What settings are you using? In my game I've seen Cruisers starting at around 2250, and that from a neighbour which was rated below average on the victory list. (no detail information, I don't bother with espionage). My settings are default for the most part, except difficulty (GA), crisis strength (x10) mid game start (2225), and end game start (2250).2380 on Commodore. No AI Battleships
I know what you mean. In such cases I try building dedicated mining / energy habitats. But that's only a very expensive crutch. And I'm not aware the AI is capable of doing this, even though it tends to build a lot more habitats than me...I do feel we at least need dedicated buildings for increasing Mineral/Energy production
Commodore difficulty; mostly stock settings except more Gateways/Wormholes/Primitives, Huge Galaxy (so plenty of real-estate). Pushed mid-game/end-game crisis out 50 years to see if some extra time would help the AI, and buffed to 5x crisis strength (I'm mediocre LOL).What settings are you using? In my game I've seen Cruisers starting at around 2250, and that from a neighbour which was rated below average on the victory list. (no detail information, I don't bother with espionage). My settings are default for the most part, except difficulty (GA), crisis strength (x10) mid game start (2225), and end game start (2250).
Which is a workaround, not a solution.I deliberately keep most settings at default because I found the AI to be performing worse at any other setting.
Did that last game; it works but relies on tech RNG. And most of us (including me) struggle with early game resource management and have to balance Habitat construction versus needs for fleet upgrades (especially once Battleships come up).I know what you mean. In such cases I try building dedicated mining / energy habitats. But that's only a very expensive crutch. And I'm not aware the AI is capable of doing this, even though it tends to build a lot more habitats than me...