Question about Diplomacy

[ZoSo]

Hi. I've never played AoE II before and I was wondering if is was possible to make allies (of former enemies or neutrals) during the course of a game; not just in pre-game set-up. Thanks in advance

[SickMic]

It is, press the laurel? or whatever it's called... Or at least it's the second to last button (the green thing), that's the diplomacy button.
There you can choose to go neutral/friendly/enemy.

Btw, in order to be able to do this you must not tick the 'lock teams' box.

[Cat]

You can but AI (computer players) don't really care to make friends or enemies, tend to stay what they are but for some events where they call you neutral and ask for the same or demand tribute to become allies.

In multiplayer games sure you can change it all you want, unless the game restricts you not to.(there is an option to lock diplomacy as it is at start)

[ZoSo]

What pre-game diplomacy settings do you recommend for a game with 7 AI opponents? I don't really like the idea of knowing who's going to be allies or enemies before a game begins. but at the same time, I don't want all 7 AIs to becomed allied with each other and all at war with me. I had one game were I made an alliance with one AI country that all 6 other AIs were enemies with. My ally was quickly wiped out; while the remaining 6 AIs ganged-up on me and did not fight each other at all.

[Cat]

There is a bit of an issue because if you try to put them all on separate teams they seem to ignore it and just gang up on the player (not all the time) I think you should try 2v2v2v2 or 1v2v2v3 to reduce this (have them as allies and enemies to some other AI at all times so they don't gang up but still not so many allies as to pose a threat. Lock teams too, really don't expect a nice diplomatic game with AI =) they are broken (always were)

[ZoSo]

Originally posted by Rainbow Cat:

There is a bit of an issue because if you try to put them all on separate teams they seem to ignore it and just gang up on the player (not all the time) I think you should try 2v2v2v2 or 1v2v2v3 to reduce this (have them as allies and enemies to some other AI at all times so they don't gang up but still not so many allies as to pose a threat. Lock teams too, really don't expect a nice diplomatic game with AI =) they are broken (always were)

Thanks. I'm going to try either a 2v2v2v2 or 1v2v2v3. Also: why do you suggest Locking teams? Thanks in advance

[Cat]

If you lock teams the AI should technically not alter their diplomacy (making the ganging up on you impossible) although they still do it in practise... I don't really understand this mechanics anymore but my bet is that 2v2v2v2 and lock teams might be the best chance you will get to get a fair game, at least saw such suggestion on another thread, how putting up AI against other AI as well instead of making it a clear FFA makes them fight each other as well as you rather than gang up.

Oh and also I suggest you try multiplayer, you can host a game, name it "Comp Stomp" and then set it as humans vs AI. I just found out today that by being the host I don't get lag (and neither do others) and it is much more fun and you can play around with diplomacy more with real players. The comp stomp games are fun to me since they remove the intimidation of playing against someone too good.

[ZoSo]

Does locking teams make new alliances impossible? I recently played a 2v2v2v2 game and it became 4v4. Would this have been impossible if I had locked teams? Thanks again

[Cat]

Originally posted by Blake Carrington:

Does locking teams make new alliances impossible? I recently played a 2v2v2v2 game and it became 4v4. Would this have been impossible if I had locked teams? Thanks again

Yes by locking teams you prevent new alliances as well as new enemies (can't declare war on your allies) also it prevents tributing or talking with your enemies. So yeah locking teams would have kept that as a 2v2v2v2 On a side note while setting up the game if you hold your mouse over the options they are explained.