The AI (artificial intelligence) controlling non-human nations in the free game C-evo may be the standard version or any other that someone has created.
AIs available[]
In addition to the standard AI that comes with C-evo, a number of different AIs (programs that play C-evo) with different skills and strategies are available. Most of the following links are direct links to the zipped files to download:
- Seti AI 0.3 - Strongest AI for C-evo
- ASAI v07.07b
- Crystal AI for Cevo 1.1.1 - Passive, good for beginners
- Capital AI for Cevo 1.04
- AI_UO - Specialist airborne tactics (link)
- kIAi version 0.01
- CivSeed AI 0.101
- Shah AI v00.01 - Has bugs, especially on small maps
Strategy and tactics[]
As with the commercial and the other free Civilization-like games, there are a variety of strategies possible, though the ultimate launch of a spaceship is the only way of officially winning. The game goes through several somewhat distinct phases, based on the advances a player has researched:
- Feudal
- Scientific
- Mass Production
- Race to Stars
Given that the AIs are supposed to operate in a range of map sizes and unknown environments (sea/land, hostile/friendly opponents) they often have different counter-strategies for each (overlapping) phase.
- eXplore - Initial start, unknown extent, unpredictable opponents. Need to scout and contact adjacent nations and exchange knowledge.
- eXpand - Often an early (aggressive) land-grab where each nation tries to stake out as much territory as possible.
- eXchange - Given that AIs have same standing as humans, they are allowed to form alliances and trade amongst themselves (money, tech, unit designs, information).
- eXploit - Once the territories/borders are firmly established, develop the cities and build an advantage, sometimes polishing off weak opponents if opportunity arises.
- eXtinguish - The end-game relies on achieving the primary objective of assembling components for a spacecraft and more importantly surviving long enough to do so, which often involves conquering or at least fending off strong enemies.
AIs can be broadly classed into 4 basic postures:
- Passive - Focus on peaceful economic/tech development, often surrounded by friendly allies.
- Defensive - Keeping minimal forces in core cities but looking to out-tech competitors and build wonders.
- Aggressive - Expansionist, looking to knock out weak/small players, especially after a major advance, but can leave cities inadequately defended.
- Insane - Occasionally when a long way behind and little opportunity to win, goes into a fanatical spoiler mode.
Different tactics are required depending on the opposing posture and your form of government.
Technical resources[]
On the C-evo webpage, the game, its source code, AI modules, player contributions such as many additional nations, maps, mods, and utilities are available.
The game has an open AI interface, which means the player can replace the standard AI contained in the package with other AI algorithms, either for all nations or for individual nations. The documentation of the AI's DLL-interface is available from the project homepage. There is also an AI development kit.