Expansions
The RTS economy is a primitive slash and burn affair that runs on a map where
resources are usually limited. You slash and burn your way to a resource site
(e.g. a mineral patch, a forest, a gas deposit, whatever), establish a base,
secure it and drain whatever riches are there, and then search for the next
one. Building the largest economy is only possible if you can secure these positions
on the map. You'll start a game next to a conveniently stocked location with
enough to get you started, and then at some point you'll have to take the bold
step of annexing as many other resource patches as you possibly can. This usually
means building a whole new base at a new patch, defending it vigorously while
its still viable, and then abandoning it and moving on when it runs out. Each
new resource base you create is called an Expansion.
You expand for two reasons. The first, naturally enough, is
to build yourself up. The second - just as important - is to deny your opponent
access to those resources. Even if you're not going to use them yourself just
yet. If at all. You're depriving your enemy of vital funds to expand, and thus
restricting their options and slowing them down. The early game is usually a
furious race to colonise the map as quickly as your economy allows, and to secure
strategic locations that block your enemy and safeguards your forces' access
to the map. Any early rushes that you inflict on your opponents will probably
be too weak to destroy them, but should be designed to dent their economy as
much as possible without compromising yourself.
Expansions and securing the map are most likely going to be
your opening strategies. As much as building up your forces is important, its
just as important to secure areas of the map that allow access to those lucrative
mineral fields. And the zones that lead to or defend them: choke points,
mountain passes, river crossings, any strategic locations that is readily defensible.
Stuff this bit up and its an uphill battle all the way. The mid game pretty
much consolidates your annexed territory and the first major engagements get
underway. |
