AI is too strong on easy mode for new players

[Langbart]

Some new users have reported that the AI is quite hard to beat and would like a version that is between "Sandbox" and "Very easy".

Forum

• DanW58 - ​Very Easy = too hard frustration. (15/Jan/21)

  I find Sandbox too easy, and Very Easy too hard. I've installed and uninstalled this game with disgust 3 times already. Could there not be something in-between?
  

  Got a first wave of attacks way too soon, and then two or three minutes later another wave, about twice the size. I find it just impossible to survive. Every time I try to play this I end up quitting the game.
  

  Fighting a super-AI may be fun for people playing at insane level, but I want the AI to be dumb.

Reddit r/0ad

• Facochr666 - ​difficulty setting (11/Feb/21)

  But I'm a lousy gamer, I just wanted to build my city, quietly in my corner and go attack when I wanted to, so I put the difficulty at the minimum and I get my face smashed in 20 mins. I know I don't know how to play yet but this is a bit hardcore for me.

IRC 0ad

• asdf ​(22/Feb/21)

  16:30 < asdf> hey I can't beat computer on middle level :)
  16:30 < asdf> how come he is so fucking smart

• Thedwarf ​(26/Feb/21)

  11:41 < Thedwarf> ok - I havent tried the easier difficulty - still struggling with the default
  11:42 < Thedwarf> still have yet to win a match myself yet

• frsch ​(16/Apr/21)

  00:43 < frsch> Hello. I wonder if it is relevant that Sandbox level is too easy but even Very Easy can be much more tricky?)
  00:44 < frsch> Very Easy even when Defensive mode is selected, sends me troops since very early

[Silier]

In 25600:

[PetraAI] - Make easy difficulties of AI weaker

This patch decreases the popScaling so that the easy AI difficulties have lower targeted population.
And it also decreases the size & priority of the attacks from the easy an very easy AI.

Refs: #6149
Differential revision: D3997
Patch by: @marder
Tested by: @Langbart
Comments by: @wraitii, @Freagarach

[Silier]

We will see if more complains arrise

[Stan]

Unlikely to get done for A26

[Andy Alt]

What's the status of this? Can it be closed? I saw the patch referred to in this ticket has been merged.

Wouldn't it be more efficient (time-saver) to just provide a few tips in the tutorial on how to beat an easy AI?

[Freagarach]

Pushing back.

[Phylogix]

I didn't find a report about the AI being too strong in the forum since the patch by Silier.