Tactics Question for You guys

[Caduceus]

I've switched over to computer-controlled, because in any on-line game, that's how it has to be played.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how to blockade a planet in computer controlled attacks? Should I set the ships for "don't get hurt" or what? They seem to charge in there and get walloped when what I really want to do is soften up the enemy for a few turns without resources from a few worlds.

[Grandpa Kim]

I use the smaller hull sizes for boarding ships, troop transports, point defense ships and minesweepers. Non-combat ships use the size best suited to their role. For instance a ship used to drop spy satellites rarely needs to be larger than an escort.

Regarding the front line ships:

• Boarding ships: I find a light cruiser to be just the right size. Allows a couple shield depleters, a shield and a couple boarding parties. No need for more.
• Troop transports: Again the light cruiser. In some mods (ie: Proportions) you do need the huge transport but in most mods 1200 kt cargo space is plenty.
• Point defense: I usually use one or two sizes smaller than my largest ship. Rather than have the PD concentrated in one spot, I like to spread the guns around.
• Minesweepers: A single base ship minesweeper is all you need, but lose that and you have none at all! I prefer several smaller ships and even then carry 50% extra in a fleet. The loss of one or two is not critical, just annoying.

To blockade a planet I find it safest to use unarmed ships.