If you're open to using mods, I wrote one a while ago to address this very issue.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 9&t=382877

New release

Further reduces slot size to 11 and also changes the weapon size of basic point defence options to be able to fit in this smaller size. This will prevent even small weapons like ion weapons and pulse lasers (size 12) from being equipped on civilian ships.

https://github.com/rc0004 ...

Really cool observations and write up! This will help a lot when some .NET modders turn their attention to the AI

Bug still exists in 1.0.3.5 version. Bad way to sap money from the player.

Per issues raised here https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10151&t=382690 I've created a mod that reduces the size of every single weapons slots on all civilian and non-combat ships, currently does not change fuel tankers :
1. Exploration ships
2. Freighters
3. Construction ships
4 ...

I think you have to specify the exact version this modified file was created from.
The current beta 1.0.3.5:


That's not how this mod works. It's not just copy pasting an XML file that becomes invalidated every patch. It uses the mod loader to find the file it needs to apply patches to, and ...

Simple mod for Distant Worlds 2 to halve the number of planets spawned in a galaxy.

This mod is very simple. It changes the maximum number of planets that can generate around Main Sequence Stars, Red Giants, Super Giants, and Blue Giants. In vanilla game, these can have 8 planets orbiting them ...

Have created a mod that changes all weapon slots on civ and non-combat ships to size 13. It had to be <19 to prevent them equipping missiles, and <14 to prevent them equipping crummy projectile weapons.
So this will prevent them from using defender missiles and blocking field generators.

Full ...

I have read quite a few people claiming that vector manoeuvring doesn't make as much difference as would be expected over regular engines though.


Definitely. Situation is so bad that the CustomizableModPack (CMP) doubles the vectoring thrust that they provide in order to actually provide a use ...

I think a quick bandaid fix would be changing those two lines of code to instead refer to sound effects used by another star type, like maybe the neutron star for instance. That way it shouldn't be as deafening every time you go near one.

I'll see if I can mod this in. If you wish to keep PD, what I'll do is simply change the size of all the weapon bays on civilian ships to be maximum 19, that way they should be able to fit themselves with any choice of PD.

Code taken from data/OrbTypes.xml, relevant section bolded.

<OrbType>
<OrbTypeId>6</OrbTypeId>
<Category>Star</Category>
<Name>Black Hole</Name>
<Description></Description>
<ImageFilename>Environment/OrbTypes/BlackHole</ImageFilename>
<LargeImageFilename>Environment/OrbTypes/Large/BlackHole ...

Oh, I have been thinking about modding this in. The main issue is that I need some automated way to modify the file.
After all, the xml file can (and hopefully does!) change with every Udpate. Meaning I have to re-create the modded file every update.


Head on over to the mod discord by following ...

Planet quality does not decrease due to difficulty, that's specifically colony abundance settings. Just to make that clear. Idk why Erik kept saying it over and over.


I play on Extreme, and colonizeable planets are routinely 10-40% less habitability than what Galactopedia suggests for each ...

There's currently a cheesy way to quickly get new pops assimilated. Let them rebel and put down the rebellion, it will grant you an immediate +30% assimilation.

Great analysis!

My (noobish) observation here is: Does it all matter? :lol:



Atm I'd say it doesn't. But that's part of the problem. You've got super luxuries not being distributed properly and only being sent to a couple of planets. Meanwhile freighters are bringing 200 of it, giving the ...

Planet quality does not decrease due to difficulty, that's specifically colony abundance settings. Just to make that clear. Idk why Erik kept saying it over and over.

Among those modders are software developers. So then we can stop questioning each other's programming credentials.

Can we just lock the thread now? It's devolved into pointless personal attacks.
If you want to actually know how doable this is, ask one of the modders on the discord.

Perhaps the simplest solution to implement to solve the issue of money strangely disappearing is only tracking things you're paying for, and not all incoming. Just adding a small section to do with recent transactions of one off purchases. Like 10k spent on Fleet Replacement, 5k spent on Building X ...