Planetary Defense

from Sins Forums
Hi,

so far I've been playing AI matches (TEC) for 3 days, seems like I slowly got used to the economy system, interface etc. But one thing keeps bugging me: How can I defend a planet against hit-and-run-attacks without needing to have dozens of LRMs or Heavy Cruisers in it's gravity well?
Gauss guns have a small range, Hangar ships only do mediocre damage or simply get shot down by enemy flak ships.

So far, the only thing that worked for me is this: http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f178/Gshark/Screens/Sins/SinsofaSolarEmpire2008-05-1718-45-0.jpg
There gotta be an easier way...

Thanks in advance ;)
strategy
4,002 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top
Keep a small fleet next to the planet so it can withstand a small hit and run. If anything bigger attacks you should have a fleet in a postion where it can reniforce planets that are close to it. A example would having a bunch of light ships and guess cannons guard the planets closly so all your weapons would be in range. If you need support you can call in a large fleet of light ships, or a small fleet of heavy ships. I would have these support fleets ether be stationed in a syestem if there are more then 3 or in between two syestems if there are not many planets to defend so they can reach the fight in time. Plese note that these supporrt fleets should only support the planets garrisons and not be a hugr fleet so you dont have to pay a arm and a leg. Hope it helps! :CONGRAT: 
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
LOL nice fleet.  :D 

Computer always runs when you have a bigger fleet, but will stay and fight if you have a smaller fleet. What it doesnt do is realize if you have 3 repair stations, several hangars, and a small fleet, you can chip away at their fleet for a long time before they decide to run.

Easy defense tips. Always have 2-4 repair stations, recomended 3 that are on the edges of each's repair radius. Put all your hangars, lrms and light carriers inside the area that all 3 repair places cover. Upgrade repair stations to maximize 40 hull points a sec. Surround this fortified area with the defense cannons. Make sure the canons can reach the 120 - 180 degree arc the AI attacks your planet at with its siege frigates. As soon as you can get phase jump disrupter, put it on every edge planet. Fill remaining tac slots with hangers, should be 3-5.

I love using the marza as my defensive capital. He can really pick off frigates fast with his nuke and autocannon extra damage abilities. It is ideal to have a good 30-50 fleet points laying around to fast build a small fleet if you get surprised. If you have a defensive sweeping fleet, make sure they only have to cover 1 phase jump away from a central defensive planet. You dont want to be more than 2 hops away at any time.
Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top
Let them attack. The computer is painfully slow at conquering your territory. As long as your main fleet has a colony ship in it, you can stay on the move, and destroy the territory faster than the computer can.

Also, you don't need a perfect fleet to defend. Since it is your home turf, you have the advantage of having instant access to reinforcements. Build more ships if your defenders are hurting, and build turrets if you think an enemy attack is coming.