New beta build! https://wiki.arcengames.com/index.php?title=AI_War_2:Multiplayer_Alpha_And_Beta#Beta_2.746_Release_The_Warden
You need to use the current_beta branch on Steam or GOG to play this one. If you have trouble with it, there is a most_recent_stable_beta, now, too.
This one was a minor detour, but I think you're really going to like what we've cooked up for you in this one. There are some general bugfixes, and things like tachyon beams working again. Some last scourge tuning to get them to fully behave as intended. A lot of the hacking cost increases that I put in last build have been lowered back down, but the number of hacking points you start with is also now a bit lower. Ships under construction now only take 3x as much damage, rather than 10x as much.
Then the big item: the Warden fleet. The Warden has been supremely cowardly for a while now, often parking near you and -- in its fear -- amassing ludicrously powerful fleets that could crush you like a bug... but are afraid to come near you. When they finally would, they would just leave no trace left (of your offensive fleet). This wasn't a good feel for playing with, so the Warden has been recalibrated rather substantially.
The Warden is now aggressive, reckless, splits itself into multiple parts as needed, lurks when needed but still enjoys the occasional strike in just when it's inconvenient (and then sometimes runs away after beating some minor bit of your armada senseless). It's never going to hit you with something game-ending at this point, probably -- that's the Hunter's job, anyway -- but it's now a dynamic and surprising force to reckon with out there on the map. The AI suddenly seems a lot more alive.
The AI got a few other buffs. When you assault their homeworld, and AI now goes to mark 3 no matter what. Shark B is integrated more tightly into the AI. Beachheading against the AI is now slower at higher marks.
This feels fun and vibrant so far to us -- hope you enjoy!