Importance of Starbases

from GalCiv2 Forums
Hey guys. I'm kinda new to the game, but I was just curious if someone could go over some major benefits of starbases. Most games I have only built about 2 or 3, and have hardly boosted their capability. Is this enough? I notice most of the AI have tons of them. Basically the ones I have are used primarily as supply lines to expand the range of my ships, usually I'm focused on so many other aspects I forget about Starbases. If possible, could any other pro gamer let me know that you do when it comes to bases and what you'd recommend for my games?
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Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
i usualy create all of my trade routes from one planet deaply in my territory, and build economy starbase to boost trading ability and also production on that planet... didn't try with two of those...
i build mining starbases and upgrade them as much as possible, that's all; i'm constantly playing on intelligent, won all of my games...
Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
NO NO NO!!!!

Build a LOT and boost them a LOT! Build economic ones near trade routes and productive systems (especially multi-planet systems) and start boosting manufacturing and trade income. Build culture bases near borders and near enemy worlds on your border so your borders expand and enemy worlds start defecting. Build military bases near key planets so you don't need a large force to defend them.

These are just a few of the reasons to build bases, using them to increase your range is fine but don't lose out on their other features.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well if the AI building a bunch of them wasn't enough of a clue let me help you out.

Economic Base - Boost trade revenue and all manufacturing on any planet whithin its sphere of influence. In general I try to build at least two or three of these around any star system where I can overlap the star base's sphere with several planets at once. Also multiple bases do stack their bonuses. If I get a really great group of stars together I can turn them all into manufacturing power houses with just 4 or 5 star bases in a ring around the planets.

Military Base - Turn a fleet of small ships into a fleet of huge ones. Normally I build these to help me protect my borders. I'll station a couple of small fleets nearby with boosted sensors and fast engines to intercept any enemy fleets that may cross my borders. Also it's a nice tactic to send a few along with your invasion fleets to build bases and all the assist modules in your theater of war. Takes some planning and coordination ahead of time but it does make taking out a heavily fortified area much easier. Also if you put at least one of any defense on your ship you get the defensive bonus no matter what. So all of a sudden all your ships that had only armor against the enemies beam weapons now have shields. Big help to say the least.

Influence Base - To be honest I barely build these. I'm sure if you are going for a cultural victory they help but I normally end up with a diplomatic or tech win. Just my style.

Mining Base - Grab those space resources as soon as you can. The AI goes to enormous lengths to secure as many of these as it can and for good reason. A fully upgraded resource can really boost any of the important stats like economy or research. The military resource can turn your ships into monsters if you have weapons that are high enough attack values to make the bonus useful. I once took out an AIs military resource and all of a sudden ships that I could barely dent before were falling before me in one or two rounds.

So long story short. Build star bases. You won't regret it.