Why Does my Trade Suck?

from GalCiv2 Forums
I researched pretty far into the trade tree one game, and I all ever got was 5-6 BC per ship/route. That's pretty much chump change by that stage of the game. Even multiplied by 10-15 trade routes. Does having a tradable commodity increase that? The only place I've seen that turn up is on the race-to-race trade screen.
trade
9,950 views 15 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I think the devs over-nerfed it because of what users did in Galciv1. They used to spam starbase trading modules and make obscene money.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Also the distance between your planet and the planet of destiny of your trade route has to do, farther the trade goes more money you make, and also having stuff to trade like commodity increases your bc.
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Trade is almost irrelevant later in the game, because the taxes are so much more powerful than in Gal Civ 1. I don't even bother making new trade routes late game, because they just aren't worth much anymore. But they are useful in the early game, so I am not complaining, I am just used to them being more important from the first game, and it takes some getting used to.

As to your question... (Sorry, I went off on a tangent...) Trade is best between planets far away, with good economic power (Preferably the economic capitals of the two races). I believe that trading with a race of the same ethical alignment also increases the value of the trade route. I get a little confused here, because the economic power seemed to matter more in GalCiv 1, so that may not be true in this game, it may just have to do with distance.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Trade is mostly useful in GC2 for improving relations with other races--the money is just a nifty bonus.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Build a economy starbase near those routes and upgrade it to get more from your trade.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Trade can be a important part of your economy, the money gained is rather small so you will have to build economy starbases to improve it. Trade can make the difference of your industry operating at 100 %.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I actually just use Trade as a function to build diplomatic relations. Relying on trade income seems a sure fire way to see your economy crash if the middleman of your trade routes suddenly decides he doesnt like you.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Uh, I routinely get as much money from trade as I do from taxes. On large maps.

The one thing I always try to do is make the longest trips possible; so if you've got planets on the outer edge of the galaxy, have them make the routes that go as far as possible away. Adding life support and engines to a custom freighter can help.

Even if you're turning a profit on just taxes (which I find extremely hard to do given how big I like my navy to be), having a lot of cash gives you a lot of leeway. If your enemies start fielding a hard-to-kill navy, you can get all-new ships rolling out the next turn if you got deep pockets.
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
With several well placed economic starbases on huge maps, my trade brings in about 500-600 bc per turn. I couldn't live without it.
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Wow, I get a couple of hundred a turn late game (huge map, Humans-Neutral). Then again, I do make almost all of my trade routes go to the far side of the map. Individual routes can generate 30 or more a turn.
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I agree with SprintSTNYC.

I generate from trade as much as I generate from my taxes. I have all my freighters come from 1 planet which is far from everyone else - then I place lots of economy starbases around that planets with full upgrades. Make sure your freighters are equipped with your fastest engines so they can do more trips in a short amount of time.

Although I do agree that you should NEVER rely on trade for income, but it really gives you that extra luxury as well as improve relations with other aliens.
Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yeah i have to admit Trade is a big thing in my games as well (only larger Maps tho)...It's nice to be in a really long game with as many trade routs as possible....then out of the blue you notice it. Making money with 0% taxes =P......Not recommended...but funny.....
Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Build econ bases with trade modules if you want to up your trade income.

I will echo what is said about trade, I've never seen it bring in more $$$ than taxes. It does calm the neighbors and they're less likely to be hostile or invade someone they see as a trading partner. Which doesn't mean that they won't invade if you're the galactic weakling.. anyway..

has someone ever tried using trade racial bonus + mercantile party ? Is that even worth it ?
Reply #14 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I have...and as i havn't had much time to experiment with many other races (work and such) i don't really have a good comparison.....But as i said...at more then one point in time (like 2 times) i've had my trade routs rack in enough to counted my expenses with 0% Taxes (granted it's usually with Economic Booms and the like, but the point it is i've had it happen =| ) and that WAS with the Racial bonus and Mercantile...so who knows....i don't
Reply #15 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Also if you notice over time.. trade routes grow in their value of how much each brings in (check your trade screen) a 6 BC trade route in the early game has become a 60BC trade route later on in the game.