I'm looking for suggestions on how to play vs Godlike AIs. I tend towards large maps with many opponents and prefer conquest victories. I don't get to play often so starting a new game is rare. Ive played vs one difficulty higher than normal without a problem and am looking for a challenge... Found it.
My last game I was playing a custom xeno/slaver race - the social/research bonuses plus Slave Master citizens is crazy good! However I did choose one level of negative diplomacy trait - oops?
I started out fairly well, expanding to 13 total planets and #8 in research out of 31. I purposefully limited my exploration to avoid wars but two of my three neighbors were at war with me from the start. I could hold my own by using the capital/escort ship combo... But around turn 150, my main enemy began sending a flood of ships, including large hulls with mixed weapon types. I killed probably 12-15 of his ships for every one of mine, but it wasn't enough. He was starting in on my planet defense fleets when I saw the writing on the wall.
So, what's the strategy for surviving on Godlike long enough to be truly established? I liked xeno/slaver but the slow ship production was painful. Getting "free" citizens was nice too (building population and saving up social mfr, then build citizen in one turn). I ended up with 10 leaders in Ship Construction to help offset the xeno penalty. Should I go super friendly and try to buddy up with everyone? I feel like no matter what, I will always be far behind on fleets and ripe for conquest.
Edit: I'm playing on 2.3 Crusade