Advice for second Spire shard battle

[Tim James]

This is my first time through the Spire campaign so don't spoil anything! (This post has minor spoilers.)

I wanted to do a different style of build this time, just to try something new. I went with 2 AI Mad Bombers on 7.6, focusing on turrets and defense instead of unlocking MkIII ships. Since their planets are weak, it was easy enough to take over with only MkII ships.

But now I need to get the second Spire shard. It's 4-5 hops from my homeworld. I tried it once and the constant massive strike forces wore me down well before it gets there. My 1000+ ships go down very quickly to all the high mark AI ships and Spirecraft units. I've since colonized most of the planets on the way to the shard signal, so that's going to be even more brutal.

I couldn't decide whether to just break down and get MkIII fighters/bombers/frigates or save it for something more unique, so I'm currently sitting on, uh... 22500 knowledge. Anyone have a suggestion for a unique/different way to get the shard home without getting MkIII ships? Am I missing anything? Am I being silly?

[TechSY730]

Try riot starships (even Mk. I will do), each with 2 force-field modules (and whatever you want for the other modules). Then when you get the shard, move the shard under the riot controls' shields, and then group move the cluster to your home. Then your shard will stay under the protection of those force-fields on the journey back.
Despite how low HP those force-field modules have (by force-field standards), they will significantly increase the expected life span of whatever is under it (in this case, the shard). Plus, the other modules should slow down a large number of the incoming ships (by engine damage) the AI will throw at you, helping the rest of your escort fleet.

Now, if your escort fleet itself is not strong enough to survive the onslaught, then you are not ready to get the second shard yet. Research and build some better stuff, then try again.

[c4sc4]

Perhaps unlock fortresses and build some on the path home. Also, build forcefields over the wormhole on the path back home. These will prevent the AI from using that wormhole until they destroy the forcefield, that way you can get the shard through and destroy the AI who is stuck behind, or at least slow them down.

[Tim James]

Great ideas. I have some Xampite I'm using to make a Spire Shield Bearer too. I'll throw some starships under there.

I think I could unlock MkIII ships and easily roll this up, but it's fun to try something a little different.

[Tim James]

Well that was fun. These new game modes offer up some unique experiences. It's nice to mix things up every now and then.

[Red Spot]

Mad-bombers are a specialty amongst the AIs. They are almost twice as mean as any of the other regular AIs (not sure how the technologist-AIs scale compared to them) .. be prepared, or be toast