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Fighting AI

Fighting AI Opponents

Strategies for successfully attacking and profiting from AI opponents are identicle to those to attack and profit off players.

Why Target AI?

AI opponents can make excellent targets because:

  • Predictable behavior patterns
  • No or minimal alliance retaliation
  • Consistent resource production
  • Available during off-peak hours

Scouting AI Targets

Initial Assessment

Before attacking, gather intelligence:

  1. Espionage Probes: Scout to reveal defenses and resources
  2. Activity Monitoring: Watch galaxy view for online status
  3. Development Level: Estimate strength from visible buildings
  4. Planet Count: More planets = more developed player

What to Look For

Good Target Poor Target
High resources Low resources
Weak defenses Strong defenses
Offline status Recently active
No fleet present Fleet stationed

Timing Your Attack

Optimal Windows

Best times to attack AI:

  • During their "sleep" period or any extended offline time
  • After production cycles or resource consolidation efforts where you can find maximum resources
  • When strong fleets are away to ensure fewer losses

Activity Tracking

Monitor AI activity over several days:

  1. Note when they go online/offline
  2. Identify consistent patterns
  3. Plan attacks for offline windows

Flight Time Calculation

Ensure your fleet arrives during offline period:

Arrival Time = Launch Time + Flight Duration

Account for:

  • Distance to target
  • Fleet speed
  • Return time safety

Fleet Composition

Against Weak Defense

Light, fast fleet for quick raids:

  • Light Fighters (fast, cheap)
  • Cruisers (good firepower)
  • Cargo Ships (resource collection)

Against Strong Defense

Heavy fleet to overcome defenses:

  • Battleships (high attack)
  • Destroyers (good all-around)
  • Bombers (anti-defense)
  • Enough cargo for loot

Recommended Ratios

For general AI raiding:

Ship Type Ratio Purpose
Combat Ships 70% Destroy defenses
Cargo Ships 30% Collect resources

Attack Types

Standard Raid

Goal: Profit from resources

  1. Scout target
  2. Calculate required fleet
  3. Attack during offline period
  4. Collect resources and debris

Farm Run

Goal: Repeated profitable attacks

  1. Identify weak AI targets
  2. Attack regularly (not too hard)
  3. Let them rebuild resources
  4. Harvest periodically

Debris Harvest

Goal: Collect battle remains

  1. After large battles
  2. Send recyclers
  3. Collect debris field
  4. Profit from destroyed ships

Profitable Raiding

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Ensure attacks are profitable:

Profit = Loot + Debris Value - Fleet Losses - Fuel Cost

Minimum Targets

Only attack if expected loot exceeds:

  • Fuel cost (round trip)
  • Expected losses
  • Time investment

Maximizing Returns

  • Attack multiple AI in one session
  • Chain attacks while online
  • Prioritize high-resource targets
  • Use fastest profitable fleet

Dealing with AI Defenses

Defense Types

AI builds standard defenses:

  • Rocket Launchers (early game)
  • Light/Heavy Lasers (mid game)
  • Plasma Turrets (late game)

Overwhelming Force

Calculate fleet to minimize losses:

  • Use combat simulator
  • Add 20% safety margin
  • Consider rapidfire bonuses

When to Skip

Some AI aren't worth attacking:

  • Heavy plasma turret counts
  • Recent activity (fleet present)
  • Low resources visible
  • Strong shield domes

Common Mistakes

1. Attacking Active AI

Fleet might be home. Wait for confirmed offline.

2. Underestimating Defenses

Always scout first. Surprises hurt.

3. Insufficient Cargo

Don't leave resources behind. Bring enough capacity.

4. Poor Timing

Arrival during active hours = potential losses.

5. Over-farming

Attacking too frequently leaves nothing to take.

Advanced Tactics

Probe Farming

Low-risk resource collection:

  1. Send single espionage probe
  2. If resources high and no defense, probe "attacks"
  3. Collect small amount risk-free
  4. Repeat frequently

Coordinated Strikes

Multiple attacks in sequence:

  1. First wave clears defenses
  2. Second wave collects resources
  3. Third wave harvests debris

Target Rotation

Maintain multiple AI targets:

  • Attack Target A
  • While A rebuilds, attack Target B
  • Rotate through targets
  • Sustainable farming operation

Quick Reference

Before Attack Checklist

  1. ☐ Scout target (espionage)
  2. ☐ Verify offline status
  3. ☐ Calculate fleet requirements
  4. ☐ Check fuel costs
  5. ☐ Ensure cargo capacity
  6. ☐ Time arrival for offline window

Post-Attack

  1. ☐ Collect debris (if profitable)
  2. ☐ Note target for future raids
  3. ☐ Log patterns observed
  4. ☐ Return fleet safely