New player

[DOCUP]

Just got the game. I have been watching Das Tactic videos. Is there a post that breaks stuff down for a beginner? Especially about the early game.

[Daza99]

There is some guides on the games's steam store front and of course the manual read is a must. Its a good idea to first get familiar with the GUI and where to find information, learn a lot of the interface can be clicked on and lots of tool tips.

[pauls2271]

I have been watching Das Tactic videos

Das did a set of beginner vids months ago when the game was first released.

The game has altered somewhat since then but they are mostly correct. He goes through the beginning turns and also a preferred setup for new players.


I learned the game by just watching DAS play it when it was pre-release. He got the game early and posted lots of Let Play vids. So when the game came out, I pretty much knew what to do and what to expect. I still lost my first 3+ games on beginner level.

[redrum68]

+1 for Das Tactic's videos. Reading the manual is very helpful as well. I think a lot depends on what games you've played in the past and can relate different mechanics to.

[Maerchen]

And as a bonus, DasTactic, TortugaPower and Grognerd are regularly streaming/releasing on yt and twitch.tv . It was voted on today Das' twitch channel that he streams Shadow Empire and he is always happy to answer any question regarding it.

If I forgot anyone streaming, no offense intended.

[KarisFraMauro]

Not gonna lie, I took a brief look at the manual and then my eyes glazed over... If not for Das there's every likelihood I never would have gotten into this game, which would be a tragedy because it's more than worth the effort.

[eddieballgame]

Videos, forum, & manual...not necessarily in that order.
Oh, & play a lot, small planet recommended & start with a mine (beginner) for your first play throughs.
Play an email game...you will be forced to learn & as pointed out, there is plenty.
Bottom line...as you you gain knowledge per this 4x gem on how to play, you will increase your enjoyment of it.

[zgrssd]

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

Just got the game. I have been watching Das Tactic videos. Is there a post that breaks stuff down for a beginner? Especially about the early game.

"Nobody has ever learned Shadow Empires without starving his units at least once".

[KarisFraMauro]

Speaking of new player questions, I still haven't figured out what the "threaten leader" strategem does. I was told to look at the description in the help section of the game and sure enough it just repeats the same unhelpful description you get when hovering over it in the first place. It threatens the leader. Huh.

[zgrssd]

ORIGINAL: KarisFraMauro

Speaking of new player questions, I still haven't figured out what the "threaten leader" strategem does. I was told to look at the description in the help section of the game and sure enough it just repeats the same unhelpful description you get when hovering over it in the first place. It threatens the leader. Huh.

I would guess improved relations (as the leader now fears to disagree with you).

Trying it once after saving would solve that question easily.[;)]

[KarisFraMauro]

You're probably right, but even a "successful" threat feels like it would have downsides.

[zgrssd]

ORIGINAL: KarisFraMauro

You're probably right, but even a "successful" threat feels like it would have downsides.

I fear leaders do not have the level of detail to simulate it.

Cities do track fear. But IMHO fear is not a downside either:
It counters unrest and caps Happiness at 100-Fear. But if you got Unrest or Fear, that means likely you do not have enough Happiness for fear to mater.

[Bleek]

There are some great guides here - https://steamcommunity.com/app/1154840/guides/

Particularly "Grognerd's Guide to Human Resources Administration".