Alpha Centauri
Multiplayer Strategies
By Tim Train, Designer/Producer

One of the most enjoyable periods in the development of Alpha Centauri came as we implemented and playtested the multiplayer code. During this time, Brian and I experimented with a number of strategies that eventually proved invaluable when playing against a human opponent. We quickly discovered that we preferred to focus on beating the other human player, even if that meant letting an AI dominate the game. Here's a summation of what we found useful in achieving that goal.

Explorer early. Knowing your surroundings is even more important in a multiplayer game.

Explore!
Particularly in a multiplayer game, it is vital that you get your explorers out early. You want to accomplish several goals: find out where your opponent is, what your defensive position looks like, and possibly set up a base near his territory to act as a marshalling area for your eventual invasion.

Get the AIs to Declare
Vendetta Against other Humans
This tactic can paralyze a human player early on, since the other factions refuse to exchange techs, make treaties, or respect territorial boundaries with that player. For the cost of just a technology or two, and perhaps some energy credits, you can make a serious dent in your target's ability to expand and grow. When using this approach, it is doubly important that you get your explorers out to find other factions. You must turn the other leaders against your human opponent before your opponent does the same to you.

The University's impact skimships can undo decades of Peacekeeper terraforming with just a few salvos.

Build Up a Navy as soon as Possible
Just one or two naval units, using long-range bombardment to attack terrain enhancements, can keep a player from building up an infrastructure - the mines, roads, farms, and solar collectors that keep an empire growing and humming smoothly. Without these enhancements, the target player is stuck scrabbling for whatever minerals and nutrients are found nearby. These ships can at least drive your opponent to distraction, and he may spend lots of time building a naval unit to drive you away. You should consider this tactic anytime you get Doctrine: Flexibility (which allows the foil chassis) early in the game, when more technologically backward factions can't even respond to your incursions. Also, artillery units can accomplish the same goal, although they are more vulnerable to counterattack and harder to move into position.

Consider the Base Obliteration Technique
Particularly when dealing with a player who has gotten ahead of you, one effective (and fun!) strategy is to land an invasion force near a lightly defended base, take the base, and then obliterate it before your enemy can marshal reserves. Pack your troops back onto their transport or into the nearby xenofungus where they are camouflaged; retreat and repeat the process elsewhere before your opponent can bring superior strength to bear. You should use this strategy only in desperate situations, since all other factions declare vendetta against you for your atrocities, imposing sanctions and alienating you in the diplomatic arena.

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