So... How do you make your campain harder?
Not sure if anyone else has these tendencies, but I've acquired a few quirks for countering the handicapped AI. Perhaps it stems from being somewhat of a perfectionist, usually making the game much more frustrating, but I've found it quite engaging too. I usually play VH/VH using the Real Recruitment, Grim Reality and Total Combat mods with the latest Lusted AI. Sometimes you need a little more:
- Never lose or draw a battle. This includes those on the battle/campaign map, retreats from superior forces and naval conflicts. Maintain your perfect record. World domination is exactly that: domination. A loss indicates your lack of preparation and failure as a commander.
- During battles, you must annihilate or route the entire enemy. None of that capture the square stuff. Hostile settlements don’t switch loyalties after 3 minutes unless there’s no opposition.
- Keep casualties at a minimum. I think everyone tries to do this, but I usually aim to keep it 0. It takes a lot of bait/tackle tactics during sieges, but it’s a fun challenge. On an open field though, yeah, this is frequently impossible with large armies.
- Never sack or exterminate settlements. I always occupy, even if it's red.
- Never ransom or exterminate prisoners. I always release, even if they'll attack me again with reinforcements during the same turn.
- No backstabbing or aggression without a threat or reasonable cause, such as being at war. I must remain diplomatic.
- Immaculate reputation or bust.
- Tolerate papal requests. Do not become excommunicated. I'm rarely threatened anyways, so this isn't a problem.
- Crusade, jihad or bust. No joining at the end bumming it for extra credit. If you join, take a hike.
- Never adopt generals into the family. Continue the royal bloodline. Princesses are permitted to marry.
- Never lose a family member in battle. Keep the family tree colorful. Normal generals are expendable.
- Never disband a unit. If you lose something, it has to be completely lost in battle. Make use of the units you have before recruiting more. This forces me to be more resourceful and strategic with what I have.
- Occasionally I'll mod the descr_strat, drastically increasing AI purses and doubling/tripling their starting units. In the Lands to Conquer Reconquista mod, I remember making the Moors ridiculously powerful. I had to play very defensively with Portugal while building forts everywhere. I’ll also occasionally set my faction relations to abysmal with everyone. Makes playing HRE and England interesting. Even more exciting is leveling all your settlements to villages with peasants and town militia, then playing catch-up with the AI. After all, how often do you really defend villages?
Perhaps I'll pick up a few more bad habits inspired by other players.
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Re: So... How do you make your campain harder?
