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About AI War 2
AI War 2 mixes grand‑strategy and real‑time tactics, putting you on a single small planet while the rest of the galaxy is held by hostile AI factions. You must expand just enough to support fleets and defenses, staying hidden until you can strike the AI’s core.
The sequel adds a more forgiving science system, a powerful hacking mechanic, and an Expert mode announced for Q3 2021 that introduces permanent loss and harsher positional choices, letting each player decide how demanding the campaign will be.
01 / THE GUIDE
Starting from Defeat
The game opens with the premise that you have already lost the war; the galaxy belongs to other factions, mostly the AI. Your only foothold is a single small planet surrounded by hostile space, forcing you to expand subtly and avoid early detection.
Success depends on evaluating targets, expanding just enough to sustain fleets and defensive networks, and waiting for a moment when the AI’s attention is low enough to launch a decisive strike.
- Scout potential targets before committing fleets.
- Prioritize low‑profile expansions early on.
02 / THE GUIDE
Standard and Expert Modes
AI War 2 offers a standard experience that is more approachable for new players, with streamlined tasks and a forgiving science system. This mode lets you learn the core mechanics without permanent loss.
An Expert mode, announced for Q3 2021, adds permanent loss and incentives to hold disadvantageous positions, creating a harsher challenge for those who want extreme strategic pressure.
- Begin with Standard to master basic systems.
- Switch to Expert when you feel comfortable with fleet design.
03 / THE GUIDE
Simulation Speed and Pausing
The Unity‑based engine runs on modern multi‑core processors, allowing you to speed up or slow down the simulation without extra CPU load. This helps avoid long idle periods during heavy battles.
You can pause the simulation at any moment, and the framerate remains independent of simulation performance, giving you full timing control while the game continues to run smoothly.
- Use speed controls to skip uninteresting intervals.
- Pause before complex fleet maneuvers to plan precisely.
04 / THE GUIDE
Mod Support and Multiplayer Beta
Modding is a core part of AI War 2, with XML levers that are safe for multiplayer use. The game ships several player‑supported mods (default off) so you can add content without hunting external downloads.
Multiplayer remains in beta but showcases massive AI simulations across different OSes and hardware. The engine can self‑repair many mod‑code mistakes, keeping friends in sync even when a mod misbehaves.
- Enable shipped mods for extra variety.
- Test community mods in single‑player before joining a multiplayer session.
05 / THE GUIDE
Hacking and Fleet Customisation
Hacking points are limited but let you give fleet leaders unusual upgrades or transform them into new class versions. You can apply hacks to enemies, allies, or your own ships for strategic advantage.
The hacking system works alongside science upgrades, providing multiple avenues to shape fleet capabilities during a campaign and offering powerful, targeted changes when needed.
- Reserve hacks for high‑value leaders.
- Experiment with enemy hacks for surprise tactics.
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