War in Multiplayer

[Chibi88]

So most of the games can only be won because of war. They won't let you go for a science victory or any other victory.
I'm just wondering. What do you guys do? How important is "science" to a certain point of the game? What is better? Build a National College and go for cannons, crossbowman etc? Or do you go straight to these kind of units?

 

[Adenru]

There isn't a single thing in civ which cannot be used for war.

 

[BuilderFTW]

Despite most games ending in war, technology is pretty important. Hitting technological thresholds give you pretty substantial advantages. I would recommend going to education before getting cannons. For crossbowmen its a bit trickier depending on your neighbors.

 

[CraigMak]

Yes, most multiplayer games end in a domination victory because one player has a military advantage and uses it. This does not mean that science isn't important. Science is extremely important to getting to the higher tech units first.

If you can hit a key tech such as xbows or artillery 15 - 20 turns before your opponent, you can consider them dead.

If you have a peaceful neighbor you can go for education before xbows. If you have aggressive neighbors or just don't know much about your neighbors at all, you should beeline for xbows so that you don't get caught with your pants down.

Composite rushes are also very good but I don't like getting into a war before my NC is up and running. You can fall behind real bad if you do.

If all the players are good and can't kill one another then other victory types are quite possible. The thing is that it's easy for 1 player to gain an advantage and start winning over others. Only very even matches turn out to be some other victory type. You must be able to defend yourself at all times regardless of the victory condition that you want to pursue.

If at any time you get caught lagging behind in tech or soldier count some one may take advantage of that weakness and roll you over.

 

[reddishrecue]

If you're at war make military. If you're trading, make resources. .. science improves all things overall.

 

[Godspark]

In my opinion, science is extremely important, and also what I would call the 'safe' choice.

Going for a diplomatic or tourism victory is not impossible, but requires more skill and planning.
Science is always good, not just for the space race, but because it also gives you a stronger military: Science -> Better units -> Winning wars.

I usually think: Get as much science as you can, and only take as much military techs/units as you need to defend/attack what you want.