Topic: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Play (Read 2,628 times)
SirPartyMan Administrator Fearless Leader member is offline
Joined: Mar 2005 Gender: Male Posts: 489 Location: New Jersey
General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Play « Thread Started on Oct 2, 2005, 7:44pm »
Dear Newbie:
Welcome. Nothing wrong with being new. We were all new to the game once.
I am writing these mixed pieces of advice to someone whom I assume has a reasonable knowledge of the single player version of the game, but who is just about to embark on their first multi-player CIV experience.
1) Welcome! Have fun. View this as a learning experience. You are going to lose some games in the beginning due to inexperience. This is inevitable. It's called a learning curve, or paying your dues.
2) Be sure your machine is configured properly. Study the readme and the Technical Discussion section of this forum. If you are having problems, study the "Technical Discussion" section of this forum for assistance.
3) Playing online is different than playing single player. Just as one example: turns are timed more strictly than you might be used to. It takes some adjustments.
4) Don't brag too much even if you think you're pretty good. Play a few games before you claim in the lobby "I can beat anyone". Better to "lurk" in the background in your first few games. D0on't make yourself a target. Get to know people, but do so politely.
5) In the Gamespy chat room, listen and learn. Sometimes you will pick up some gems of knowledge amidst a lot of clatter. You might want to note things about certain players or tips - keep some sort of diary or log. So if someone backstabs you on Tuesday, you'll remember that on Friday - likewise you'll remember if they were good allies and trading partners. After awhile you'll know a lot about certain players. More than you might imagine.
6) Expect military action. One of the reasons some people like this game is the chance to (vicariously) kill. Don't take it personally. Defend each and every city.
7) Remember that names are unique in CIV. Make sure yours is something to be proud of, or understand the consequences.
8) Be aware of game options and game victory conditions, especially Elimination (Elim.) A good idea is to write them down (along with your opponents' names on a piece of paper). If you are playing with ELIM on, make sure to take note of how many cities have to be taken. If you lose that many cities, you're out of the game.
9) Learn some of the quick keyboard commands - for example F1 gets you the Domestic tables, F6 the Science Advisor (page 1), etc. Shift+F6 a Quick Save, etc. A complete list of these is available in the Civopedia.
10) Become familiar with moving multiple units in a stack. This is an essential technique. Practice it in single player mode first. The biggest advantage of this is when attacking because it speeds the attack considerably, making it harder for the defender. It is also useful to avoid barbarians and opponents when moving a settler, worker and their protector(s). Note that only non-fortified units will be moved. Wake them before doing group/stack moves.
11) Figure out your IP address. You can do this by going to www.whatismyip.com - write it down somewhere. Chances are it doesn't change too often. Sometimes games are started through Direct IP, and if you want to host, you'll need that information.
12) Study the Strategy Tips section of this Forum. There are some wonderful tips there which I am not going to try to repeat here. Read all of the articles which have stickys attached to them for starters.
13) In your first few games, just try to survive. Build a few cities (like 3-5) safely and expand cautiously (esp. with ELIM). You will win a few games just because others are eliminated ahead of you.
14) One of the big adjustments in the game is person to person diplomacy. You can talk in the game using the tab key. Shift-Tab to speak to "everyone". Tab for your teammates. In FFA (Free for All) games, some people expect you to act "honorably" but the game rules allow "backstabbing" - so be forewarned.
15) Because of the backstabbing problem, a new type of game called a "Always War" has been created. In these games, the basic rule is play for yourself and only for yourself. No trading, diplomacy, alliances. No muted private conversations - everything said in open. You don't reveal opponent's locations or military strength - it's kept private. This is just one of many game styles available, but it's popular.
16) Sometimes time is critical. You just can't micromanage everything. So become familiar with the CITY GOVERNOR. I recommend at least you set it up to "manage citizen moods" - this way you won't have smoking cities going into disorder. It can also be told to "emphasize production" or food, etc.
17) Observe other's preferences on Civs. There is NO one best civ. Depends on the player's style and the game rules. One of the articles in the Strategy section talks about this subject at length.
18) After a game is over, look at the "replay". Observe the patterns of city creation and compare to how you played.
19) Before beginning a game, write down the basic rules (i.e. world size, barb settings, etc). and player names. You might try a few notes to yourself to jog your memory. In the beginning I had an index card with 5 reminders, like start building a wonder by turn 35. etc.
20) When playing don't become totally lost in the minute details. Look for the big strategic picture. Are your opponents near or far? What natural obstacles (jungles, deserts, mountains) might effect the game play?
21) Be friendly with people. Be a good sport. Be patient during game setup delays and reloads (which no one likes). Say "good game" at the end of a game, even if the person pillaged you like crazy and you hated it. More people will invite you into games and you'll appreciate the courtesy and kindness in return some time.
