Tips for a beginner

[StormRaiser]

I could use some tips on how not to suck at this ... I played the demo and got my a$$ handed to me.

[Gordon Freeman]

I don't know exactly. I'm new to this type of game, and done playing it for now after dealing with all the annoying GOTCHAS on the first campaign level...

But what I learned in my short time was:

* Fortified bases are really strong with their own units and no hero
* Splitting up units makes the morale system less effective, so just keep damage stacked.
* Try to one-shot enemies to avoid retaliation attacks, or do an initial attack with cheaper units OR create small disposable groups to waste enemy attacks/retaliations (I was just stacking regular hires and odd-ball slaves were all disposable)
* Abilities (Tech) like the turret drop and shield are stupidly powerful

[Gul Bjorn]

utilizing and heavily relying on your ranged units, especially early game is very important.

As you play, learn how each unit works. As you learn the units, never skip fighting ANYTHING (that you can kill without losing forces). That experience you get from each fight you could have just let them run away, is a lot of power you're missing.

Use multiple heroes. Having a hero running around being your spear tip is always important, but equally important, is having a hero close to your castle, going around and collecting free rewards from the every cycle type things. They will pay for themselves pretty quick.

Pay attention to the tools you have. Unit abilities/hero skills/ items and artifacts/ spells. If you go through a game and keep your hero at max energy "in case you need it later" you're maybe sacrificing small parts of your units every now and then due to not utilizing your tools. Nothing has value at all if it's never used.

use the market place. If you have a stockpile of a certain resource, sell it to ensure you're able to spend as much resources as possible.


I'm no pro, but I think these things might help you out a little if you aren't already doing them.

[StormRaiser]

Thanks

[RantJ]

the ability that gives more map movement is big.
Also the chess one is critical.
The negotiator is recommended
under Bio is a a glue grenade, slows the enemy so you can nuke them first
when the enemy moves, they mostly move max distance, you want them to move into your attack range so on your turn you get first strike.
You don't want to run up and give the enemy the first attack