[PvK]

For competetive play, use a mod that balances the costs better than the default set.

For my opinions, you can check the readme for PvK Balance mod (see link below).

There were some variations and a few possible approaches in the unmodded game, but there were many that were grossly over- or under-valued. Advanced Storage Techniques was probably the most undervalued. Combat bonuses and construction bonuses, and maintenance, were the other most important and cheap to get.

My favorite competetive setups were either my typical "all-out combat bonuses" configuration, or my "all-out swarm" configuration. In the Universe Cup, the only configuration and strategy that beat my "all-out combat bonuses" design was "all-out construction with as much combat bonuses", led by two players who were really good at rapid mass production, and good at other aspects as well. Nothing ever really defeated my swarm, but I only used it in three games.

PvK