AI needs to build more ships of the line

**Fisherking** · 05-21-2009, 08:03

Isn’t it obvious that there are less SOLs because the upkeep has gone so high?

The only SOLs I have encountered have been 4th rates with maybe one 2nd rate in a French fleet, and none post patch 1.2.

The only time I encountered stronger ships was in the RTI.

Post patch if the fleets are not what they started with, the AI is attacking with stacks of Indiamen. This is good for your trade possibilities but they are not exactly a challenge to your ships.

I had an encounter with an eight ship fleet. I had one 3rd rate and I sunk or captured the whole thing.

My last battle at sea was a Danish fleet of five Indiamen vs. a 5th rate, a brig, a sloop, and two light galleys. I got 5 Indiamen and didn’t loose a ship.

As to aggressiveness, my only problem is the way the AI declares war. Once at war then it is a little silly to complain when the AI bests you. It doesn’t happen much post patch even when you are at war with six or seven factions at once. They usually don’t have any troops or ships.

I don’t think it is a good idea to require the AI to build this or that. I would hope it knows what it can do with the recourses at hand.

**Marquis of Roland** · 05-21-2009, 18:14

Originally Posted by Fisherking

Isn’t it obvious that there are less SOLs because the upkeep has gone so high?

I gave the French and Spanish 500,000 each about 15 or 16 turns ago, still no SOLs, and both of them have naval hospitals. Around 8 turns after I gave them the money, the French built a new 5th rate and 2 sixth rates. Sounds like they need to change their build priorities to me.

**Skott** · 05-21-2009, 18:14

Yeah, the AI doesnt do much when it comes to upgrading its fleets. Be careful what you ask for though. CA may tweak it too much and have the AI spam 3rd rates and on up.

**Marquis of Roland** · 05-21-2009, 18:24

That is what I want, my fleets need more xp

**Slaists** · 05-21-2009, 20:19

Originally Posted by Fisherking

Isn’t it obvious that there are less SOLs because the upkeep has gone so high?

The only SOLs I have encountered have been 4th rates with maybe one 2nd rate in a French fleet, and none post patch 1.2.

The only time I encountered stronger ships was in the RTI.

Post patch if the fleets are not what they started with, the AI is attacking with stacks of Indiamen. This is good for your trade possibilities but they are not exactly a challenge to your ships.

I had an encounter with an eight ship fleet. I had one 3rd rate and I sunk or captured the whole thing.

My last battle at sea was a Danish fleet of five Indiamen vs. a 5th rate, a brig, a sloop, and two light galleys. I got 5 Indiamen and didn’t loose a ship.

As to aggressiveness, my only problem is the way the AI declares war. Once at war then it is a little silly to complain when the AI bests you. It doesn’t happen much post patch even when you are at war with six or seven factions at once. They usually don’t have any troops or ships.

I don’t think it is a good idea to require the AI to build this or that. I would hope it knows what it can do with the recourses at hand.

Well, I find it rather realistic: one or two top-line ships per fleet, the others being lesser quality. That's pretty much how I structure my fleets too (maybe that's the reason I end up with so much cash in the end-game).

**Marquis of Roland** · 05-21-2009, 20:22

No, ships of the line fought separate from other types of ships because the other ships weren't strong enough to stand in a line of battle. Historically.

**Slaists** · 05-21-2009, 20:36

Originally Posted by Marquis of Roland

No, ships of the line fought separate from other types of ships because the other ships weren't strong enough to stand in a line of battle. Historically.

There are 4 different classes of ships of line in the game: 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st. I'd have a couple 2nd rates, and a mix of the lower line classes in my fleet.

1st class? Never built one actually. That tech simply comes too late for me to be of any use... So, I guess, I am like the AI in that sense, lol. Naval hospitals are the top dockyards in my game, lol.

**anweRU** · 05-22-2009, 02:01

If you haven't done so at all so far, you should build a steam dockyard, then order a first rate and a steamship. You'll get two event messages, first 1st rate built and first steamship build events...

**LuxIrae** · 05-22-2009, 10:43

Playing as Netherlands on Hardest setting I have had no problem with opponents turning up undergunned in naval battles. I was investing heavily in trade tech and trade fleet, when suddenly Spain and France declared war with massive fleets of 2nd rates sweeping my anti piracy frigates from the seas in short order! Suddenly my home port was blockaded and I was facing economic annihilation... and little ship building capacity to respond!

**Fisherking** · 05-23-2009, 15:04

Originally Posted by LuxIrae

Playing as Netherlands on Hardest setting I have had no problem with opponents turning up undergunned in naval battles. I was investing heavily in trade tech and trade fleet, when suddenly Spain and France declared war with massive fleets of 2nd rates sweeping my anti piracy frigates from the seas in short order! Suddenly my home port was blockaded and I was facing economic annihilation... and little ship building capacity to respond!

When the AI has the cash I am sure they will spend it on good ships.

I would rather not see any scripting of who builds what.

Your game sounds interesting, if not exactly fun.

Did you find a way to deal with the situation?