So I always come second.



This is on normal level, playing amoeba. I do really well in the, let's call it south sector, grabbing good systems and choke points, suffocating my east and west neighbours. But the northern AI also seems to profit and is slightly ahead on FIDS, but this snowballs and by turn 100 there's f all I see I can do to catch up.



So two questions really. How to get an early start so good that you'll get a head start on all 3 AI and perhaps more vitally, how do you catch up to an early leader in this game??? Seems if you're behind a little bit in the early game-mid game there's bugger all you can do to subsequently turn the tables.



Thanks!

Well you could always go to war, and take that lead from a weaker player to supplement your own strength.



But the Amoeba benefit the most from trade, and so you should focus on getting trade routes and possibly alliances/cooperation treaty's.



That boost in dust will allow you to have a low tax level, giving you bonuses in food, science (And from trade) and industry from good approval.



Use this boost to maintain pace with a larger opponent, and possibly out tech them with better ships or better system improvements.

If all you want is to be ahead from the start I guess you could reroll the galaxy until you get a great start with plenty of ocean/terran/jungle planets with resources to colonize. Or you could just beat the AI that is ahead of you.



Catching up is really simple. Build a navy get a pilot commander and conquer your opponent.