Keeping ahead of the other agencies

[moonlightavenger]

the fact that I can't keep ahead of them is killing my enjoyment of the game. So, I'd like to ask to the people that already finisehd it: how important is it to actually keep ahed of them? Do they lose momentum in the late game? Does it make that much of a difference in the end?

[ftn1984]

I dont think it makes much difference. Least I have yet to notice any impact of how you finish in whatever place. Say being 1st for the moon landing or 3rd for a space station etc. It just keeps going at the same pace regardless of the space agency. Though I was pretty ticked lol. I was literally on the final phase to land on Mars. Well I got lazy. To me the mini games get a bit old after a while. So I figured what the hell, Ill just auto skip it. Yea died. Though my astronauts were sufficient and equipment was high percentage. I don't know how it determined that fate. ESA then the very next month landed and beat me lol. But to answer your question. No I don't believe it makes any difference.

[Eluin]

There are a few achievements that depend on your being the 1st to reach that goal but apart from that it does not really matter.

[moonlightavenger]

Sounds good. Thanks for the answers.

[FreedomFighter]

Originally posted by Eluin:

There are a few achievements that depend on your being the 1st to reach that goal but apart from that it does not really matter.

Right. There is only one achievement where you need to be first at every milestone. Unless you're an achievement hunter, don't stress it.

[Maarek Stele]

You cant be 1st in everything or most of them.
Just prioritize some of them and think in advance.

[Sirius O'rely (Rezail)]

The real question is how are they getting ahead? I was literally the first person to star researching humans in space and some how the other agency is like yep 10 months I win this round???

[moonlightavenger]

Originally posted by Sirius O'rely (Rezail):

The real question is how are they getting ahead? I was literally the first person to star researching humans in space and some how the other agency is like yep 10 months I win this round???

The AI cheats it's ass off. Either that or the game creates some artificial delay on its first missions and then it just steamrolls the player. At least that is how I feel. Even if I focus on something such as probing missions the AI still beats me and I keep getting fifth places.

I don't know. Maybe it's the perks, such as USSR's screw launch windows.

[shtanko]

In my playthrough on normal the first era was easy to be ahead. Then in midgame couple of AIs got ahead (notably USSR) even though I didn't feel like I was doing hings wrong (I probably was though lol). In the late game where you prepare for Mars AI went to sleep completely. I was messing up and had long waits for money/science/mission slots but AI didn't get anywhere near winning Mars.

[Murder-H0BO]

their is no way to be first in every thing i have played thru 3 times already the computers have a cheating catch up AI built in you can be 20 years ahead in teach but they still get the tech when you do

[Thorin]

There is some rubber banding in the game, but generally it plays normally if you are not really behind or far ahead. Also the missions you get are very diverse in benefits, you can get near useless benefit for them or insanely useful.

OTOH, it is almost irrelevant what is your place, unless you want to be first or want those badges and such, there are a few events that gives a small benefit for being first (esp if you stated you will be first, you must win, for boost, or suffer even more for losing)

[76561199067192202]

NASA and Japan needs to be on the milestones lead. It is their meta. If they do not get those bonuses they feel it hard.

The IA is curious. I have seen two IA agencies launching two missions at the same time in January 1958, when there is no way both had developed mission control...
I think i have seen a video in youtube where a soviet IA agency launches man in space in 1962,and then moonlanding in 1968.

But if you are eager to slow the other agencies, and you do not mind to save and reload, you can always try a little "Rgn sabotage"...

[cave_troll]

Originally posted by Maarek Stele:

You cant be 1st in everything or most of them.
Just prioritize some of them and think in advance.

I would think it's possible, as we have an achievement to be first in every milestone in a single game.

[cave_troll]

Originally posted by striker88:

their is no way to be first in every thing i have played thru 3 times already the computers have a cheating catch up AI built in you can be 20 years ahead in teach but they still get the tech when you do

I would think it's possible as we have an achievement to do just that in a single game.

[Pfelconte]

Guys. The "first" achievement is extremely easy after you got the grip of the mechanics of the game. I just achieved it.

First thing; don't start with auto-assigned traits. Utilize them for the achievement.

Second thing; don't auto resolve the mini games. Do them yourself and get the bonuses. This is crucial at the early stages. Once you collect the bonuses, it gives you a head-start and the ai agencies can't keep up with you in the middle and late game.

Third thing; Go for the mission slot buildings. That's what makes the difference in the middle game.

Fourth thing; Calculate your mission dates. Don't make your milestone mission wait for a request mission. Also don't leave any mission slot empty until you secure the achievement.

Fifth thing; Pluto flyby will takeover one of your mission slots through out the game. So if you have 3 mission slots before you do pluto flyby, unlock the 4th one and then start it.

[Pfelconte]

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2307376373