22) Build lots of workers and constantly build roads, mines, and similar infrastructure improvements. As a general rule, have at least 1 to 1.5 worker per city, if not more.
23) Have fun - it's just a game - try to remember that - don't create World War III in the lobby after a game even if someone's tactics were sneaky. Of course if you suspect cheating (which is extremely rare, almost non-existent), please report it to any Ladder Admin. If someone uses a very sneaky tactic on you, look at the bright side: now you can use it on someone else!
24) While rare, the game still has bugs and sometimes crashes. You'll learn all about OOS (Out of Sync) and CTD (Crash to Desktop) situations. We have a policy which says it's cheating to exploit a game bug. When you read the rules, you'll see a hot link to an article about cheating - please read it. In a nutshell, play honorably - no cheats, trainers, exploits, etc.
25) While you don't have to buy a Gold, or other premium membership with Case's Ladder - it does have several advantages. Take a look at the information and offers on the Case's website and decide for yourself. Please note that is is perfectly possible to play Civ, belong to the ladder, read/post on our forums, and use Gamespy Arcade for FREE. The only money exchanged is between you and your Internet Services Provider. However, Case's provides us with a wonderful service for free and its only financial support are members who sign up for these extra services - it's only about $19.95 a year so take a look.
26) Read the rules. There is a LOT of important information in there. Please understand and follow our reporting guidelines, especially.
Joined: Oct 2005 Gender: Male Posts: 52 Location: Toronto,Ontario
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #1 on Oct 5, 2005, 7:51am »
Quote:
4) Don't brag too much even if you think you're pretty good. Play a few games before you claim in the lobby "I can beat anyone". Better to "lurk" in the background in your first few games. D0on't make yourself a target. Get to know people, but do so politely.
As probably the most egotistical Ladder member, I'll take the time to advocate what SPM is saying.
When I first joined the ladder, I knew my place. I knew I wasn't the best yet and did not brag. I came out with the intent on BECOMING the best. To that end, I sought out the best of the best at Civ3. I played many games heads-up with FriedrichPsitalon, and played many games with Sallandair, Canucksoldier and most of all Stinkynuts who was at the time of my arrival the best FFA player around. My most memorable game was also my first Victory in a FFA(IE: Coming first in the game) My first kill in the game was Stinkynuts, I then allied with another up and comer at the time, Wtiberon against Jeremiah(The best Rome Player) Wtiberon got the kill on him and I then Stabbed my ally Wtiberon to get even more room and cruised to a victory. This also caused alot of Gang-on-Phan games which also helped me develop in other situations such as defending against alliances, on multi-front wars and general overall play. It wasn't until I was by far the greatest killer in Civ did I start to become thingyy. But with all due respect I earned that Right. Many others have aswell.
The main point? You can be arrogant and thingyy only when you've EARNED that right.
Coming out swinging shots will due your rep more harm then good. When everyone else starts recognizing you're achievements then you'll be more happy then if you just touted your own horn all along. Hey they may even start to fear you, instead of targeting you
Welcome to the World of Civ. Hope you have fun. If you see me in a game, ALLY WITH EVERYONE AGAINST ME! It's your only hope
Joined: Oct 2005 Gender: Male Posts: 75 Location: Green Bay, WI
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #2 on Oct 6, 2005, 5:10pm »
I too have had a similiar experience in civ but i joined a little later than Lord Phan...and it was Lord Phan that beat me down early hit me with what was called a jag rush...i think in the first few games i played i lasted a total of 30 turns...frustrating yes but made more determined to get better so i changed my strategy from growth to survival and low and behold i started getting some reports and started learning from other people....i also read everything i could in these forums and low and behold i became a pretty good player and could hang with the best of them....another word of advice dont be intimidated because most of us will be on the same learning curve as you since this is a new game to all of us...enjoy your experience i know i have!!!!
Joined: Oct 2005 Gender: Male Posts: 9 Location: New York
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #3 on Oct 8, 2005, 4:14pm »
Hah i remember one of the first big games i won.
It was an 8 player ffa, Stinky and Sall were stuck together on an island, cant remember anyone else in the game, and I pretty much just cruised to the victory, getting two or three kills and only ending with one other person opposing me on the main landmass.
I wasnt really new to playing civ multiplayer when I joined the ladder, started playing Christmas when I got PTW, ladder didnt pick up steam for a couple months, till like February i think, and at first i refused to join, because i thought a league for Civ would be gay, lol
But that was definately a big moment, my first win in a 8 player FFA against two of the top players on the ladder.
Joined: Oct 2005 Gender: Male Posts: 582 Location: England nr Portsmouth
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #5 on Oct 17, 2005, 7:10am »
When you first start playing, try to think through your moves in advance throughout the game, it'll lower how many mistakes you make.
