Fighter group size

[Q]

The default value for fighter Groups is 5.
In my opinion this may not be optimal for two reasons.
First a group of only 5 fighters may be incapable of damaging organic or crystalline armor (unless using rocket pods) and if you have a lot of fighters in a combat the field may be so much crowded, that not all fighter Groups get into firing distance.
Second if you have a large number of fighters in small Groups it becomes very complicated for the computer calculation. The time for combat calculation goes up very much and sometimes the game even locks. This may be less a problem with powerful hardware, but the reported problems with SEIV in later games may partially be connected to this.
So I set fighter group size to 20 or even 30 and I don't see any disadvantage.
What's your experience?

[raynor]

I'm with you, Q. I think the larger the group the better--especially against point defence cannons. In fact, I think the very best use of fighters is to launch them *before* combat, add them to the fleet and then attack.

[Nitram Draw]

I like 10-15 unit Groups. Seems to pack a pretty good punch with small DUCIII cannons. Plus I can add two shields to each one so they Last a little longer.

[DaftWager]

I’ve set my defaults to 20. It works especially well for my interceptors as they can take out a smaller fighter group easily.

I’m wondering if anyone before has done new default strategies specifically for fighters. I’ve been around here for quite a long time and haven’t seen them before.

I’ve done interceptor and fighter/bomber, and they seem to work most of the time in strategic combat. Interceptors going for other fighters first, then attack bigger ships. Fighter/bombers go for the big ships first, then helping mop up any fighters left, although neither of them attack planets (easy to change)

Anyone interested?

[raynor]

Yes. Please post.

[DaftWager]

They’re in the data mod section!

I haven’t play tested them as much as I would have liked, so let me know if they work as promised. From what little testing I’ve done, (30-45 battles) they seem to do ok.

One more thing, I don’t think they work with saved empire files (didn’t for me anyway) I hope it’s not a problem.