AI Leech Solutions?

[Kraiz]

Hi all,

I've begun playing a new game lately, and have the Starship Fanatic AI type.

The problem I am having is the overzealous use of Leech Starships.  In small doses, I can deal with these with little problem.  However, then there's 6-7 per planet, it makes dealing with these a very, very difficult task.  I enjoy the challenge of fighting the starship fleets, but the leeches make it more of a "How fast can I kill all the Leeches" game other than anything else.

I'd prefer to keep leeches in the game, and not disable them, because they're a great utility when used correctly.

Does anyone know of any good counters to the blob of Leech Starships?

[tadrinth]

Use ships that have reclamation immunity where possible.  This includes all starships, Neinzul Younglings, and Spire ships. Ships with very low caps are also usually immune. 

Bulletproof fighters are immune to Shell ammo, which Leech Starships use. 

Superweapons like Spirecraft, Golems, and Champions would all work, but I'm guessing you don't have those enabled. 

Of the fleet ship types that are immune to reclamation, few have Heavy bonuses.  Tigers have 2.4x, Shrikes 3x, and Reprocessors have a whopping 8x multiplier vs heavy, so those would all be very good for you.  Reprocessors in particular are probably amazing since they have bonuses vs Heavy, Neutron, and Polycrystal, which covers most of the starships, excepting only Plasma Siege and Spire. 

Spire Mini Rams don't have relevant bonuses, but they'd probably clear the field pretty fast. 

[Kahuna]

Plasma Siege Starships do a lot of engine damage and they have a long range. The damage is pretty good too. So you could get Mark IV Plasma Siege Starships.

[Malkiel]

Another thought is using beachheading as a leech starship counter, since turrets are also immune to reclamation... but I doubt you'll see many situations where that will easily work.

Assault transports perhaps? would like someone who uses them to speak on how well that may work, I never do so def. not the expert here.

Mercenaries are immune to reclamation, so merc. bombers are an idea _if you can afford to try it_
I think that used to be the case but upon further inspection it certainly is not any more.

When asking for advice, telling us your bonus ship type(s) would really be helpful. in a game with so many different pieces only a few of which are in play at once, knowing which few is essential to any planning.

~Mal

[damiac]

Assault transports with some units in them pop starships pretty well.  In fact, they pop a lot of stuff pretty well, although they suck against force fields. Thank goodness for that, otherwise you'd never have to unload them.