Matrix Games Forums

I have read what I could find in the forum about PDU's and whether they are worth using.

They are apparently worth using and also that you should have more than one.

Anyone tell me how many per planet would be the best to build?

I do not thing there is any "right" answer here, but defending troops does not save an exposed colony alone.

Reserve heavy troop coverage for the true gems that you have. Gems that live somewhat exposed, since the AI does usually attack among the closest colonies.

And with heavy troop coverage, I mean PDUs and more than 4-5 troops.

So the capital usually deserve a couple even it not exposed. And a front line colony that is very valuable (large population 90+ quality), should possibly have 2-4 PDUs and a total of some 20+ troops. With a large spaceport, 4 defensive bases and defensive fleet (of power to match any AI fleet).

But if you have a lot of good colonies, and a territory that has no others inside, any internal really good colony is not going to see an attack until the borders are no longer far away. So just give them some space defenses and a 10-ish garrison "just in case, and because it feels right".

I concur with Bingeling. A few is usually enough. I also garrison an armored unit or 2 when available....GP

Again, there is no right or wrong way to play the game. I use PDUs very sparingly. Like Bingling, only on capitals and very important and very exposed colonies. PDUs are very expensive to maintain, particularly in the early game, where they will do the most good. Early game a couple of PDUs can put a dent into a "small" invasion. But then their maintenance cost will add up quickly. Mid to late game, when you're better able to afford them, I think they are less effective. In one invasion my forces made, the defense had a Planetary Shield and 4 or 5 PDUs. My forces had 6 Special Forces sprinkled in. Three of those SF units landed and evaporated the Planetary Shield and all the PDUs before most of the rest of the invasion could land. If I'm going to invade a Capital, I'm going to be coming with substantial force (8-10 SF, 12-15 Armor, and 30+ infantry). I've never seen the AI mount an invasion force even half as strong/large. Simply my thoughts. Hope this helps. Let us know what you find out.