How does AI get 100+ structures?

[TheNeckerCube]

End game stats show AI having 109 stuctures vs. my 24, I have a public screenshot posted on my profile.

The other AI have 50+, and the most the UN Land Claims used by AI was 3.

Is this a bug? I did notice that some of the AI has way more structures than I do.

I should add that the game was FFA 1P v 3AI, I went Robotic, so I lasted down to 1v1AI. However when comparing myself to the other Robotic, the AI got 109 structures?!

Here is the link to my screenshot: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=680583275

[SilvermistInc]

Most likely a bug.

[cojicoji]

Total.
Include - Changing the structures.

[Mistfox]

So basically the AI keeps changing the structure type on the tile.
Wonder why?

[TheNeckerCube]

Originally posted by Mistfox:

So basically the AI keeps changing the structure type on the tile.
Wonder why?

I actually noticed that, but did not consider it much until now. Thanks for reminding me.

The AI in my game I noticed on several accounts completely switched up their production.

They also owned that one patent, Nanotechnology.

I'm trying to imagine how I could adapt so fast to the market ... I tried to do it in the game mentioned, I was Robotics, had like three Iron mines but scrapped all of them ...

The AI did however acquire other players through buyouts. Perhaps we just need some insight into the report?

I think it might be taking into consideration the structures owned after buying someone out?

[Namekujisennin]

Originally posted by Mistfox:

So basically the AI keeps changing the structure type on the tile.
Wonder why?

Because that's how you win the game ;)
Destroy, get some of the ressource backs, rebuild for a low cost (ideally) to produce new ressources that you sell at a high price, thus making a profit compared to sticking with your previous low-value production. The Manager AI is relentless on that front, I can't keep up with it :/

[TheNeckerCube]

Originally posted by Namekujisennin:

The Manager AI is relentless on that front, I can't keep up with it :/

I actually think that tactic only really works if you had the Nanotech patent. I definitely considered it, meaning I demolished several iron mines and replaced them with other factories and such but perhaps you're right.

I'll give it another go! Thanks!

[TheNeckerCube]

Yeah, structure count definitely is not considering subsidiaries because I just finished a game and Reni-6 got like 106 structures and didn't even acquire anyone.

[TheNeckerCube]

Anyone else with input?

[Costa]

That tactic is also better for the expansive faction since their buildings have a lower steel cost.

I do think its a good strategy even without Nanotech. You can use your production buildings (steel mills, glass kilns etc) to block off important high resource tiles early on. Then turn them into mines later on and put the production somewhere else.

Using your buildings in this way ensures you can block off key resources the opponent might otherwise snatch. Sometimes this means that these tiles are further away. For the expansive faction this is slightly less of a problem due to their faster ships. Also, researching teleportation solves this problem all together later on.

:)

Edit:

Another good stategy is too switch your iron and/or aluminium mines at the end of the game and possibly your steel mills. Usually at the end of the game the prices for these resources becomes very low and you may have a huge stockpile of those resources. By switching to something else you can use this stockpile and focus on more profitable endeavours.

[Joe Kaze]

Demolishing buildings and shifting your production is very important to winning the game. Remember that you don't need to produce everything you need - it is very possible to take advantage of buying low-cost resources from the market to produce high-cost products, then shift back to producing those resources when the value goes up.

The market is constantly shifting - take advantage of it.

[TheNeckerCube]

Originally posted by Costa:

:)

Edit:
Another good stategy is too switch your iron and/or aluminium mines at the end of the game and possibly your steel mills. Usually at the end of the game the prices for these resources becomes very low and you may have a huge stockpile of those resources. By switching to something else you can use this stockpile and focus on more profitable endeavours.

Yes, we are aware of the strategy, tactic, and benefit of repurposing Land Claims. But to do it as often as the Manager AI does it is ... another level. Perhaps I have not mastered the hotkeys yet, I mean the ones where you can select all of a particular building or resource.

But still, at that rate, there is no pausing to think things through.

And while I'm writing, the opening track just ended and all I hear is studio noise ... awkward.

[TheNeckerCube]

Originally posted by Kamakazie:

Demolishing buildings and shifting your production is very important to winning the game. Remember that you don't need to produce everything you need - it is very possible to take advantage of buying low-cost resources from the market to produce high-cost products, then shift back to producing those resources when the value goes up.

The market is constantly shifting - take advantage of it.

Again, I don't know another Human player who has breached or can breach 100+ structures. This is on the Manager AI Practice Game.

Do the math ...

The 24 structures I have at the end game includes switching out at least 5 Land Claims and repurposing ... by this time I'm already head to head with the last AI standing.

Here is the surprise ... I get to the statistics screen and discover the AI has 50-100 structures.

I've tried using all HQs.

Know that at 24 structures, I'd have to switch out a lot more Land Claims. Even if I switched out all 24 Land claims that would pale against the AI because I would be bought out long ago.

Also the structure stats isn't the only part the AI dominates ... they also own patents etc etc ... I use hotkeys when I can.

This would be RTS on a whole 'nother level.

[Blues]

I believe 60-70 structures is fairly typical for high-level multiplayer games. Moving in and out of markets as appropriate is certainly a very important part of the game, but the AI especially seems to do so in ways that aren't efficient. Basically, they'll overcommit to markets and have unsustainable production, which will force them to transition more than makes sense.

[Joe Kaze]

Originally posted by TheNeckerCube:

Originally posted by Kamakazie:

Demolishing buildings and shifting your production is very important to winning the game. Remember that you don't need to produce everything you need - it is very possible to take advantage of buying low-cost resources from the market to produce high-cost products, then shift back to producing those resources when the value goes up.

The market is constantly shifting - take advantage of it.

Again, I don't know another Human player who has breached or can breach 100+ structures. This is on the Manager AI Practice Game.

Do the math ...

The 24 structures I have at the end game includes switching out at least 5 Land Claims and repurposing ... by this time I'm already head to head with the last AI standing.

Here is the surprise ... I get to the statistics screen and discover the AI has 50-100 structures.

I've tried using all HQs.

Know that at 24 structures, I'd have to switch out a lot more Land Claims. Even if I switched out all 24 Land claims that would pale against the AI because I would be bought out long ago.

Also the structure stats isn't the only part the AI dominates ... they also own patents etc etc ... I use hotkeys when I can.

This would be RTS on a whole 'nother level.

Like Blues just said, 100+ isn't exactly smart play, but it's certainly doable by a normal human.

If you don't know how this is possible, review the replay of your game and set that AI as the active player. You'll be able to see what it did to get that number of structures built.

[TheNeckerCube]

Originally posted by Kamakazie:

Originally posted by TheNeckerCube:

If you don't know how this is possible, review the replay of your game and set that AI as the active player. You'll be able to see what it did to get that number of structures built.

Yes, I have watched the AI, I suggest you all do it too. THEN, tell me what you think.