How do I make the game hard?

[raynor]

There are quite a lot of things the game lets you do that the AI isn't using yet or very well. I would recommend getting a mod that removes black holes. The AI doesn't seem to handle these very well. Next, I would voluntarily restrict what technologies you use. Definitely, don't build or close wormholes. I think that is the number one way to easily defeat the AI. In the early game, mines are pretty potent against the AI so you might restrict yourself from using those. Don't use mothballing as the AI doesn't use mothballing. I haven't seen the AI use troops much so you might restrict yourself from using troops.

I love to play tactical combat. But I realize now that I'm getting a HUGE advantage over the AI that way. For the best challenge, you have to only play strategic battles.

Play on high difficulty with high opponents, no neutrals and set the bonus to medium. I highly recommend playing a 5000 point game against the Xi'Chung Expert that is part of the TDM_ModPack. Of course, don't use any race points yourself. If you want, take Will's suggestion and minimize all yours as well.


[This message has been edited by raynor (edited 22 March 2001).]