planetary defenses

[Bozz 💀]

so a planet is a big thing, i think that it is logical that we should be able to use some tiles to build big weapons that could fire on objects that are in space, having a space port to protect a planete is not enough... i really don't understand why they did not think about this, plus it could add some mre strategy as we could make some planets real stronghold with ground canons space ports and space stations to protect it.

[FENラック1312]

Realistically speaking, a surface-based cannon probably wouldn't be all that effective. First and foremost, having to fire through an atmosphere would be a tremendous problem. But more importantly, how do you aim the thing? It's on a sphere, the ships could just be on the side of the planet that the cannon's not at. You'd need at least 6 weapons to ensure decent coverage, but don't forget that to fire at the more extreme angles there, those weapons would be firing through many, many times as much atmosphere. That simply isn't practical, so now you're looking at a massive array of weapons all around the planet, each of which is many times more expensive than similar weapons on a spaceship due to the added power needed to punch through the atmosphere, and that's all before we mention that any invading fleet would just have to shoot down at them and they're gone.

Simply put, it's far, far more cost-effective and useful to focus all your ground-based infrastructure on defense, rather than offense. No amount of ground-based weaponry would be able to destroy even a decent fleet (again, remember that your offensive ability would be whittled down quickly by the bombardment), so you're much better off trying to hold out as long as possible so a fleet of your own can come and defend.

[crgzero]

It's just a game, it doesn't have to be realistic.

Ground based offense should be doable with the epically advanced tech a player throws around.

[Garnorix]

Someone argues that it seems realistic and ground based defense should be in game.

Someone gives logical answer on why its not in the game

Someone argues that game doesnt have to be realistic and ground based defense should be in game.


Interesting.

[Rin]

While I agree that we don't really need any sort of ground based anti-ship guns, additional orbital defense stations would be very neat. But rather then adding something it would be much better to overhaul the existing stations-mechanics to give them some use in a overall planet and system defense roles.

[Eelectrica]

Wouldn't mind a bit of variation to the current system where the fleet removes the space station, then the 200+ strong clone army conquers the planet and onto the next one.

[HugsAndSnuggles]

Originally posted by Rin:

While I agree that we don't really need any sort of ground based anti-ship guns, additional orbital defense stations would be very neat. But rather then adding something it would be much better to overhaul the existing stations-mechanics to give them some use in a overall planet and system defense roles.

Agreed. If there's no limit to the fleet size, there should be no limit to space stations.

[Ruffio]

as the game progress and the game keep throw bigger fleets around, building defence bases that dies in the blink of an eye get tedious. I know you shouldnt deppend on them alone for defence, but sometimes, you cant get your fleet in position before its lost.

Would be nice if stations could been enhanced more, maybe modular upgrades, or reseaerch thecs that added more slots or modifiers to the stations (other than what is today). Outposts and space ports lack offensive/defensive upgrades as well.

[Crytek]

I think the idea is not that bad. Instead of on single cannon installed on one tile, it should be rather a "defence network" (still using one tile) which can be improved overtime (techs)

Cant be that theroretical a single corvette can anhilate a fallen empire wolrd through bombardment if all spacecrafts are destroyed.

Ofc the defences should be destroyed as soon as the planet defence hits zero.

Think of it as siege your fleet vs their defence network.

[FENラック1312]

"Light" bombardment is you don't hit civilian structures. You're now putting a military structure in that space, and manning it with civilians.

[Bozz 💀]

Originally posted by Dragonrider Fenrakk:

Realistically speaking, a surface-based cannon probably wouldn't be all that effective. First and foremost, having to fire through an atmosphere would be a tremendous problem. But more importantly, how do you aim the thing? It's on a sphere, the ships could just be on the side of the planet that the cannon's not at. You'd need at least 6 weapons to ensure decent coverage, but don't forget that to fire at the more extreme angles there, those weapons would be firing through many, many times as much atmosphere. That simply isn't practical, so now you're looking at a massive array of weapons all around the planet, each of which is many times more expensive than similar weapons on a spaceship due to the added power needed to punch through the atmosphere, and that's all before we mention that any invading fleet would just have to shoot down at them and they're gone.

Simply put, it's far, far more cost-effective and useful to focus all your ground-based infrastructure on defense, rather than offense. No amount of ground-based weaponry would be able to destroy even a decent fleet (again, remember that your offensive ability would be whittled down quickly by the bombardment), so you're much better off trying to hold out as long as possible so a fleet of your own can come and defend.

it doesn't have to be ballistic or laser based weapons, it can be guided missiles or even drones that are carrying nukes, at least we should be able to have fighters and bombers to protecte the planet against smaller ships.

[Elwetritsch]

Three thoughts:
1. Shields
That planetary shield could have an upgrade that would project the shields on the spaceport instead or in addition of it's curent use. Now give that spaceport a special module for some greatweapon, do NOT name the planet Endor and you should have quite the fortress.

2. Anti invason Flak
Right now we have 3 layers on a planet: Orbit, Air and Ground. Orbit contains the fleets that can bombard, ground are the armys. Tha air layer is simply passed by invading armys and has seemingly no other funktion than just that right now. There could be ground based AA weapons that would thin out every landing party and also make their retreat another risk to consider. Precision bombing may be the way to go, maybe for influence or as some kind of special project.

3. Resistance
Special edicts on occupied worlds that couse trouble for the invader. Could be forced riots, uprisings or even stuff like suicide bombings or poisoned rations that disable the invaders and prevent them from embarking for a certain time. This could bind and exhaust troops that will not be able to take part in any other operation for a while.

[CavityCommunion]

MoO 2 did something that might work. I can't remember the name...Interdicter maybe? Anyway you research a tech that allows you to build a building that reduces the speed a ship moving toward the solar system containg the planet the building is built on. Run on sentence. So maybe that could work, make it part of a defense station. Or it could cause ships that move through your space, unless you have an open borders agreement, to be slowed down in their speed moving between solar systems if in a certain radius of a solar system with the item built on a the defense station. Run on sentence x2.

[crgzero]

Yeah interdictor is right, and it would at least be somethimg.