how the game works.

 

[Cokolwiek]

New players aren't supposed to learn about optimal decision making though. They just need to know how the game works.

You're right. However I fell many of them are experienced high level difficulty players from vanilla. I was one of them, and didn't looked up guide to VP, but went straight for a deity playthrough. I would love it if I watched it before delving into VP. It analyzes early policies, and this is the most important difference from vanilla deity. This is what I was searching for when during my first game of VP. New techs or new resources, are kind of self-explanatory. Policies are what requires a guide the most. I think it should be linked as a more advanced guide along with the basic ones.

 

[Milae]

@Milae had already made an excellent guide.

Appreciate it man, you just reminded me I actually recorded a part 3 as well!

I actually rewatched some of my guide and yea it probably mentions a lot more than is necessary for a new player as I tried to put in everything I could think of and man it is quite slow and boring lol. So I definitely think a guide for new players would be good!
I can't really remember what Vanilla was like so it's a little hard to think of what a transitioning player would need to know. However I guess the most important basic things imo would be:
1. Play to your Civs strengths - Balance isn't perfect obviously but playing to your Civs unique strength is generally going to be a good way to play (and also more enjoyable/interesting than just following the same formula for every Civ)
2. Policies - As mentioned before Policies are hugely important to the game and very different from Vanilla so definitely worth covering in detail which I tried to do.
3. City placement - Perhaps this is slightly more advanced but I think placing your cities where you can actually defend them is one of the most important parts of succeeding in this Mod. From what I know AIs can be quite aggressive on all difficulties so this applies for new players as well and will make a players life much easier if they can do this. (I spoke about this in part 3 of mine)
(4.) Religion - This almost certainly is too advanced for beginners but religion is much more important than vanilla and I think to get the most out of Vox Populi it's useful to know some of the mechanics/playstyles that religious beliefs can offer. I also planned to do a guide on religions but not sure when I will be bothered to make that honestly.

One other thing that I think people have mentioned that could be touched on is setting up your game. A lot of new options are available and it also makes a big difference what map/size/difficulty/speed you play on.

I got no problems with you taking stuff/ideas from my vids if it helps btw man, good luck!

 

[amateurgamer88]

Appreciate it man, you just reminded me I actually recorded a part 3 as well!

I actually rewatched some of my guide and yea it probably mentions a lot more than is necessary for a new player as I tried to put in everything I could think of and man it is quite slow and boring lol. So I definitely think a guide for new players would be good!
I can't really remember what Vanilla was like so it's a little hard to think of what a transitioning player would need to know. However I guess the most important basic things imo would be:
1. Play to your Civs strengths - Balance isn't perfect obviously but playing to your Civs unique strength is generally going to be a good way to play (and also more enjoyable/interesting than just following the same formula for every Civ)
2. Policies - As mentioned before Policies are hugely important to the game and very different from Vanilla so definitely worth covering in detail which I tried to do.
3. City placement - Perhaps this is slightly more advanced but I think placing your cities where you can actually defend them is one of the most important parts of succeeding in this Mod. From what I know AIs can be quite aggressive on all difficulties so this applies for new players as well and will make a players life much easier if they can do this. (I spoke about this in part 3 of mine)
(4.) Religion - This almost certainly is too advanced for beginners but religion is much more important than vanilla and I think to get the most out of Vox Populi it's useful to know some of the mechanics/playstyles that religious beliefs can offer. I also planned to do a guide on religions but not sure when I will be bothered to make that honestly.

One other thing that I think people have mentioned that could be touched on is setting up your game. A lot of new options are available and it also makes a big difference what map/size/difficulty/speed you play on.

I got no problems with you taking stuff/ideas from my vids if it helps btw man, good luck!

I know that feeling of jamming a lot into a video because things keep coming to mind as the video goes. That's why I want a set length so that it's in more manageable chunks and I can avoid going on tangent. To be honest, I don't remember Vanilla well enough either but hopefully the wikis are accurate and there are a few threads that can help here.

1. is a bit tough to tackle since it's a very vague concept that applies to Vanilla as well, though some civs are naturally better than others by a longshot as opposed to more balance here on VP. For 2, I do plan on tackling each policy tree, at least the ancient era ones initially, to help give new players a better idea of how they want to approach their games. City placement is certainly more advanced but I will cover it eventually. It's very important for sure and cannot be neglected. As for religion, I'll be covering the basics like Pantheons and basic strategies to finding religions. Founders, Followers, Enhancers and Reformation will come later in details, especially when they are still prone to change atm.

I have included setting up a game as one of my topics. I also use really advanced setup so that certainly adds a lot of options. I honestly don't know how I'll tackle all this but I'll find a way.

Thanks for offering your ideas from your vids! If you have other suggestions, I certain would love to hear them!

 

[Drakle]

It might be a good idea to make some short videos of different aspects. I'm not sure about everybody else, but I really don't want to watch 40 to an hour+ videos, particularly when it is only a small topic I'm looking for. Often I start playing a new game and want to look at something in particular once I stumble upon it or something mentioning it. Most new strategy games I go off, AARs where I can read instead, or those who have made shorter snappier videos. Not someone rambling for an hour before they even start the game.

