Although I'm not new to Subterfuge, I'd love hearing some tactics you guys use in the beginning of your games. It is also pretty interesting how some people use these tactics and teach them to others.

Look for synergy among your specialist hires and global effects. Usually if you can get two of a specialist that can promote to a "global" ability it is generally worth it.

For example:
2 Hypnos -> 2 kings; very strong
2 lutenants > 2 generals; destroy 20 drillers when specs are present (hire assassins or saboteurs to have tons of specialists AND having a diplomat is even better as you can just ressurect your dead specs)
2 smugglers -> 2 tycoons; insane production rate
2 inspectors -> 2 security cheif; massive shield boost

Best tip for noob - do no rage quit. If you being attacking, suck it up. You learn much in tough situation, and sometimes people will be taking pity on you and actually be helping you. Never quit. Make attackers earn their kill.


Another tip for noob is not starting out attacking. If you noob than wait, someone is probably attacking you soon. So preparing for this. Good tip I thinking.

At the start of a game, take a look at the make up of your starting outposts.

Is the map factory or generator heavy or well balanced?

Then, take a look at the neutral outposts around you. Are there big natural gaps and large void areas? The outposts on these are easier to defend because of the long distance an attack would be to travel. Are there a large grouping of factories between you and a neighbor? Lots of factories in a small area is like the tip of a spear - the production out of them would be hard to defend against long term.

So, with taking a look at the outposts around you - you can then start to talk to your neighbors. Perhaps split up the group of factories, or ask for peace along the borders with the long distance to travel.

Once the game starts, there is the period where you see how players sent their starting subs and you get a peak at your starting specialist. For me, the two starting specialists kind of determine what type of game I will be playing - defensive to start or an strong push on offense - to perhaps own that group of factories.

If you find yourself the target of multiple players - don't quit right away! This is the best time to try to most crazy and daring maneuvers and where you will learn the most. You'll get to see how people attack and then how to best defend! It's also a time where you get to use specialists in ways you would not think to use them before.