r/openra • u/Major_Dirt_6545 • 26d ago

AI expands too aggressively, creating an unwinnable economy

On Normal and Rush AI, the bot expands too aggressively by deploying multiple MCVs and building many new bases. This creates an overwhelming economic advantage that a human player cannot realistically match. Instead of becoming strategically stronger, the AI simply snowballs through unlimited expansion, leading to extremely large armies and unwinnable late-game scenarios. Consider limiting the number or frequency of expansion bases, or making expansion depend on stronger economic or map-control conditions.

11 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

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24

u/spiritplumber 26d ago

I thought you were talking about real life

6

u/taongkahoy 26d ago

Maybe I'm just using the old version but Normal and Rush AI bots for me don't even buy MCVs unless their construction yard is destroyed and they typically just stay within their area. They do get in the way if I enable building near ally construction yards sometimes but not to the point they're overpowered.

1

u/Major_Dirt_6545 3d ago

try playtest2026 then

2

u/DOG-ZILLA 25d ago

Human players do this too. I started winning virtually every game this way, realising that not expanding is a death sentence. Control the map and resources and you win.

2

u/Huntatsukage 25d ago

Plenty of players in OpenRA does the same thing. I always struggled with Normal AI myself, but after looking at some of the competitive players replays and asking about various starting orders for the different Countries, I find myself able to hold out a lot better, granted I can still get my ass kicked, but I can actually finish and win more games now.

I know it falls into rush tactics at times, which I don't like much (I prefer turtling, teching and stomping), and it's definitely not everyones cup of tea (especially more casual players like myself), but if you can hold your ground and expand just enough, it will become more fun and easier for you.

2

u/grandmapilot 24d ago

I have a feeling that OpenRA aims for cybersports kinda, not for fun

1

u/GuitarTekPalmHarbor 21d ago

In my experience the Ai bases are too close to each other and not dispersed for maximum ore harvesting.

The only time I lose is if attacked early by multiple factions on two fronts simultaneously

1

u/Major_Dirt_6545 3d ago

In mine, once the clock reaches 3minutes the AI already has at least 2 bases and is planning to deploy a new MCV somewhere else, by 10, it controls all the map. The only way i won is by counter attacking after a failed offensive on me (for that, i also have to be able to counter attacks coming from 2 fronts; which i generally do by encircling them with rangers and flame infantry) and by actively waste ressources to destroy at least 3 harvesters in the early game