Ground combat

I like this idea! Not so much the 3D soldiers (that's going to take up processing power), but visual distinction like with space combat.

We already have great options to pick from. Maybe with "Local Resistance" we can see soldiers hiding behind cover and attempting to flank, while "Defend the Planet" has soldiers manning machine-gun turrets. "Blitz" could have soldiers aggressively pushing with melee units charging ahead of ranged soldiers, while "Infiltration" could have some infiltrators behind the enemy line, or explosives that go off before the battle starts that damages the enemy's cover/guns/forces.

It's going to be pretty complex, seeing as how ground battles are based on mathematical superiority, and the visuals have to match up to that.

Agreed. Desperately needs some work. Maybe like a Battle of Wesnoth sort of thing idk.

https://www.games2gether.com/endless-space-2/ideas/655-hex-style-ground-battles

Generally agreed that ground combat need improvement both visually and mechanically.

It needs more:

1. Transparency (information affecting battle such as manpower source, distribution, buildings etc)

2. Quality (current 2d models are weak espeically the representation of armoured and air vehicles)

A way to combat both is to use existing art from the game, displaying the buldings icons that are affecting the combat and the races that are represented in combat (if races have different combat stats - don't know the game doesn't tell us but assuming it as it seems logical that a Crawer fights better then a Sophon)

IT needs some spiceing up for sure and if you go for 3D soilders, have the choice of 2D soilders for weaker PC users.

This is exactly what I was going suggest. We can watch big elaborate 3D renders of Space Battles, I desperetly want the ground battles redone in 3D as well. with different looks for each faction based on the art. Leave the 2D options for people who don't care, or can't handle it. The Ground combat system as a whole need some serious TLC. This would seriously add to the immersion as well, give you more attachment to your soldiers, after everything this game does to invest you in caring about your people. 

While on the whole, I would prefer real, player controlled battles, it is obvious the devs simply refuse to consider this. Thats fine, I can live with that, but please Devs, give us an overhauled ground battle system, that displays in 3D, and accounts for planet type, settlement level etc.