So, for example, a video could cover big changes from Basic Civ5 like for example

National Wonders no longer being major roadblocks to wide/late expanding play, and only require the base building in the city, and a national population. Then a quick explanation of key National wonders, and UW, and how they impact on strategy.

Anti wonder whoring mechanics, and key balancing.

Founding religions nearly all being Pantheon dependent (unlike base Civ5 where most Pantheons don't mean anything in terms of founding). Quickly cover major faith strategies (like Shrine first), and how to identify the right pantheon depending on starts.

Religious beliefs actually having a diversity of options, instead of just picking the same few beliefs, like in normal Civ5.

Reformation Beliefs being unlocked by global religion population, not a specific policy belief.

Great Persons. The new Great Diplomats, how the non-culture GP don't sabotage each other, their uses scale upon birth so hoarding them in more niche, and their key uses.

New movement rules. Civilian units can stack, artillery doesn't need to set up and instead has reduced enemy movement, naval units can cross the ocean that is in sight (making sight upgrades for naval units valuable), etc

Promotion Lines that make sense. Units no longer upgrade from ranged to melee or vice versa, such as some Civilisations UU. Key powerful later promotions and their niches, like Blitz, Ranged, Parthian tactics, etc.

Victory Conditions. Most fairly similar, but some big differences.

Major key mods, like 3rd and 4 UC mod, which is nearly essential.

Specific Civ videos, and their uses. Like where the Civ is aimed in terms of game style, and strategies to take advantage of power spikes or get the most out of them.

 

[amateurgamer88]

It might be a good idea to make some short videos of different aspects. I'm not sure about everybody else, but I really don't want to watch 40 to an hour+ videos, particularly when it is only a small topic I'm looking for. Often I start playing a new game and want to look at something in particular once I stumble upon it or something mentioning it. Most new strategy games I go off, AARs where I can read instead, or those who have made shorter snappier videos. Not someone rambling for an hour before they even start the game.

So, for example, a video could cover big changes from Basic Civ5 like for example

National Wonders no longer being major roadblocks to wide/late expanding play, and only require the base building in the city, and a national population. Then a quick explanation of key National wonders, and UW, and how they impact on strategy.

Anti wonder whoring mechanics, and key balancing.

Founding religions nearly all being Pantheon dependent (unlike base Civ5 where most Pantheons don't mean anything in terms of founding). Quickly cover major faith strategies (like Shrine first), and how to identify the right pantheon depending on starts.

Religious beliefs actually having a diversity of options, instead of just picking the same few beliefs, like in normal Civ5.

Reformation Beliefs being unlocked by global religion population, not a specific policy belief.

Great Persons. The new Great Diplomats, how the non-culture GP don't sabotage each other, their uses scale upon birth so hoarding them in more niche, and their key uses.

New movement rules. Civilian units can stack, artillery doesn't need to set up and instead has reduced enemy movement, naval units can cross the ocean that is in sight (making sight upgrades for naval units valuable), etc

Promotion Lines that make sense. Units no longer upgrade from ranged to melee or vice versa, such as some Civilisations UU. Key powerful later promotions and their niches, like Blitz, Ranged, Parthian tactics, etc.

Victory Conditions. Most fairly similar, but some big differences.

Major key mods, like 3rd and 4 UC mod, which is nearly essential.

Specific Civ videos, and their uses. Like where the Civ is aimed in terms of game style, and strategies to take advantage of power spikes or get the most out of them.

I do plan on making 10 to 15 min videos if even that. It will depend on the topic. I am going to make a general overview as to why people should get VP. That will be interesting to organize because I don't want to cover all the major changes as there are lots of them when you do compare the two.

National Wonders might be more advanced as I want to cover the basics first. I will eventually cover it. This also applies to the wonderwhoring mechanics as it will come later. As for key balancing, it's still an ongoing thing so I'll put this off to later. Pantheons will be covered for certain with some early strategies to securing religions. Religion is a huge topic that will require lots of videos to cover for sure or, if I go more general, it can be shorter. Great Person will be covered later since, except for very specific builds, you get them around mid game or late early game. I'm trying to keep it somewhat chronological regarding what the tutorials cover. Movement rules and unit changes along with promotions will be more advanced. Just looking at these topics make me think realize how much ground I have to cover.

I don't see 3rd and 4th UC being essential. It makes the game more fun but its balance can be horrid at time. I'm not blaming the modders because balancing that many civs with their own UU, UB and UI is a nightmare in itself and I don't envy their position. It also doesn't help that certain civ seemed off limits to changes which make balancing even tougher. With individual civ, that's a series in itself. I'll see if I ever get to that.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Asterix Rage]

I don't see 3rd and 4th UC being essential. It makes the game more fun but its balance can be horrid at time. I'm not blaming the modders because balancing that many civs with their own UU, UB and UI is a nightmare in itself and I don't envy their position. It also doesn't help that certain civ seemed off limits to changes which make balancing even tougher. With individual civ, that's a series in itself. I'll see if I ever get to that.

Agree

@Drakle
4 UC mod is a great modmod but the goal of a VP tutorial is to help many vanilla players to play a mod for the first time maybe.
Keep simple. Keep in mind that VP looks like complicated to install and play for many civ5 players.
Also I'm conviced that a lot of players don't even know civfanatics! All of them know Youtube...