At the start think what techs am I gonna research and cue them up also what I'm going to build and in what order and cue those up. Use worker shortcut keys also, this can save time when your still not familiar with the game.
It's good to have a game plan but be prepared to be flexible in your strategy, your gonna find some pretty nifty players out there, so be prepared to rethink the way you usually play, especialy if your used to single player, don't be predictable, use the fact that people may know how green/noob you are to your advantage. I "Player A" expect most noobs to be conservative and defensive so when an army of archers and horse turns up I'm gonna be less prepared.
Also memorise the way others play. Forewarned is forearmed. Is he/she aggressive. Defensive. willing to team. conservative etc etc. keep a few notes.
Every blade of grass every bird in flight is significant to the wise leader. Sun Tzu
you'd be surprised the number of players that make mistakes by letting information slip, even in constant war games. For example I once saw a player say he was going to kill player a: so I attacked him on his opposite border expecting his attention to be elsewhere, surprise surprise he died. Phan just said he's the best killer in the game.Even If that's not true, you know a little bit about the way he playes already, if your near him your forearmed. Keep your eyes open, get some scouts out and sentries and monitor them regularly to see if someones planning an attack. Watch your coastal cities and guard them with ships, expect attacks from odd places not just your border towns.
Most importantly though is something I don't think's been mentioned, always ask the other players for tips and hints if they did something new and unexpected or just if you think they know more than you. Most players will be happy to give you a few pointers.
Most people would rather die than think: many do: Bertrand Russel
I hear that the losers refrain is: It's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game, well that's bs: if you took that philosophy to heart in life or game then you wont go far wrong. GJH just then 2006
Lifes a beach and just when you get used to the water the tide goes out, GJH just then 2006.
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #6 on Oct 17, 2005, 10:10am »
What I found most interesting in the game when I started playing multiplayer is the different ways of thinking about playing free for alls (no pre set teams).
Some people will play to win the game by lying in diplomacy, beating up on smaller civs to gain advantage, sneaking armies around, stopping others from resources, and other often construed mean tactics. Although these possibly considered mean tactics are used in the game many people can still think of you as a friend outside the game while others take it to heart.
Once each person is in control of his/her civ they can be thinking out for only their civ/winning the game and not thinking about your friendship outside of the game.
You or your opponent might not think the individual civ in game and personal friendship out of game are intertwined as deeply as when the person that got killed or damaged in the game feels hurt.
Take it in stride whichever side of the individual game outcome that occurs. Be forewarned that not everyone may have the same philosophical outlook than you may have!
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #10 on Jul 31, 2006, 6:32am »
hi
what i mean is how do i access the ladder system in this website, in other words, can someone tell me how to play civ 4 using this sites ladder system.
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #11 on Jul 31, 2006, 6:40am »
Quote:
hi
what i mean is how do i access the ladder system in this website, in other words, can someone tell me how to play civ 4 using this sites ladder system.
Joined: Jan 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 40 Location: Yorkshire, England
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #12 on Jul 31, 2006, 7:02am »
Quote:
hi what i mean is how do i access the ladder system in this website, in other words, can someone tell me how to play civ 4 using this sites ladder system.
oh thats easy the small square box at the top of the page with c4p in it just click on that
Joined: May 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 38 Location: Texas
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #13 on Nov 30, 2007, 9:51am »
HERE IS THE BEST ADVICE I WILL GIVE TO ANYONE NEW TO MP AND THE LADDER. 1. Remember your new 2. Remember that no one will play with you 3. Remember when you get you first win, your not elite 4. Elites will not even report to you, becuse your a New Player 5. Remember to ask them first and then if they don't report them 6. Remember always be nice and never curse the other players 7. Always report your games after a match 8. Always try and have the most fun you can 9. You will lose many games, there are alot of players better than you. 10. And smile it is esyer to smile then to froun
Re: General Advice to Those New to CIV4 Multi Pla « Reply #14 on Dec 1, 2007, 3:09am »
Quote:
HERE IS THE BEST ADVICE I WILL GIVE TO ANYONE NEW TO MP AND THE LADDER. 1. Remember your new 2. Remember that no one will play with you 3. Remember when you get you first win, your not elite 4. Elites will not even report to you, becuse your a New Player 5. Remember to ask them first and then if they don't report them 6. Remember always be nice and never curse the other players 7. Always report your games after a match 8. Always try and have the most fun you can 9. You will lose many games, there are alot of players better than you. 10. And smile it is esyer to smile then to froun
Martin Lee
2. Start with ctons imho. This is the easiest place to get into the game. 4. is not true and if its the case you should report theyre ass so they dont do it again. 5. this is polite but you could also just wait a day and see what happens. Imho it happens far to often that people "forget" to report that its really a case of forgetting. Either that or a lot of people have some serious memory problems
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