changes to design templates mid game

[Sithuk]

Is there a way to change the design templates mid game, and have the game use them? I tried copying over my race's ship design templates, which prioritise phasers, with another race's which uses torpedoes.

I then restarted the game, and put it on 4x speed. No designs changed. I tried clicking auto-update, but that only upgrades the components with more recent versions, which is what it is supposed to do.

[Retreat1970]

Templates are loaded at startup.

[Sithuk]

I'm not sure what you mean by "templates are loaded at start-up".

When I start the game and load my save game, the templates are not loaded at start-up.

[Shark7]

Basically, when you generate the galaxy for the first time, all the information such as character lists, design templates, etc are baked into the data file that you save for that galaxy (your save-game).

In other words, other than images (which are read as needed), you can not change things like templates without generating a new galaxy to play. The files like research trees, templates, character lists, etc etc are only read at galaxy generation, even if you change every text file in a theme, and load a save game, you will get zero of the changes because those text files will not be read again until you generate a new galaxy to play.

[Sithuk]

Thanks Shark, thats explains what I'm seeing. So all the design templates are "locked in" at universe generation.

My objective is to switch the automated designer from phasers to torps in my save game.

I recall that the Distant Worlds design AI will select a higher tech weapon type, overriding the ship design template preference.

For example, if I have lvl 5 torps and lvl 4 phasers, and am playing a race with design templates setup for phasers, then the design AI should put torps on regardless of what the design template states?

I'm going to try using the game editor to "un-research" one or more phaser techs in my save game. My hope is that the design AI will then replace the phasers with the high tech level torps.

It will be interesting to assess how the design AI deals with the different weapon component sizes in this scenario. For example, if the design template states that 10 phaser components should be placed on the cruiser design, will the design AI simply try to put 10 torps on? Or will it instead follow the design template for a cruiser from a race which has the torps as its preference.

I understand that the designer should always ensure the energy requirements are met. Different weapon types have different strategies in their design though. For example, a laser based design will want to close to point blank, a torp design will want to use stand-off.

Shark: have you tested how the DW design AI handles weapon selection when your weapon tech is higher for a weapon type that is not your race's "preferred" weapon type?

[Bingeling]

In case this is not about auto-upgrade button...

The "higher level" should only matter when there are multiple options that fits the template.

So if it is set to use Phasers, it will never place Torps.

If you worry about AI empires, use the AI mod, where research is locked to follow the templates.
If you want manual research and automated designs, research weapons according to the design template. The AI policy file should reveal the correct weapons to research by research focuses.

You can of course research torps and place them in your designs manually.

[Sithuk]

I just play tested deleting my phaser tech.

The DW ship/base designer still put low tech blasters on my designs despite my having high tech torps.

Bing: I was trying to figure out how to still use the automated designs but change away from phasers, as I'm facing an opponent AI with heavily defended planets. I want to use the stand-off tactic with long range torps. I also wanted torps for my bases as I'm getting the same tactic used against them and the AI is currently fitting them out with phasers.

I do understand I can do all this manually but I'd prefer to have the AI do it. It seems I'll have to do it manually.