Newbie questions...

[Shaostoul (OP)]

So I'm starting off playing Aurora in Conventional mode, mostly because I think it is a lot more important to start off from the beginning so I know how a planet works so I can learn the game more thoroughly.

My first question is. . .  How long from the beginning of a Conventional start with the base 5 research labs should one expect to become space born and start surveying asteroids.  Seems like the most logical step IMO.

What is it you do exactly in Conventional mode? I'm making stuff at the Industry tab, research labs take forever. . .  I'm research stuffs at the research lab, whatever seems important I guess.  A lot of base work.  I'm also expanding on my first shipyard. . .  How much should I expand it? What should I do to this shipyard?

[Erik L]

Conventional is Hard Mode. The standard TN start is the "normal" game. Most of the "elder players" would suggest a TN start for the first few games.

[ardem]

I would also suggest a TN game, it takes a while in conventional start to get anywhere, 30-40 years.

There is so much to learn as it is, I would suggest making it easier on yourself.

[Shaostoul (OP)]

What makes Conventional so hard? It seems pretty straight-forward so far.  Unless there is a key point I'm missing.

[Erik L]

The NPC races do NOT start with a conventional start. So the time you spend uplifting yourself to TN, they are using that time to advance.

[mikew]

Also, as I recall the amount of TN elements in your system is the same for a TN vs. conventional start, so a conventional start will leave you short of minerals as you don't get all of the "free" systems that come with a normal start.

[Shaostoul (OP)]

Ah, okay.

How's the "tech-points on start" work? It's like a 140000 number or some such.

[Erik L]

Ah, okay.

How's the "tech-points on start" work? It's like a 140000 number or some such.

That's the number of points you have for starting tech.

[Shaostoul (OP)]

Do you spend them? How do you spend them?

[randal7]

Go to SM mode. Open the research screen. At the bottom of the technologies box (just below center) will be two new SM-only buttons: Instant and Instant RST. Select a tech you want, hit "instant", and you have it. To the far right of these buttons, below your list of scientists, is a box with your remaining points to spend. Each tech costs the same as the # of RP's needed to research it.

Instant RST will instant research all techs you have designed via missile, turret, or design button.

Be aware that since you are in SM mode, you can spend more points than you have available, so watch your total remaining.

[Shaostoul (OP)]

Ah, okay, thanks a lot