I'm going to start adding hints to the loading screen, and I'd love to hear any ideas you guys might have for good hints for new players on how to play, UI tips, advanced strategy, etc.
For example:
Note: the first tip is actually not true. If you leave a skirmish on AI_test speeds, all the prices will go to 999 eventually. There is hidden consumption not mentioned anywhere.
http://offworldtradingcompany.gamepedia.com/Market#Market_Dynamics *cough* (it's not perfectly exact and there are some rounding quirks, but that captures most of it)
Something on auctions going to debt (and being careful about how much you spend on them) could be useful, as could something on power, specifically how consumption will rise as players upgrade and move into special buildings.
Add "and even better to have a triangle of those"
Some are better than the other... Will try to think of more. Most of this advice though is strictly multi-player, it would be somewhat misleading if a person is just playing skirmishes
Power pays towards debt first, sometimes it's better to take money now than later
Money = happiness
Expansive trucks move 50% faster, this also reduces their fuel consumption
Robots consume power instead of fuel
Scavengers use a lot of carbon, you will need at least 2 mines worth
Scientists are great for newer players
1. Debt is a resource, think it over before you place power early
2. Wait for the debt timer to tick down in reveal map or suffer horribly
3. Try aiming your emps at people producing the same resources as you
4. Using mutinies very early on in a multiplayer game is often a double edged sword
5. Buying resources you don't need can be a great way to turn a profit and squeeze your opponents
And most importantly:
6. Black market effects don't work on UltraPope so don't use them on him; you should be nice to him as well. Pitch in when he is trying to buy someone out and generally try and give some moral support it will....boost your elo? His stock also causes mild skin irritation so best not buy any of it.
Money is best invested, not hoarded.
The black market is a powerful tool, use it early and often.
Use [Tab] to keep an eye on your opponents.
Take care when upgrading. You will be more vulnerable when low on money.
Secure Upgrade resources early. They will allow you to expand your corporation.
The Offworld Market is a great tool to finish games when prices have fallen low.
The Patent Lab offers unique abilities to your corporation, but only one player can have each patent. Acquire patents early if you think you need them.
Purchasing your own stock will make it far more difficult for competitors to acquire your company.
The neutral colony consumes a lot of resources, and changes every game. Check up on it occasionally.
Neutral colony buildings each offer a unique benefit. Try to use them to enhance your corporation.
The map is different every game. Identify scarce resources, and attempt to secure them before your competitors.
Each company type is unique. If you're struggling with one, don't be afraid to try the others.
Some hotkeys would be useful to list as hints, like:
Press "z" to view the amount resources under an occupied tile
Press Shift+Ctrl+down to sell all of your resources at once
Press "b" to bid on the auction
etc.
Thanks, all!
There's one hint about secondary buildings that says that they should be next to "you" HQ instead of "your" HQ.
And in an attempt to be slightly more helpful:
I thought of two others today that would be very helpful for new players. Obviously you can use the concept and wordsmith it as necessary:
1. Don't try to be self-sustaining. Produce items that are profitable and purchase cheaper goods with them.
2. Diversify your claims. Claiming a monopoly on a resource will force you to sell down the resource and make it cheap for others to buy it.These two came from watching a bunch of new player videos on youtube. Many people are a little lost on what to do early on (as I was at first and fell into the trap of point #1 when i started playing). Nobody likes to see little red numbers show up and your debt mounting when you're just starting out.
Sabotage resistance is disabled when the owner of a building is hidden.
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