AI Ignores Tech for Terraforming

[Nexii]

Recently I've been trying out formers as a base unit that don't require Centauri Ecology to build. Farms and Forests terraform actions require Centauri Ecology, but the AI can build them before researching the tech unlike the human player. Also the 'fully automate' command circumvents required technologies. I think it may apply to other improvements as well... at least 'basic' ones like mines, solar, roads, maybe sensors

[scient]

Sounds like there is some AI behavior missing a check to terrain_avail(). In this check, the only bypass for terraforming is if you have Weather Paradigm it gives you access to Condenser, Echelon Mirror, Thermal Borehole and Aquifer without needing tech perquisites.

[bvanevery]

Sounds like they didn't foresee a decoupling of the Former from terrain being terraformed.

The Spartans in the original game are actually pretty well known for not doing any terraforming at all, for quite some time.  I think because they don't learn Centauri Ecology?

[Nexii]

It's because they can't build formers actually. If a faction has the ability to build formers it tends to make a few. Had some amusing games where Sparta had like half a continent terraformed before getting Centauri Ecology. It's actually a decent fix for AI making strange tech choices though there's probably a better one that doesn't just give Centauri Ecology to everyone. Oddly this mod was to moreso help the human Hive or Believers character get some energy going because Centauri Ecology can take some time to get

I do wonder if the AI just does like 'auto' terraforming (just farm/forest/solar/mine/sensor) or uses its own algorithm. I've never seen it do any advanced terraforming for example.

[bvanevery]

Fixing the Spartan Former problem is easy.  Just give Centauri Ecology a power=1 weight.  Justified because roads are a means of conquest and defense.