I've been hearing that Chapter 3 was a bit too hard so took a look into the balancing more.
Since I've played each Chapter so much I knew exactly what had to be done in each one so it is a bit difficult to balance - perhaps even more so than Quick Play mode since in the Chapters there are some scripted events.
In any case - Spoilers warning - don't read if you haven't tried to play Chapter 3 at least once. You will have to start Chapter 3 from the start for the update to take effect.
Changes:
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- The time before the Machines spawn has been increased.
- The number of Fighters they spawn each click has been reduced.
- The time before they auto-conquer a Star has been increased.
If even after the changes you still find the Chapter too difficulty, try these hints - and we can look into it more.
Hints:
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- The objective is to get to the final Star as soon as possible.
- Move your Colony Ship immediately to find the path to the final Star (the path randomizes a bit in each play through)
- Enable the Industry governors to auto-build and accumulate Minerals and Ship Parts
- Optionally you can mass Fighters (set Repeat build on) to help slow down the Machines but keep an eye on your resources, you will need it for the Star Fortress
- Once you get the Colony Ship to the destination Star, colonize it, and start upgrading Infrastructure. Remember to put your workers into Infrastructure.
- Also mass Fighters here, again, keep an eye on Ship Parts.
- When the Infrastructure is complete, immediately start building a Star Fortress
- Once it's complete, you will have escaped successfully.
- If the Machines manage to colonize all the Stars up to you at the final Star they will start sending all their fighters to you. Even here you have a chance to win until they start sending Transports to invade you.
Maybe it's time to start a Guide section on Steam... ːsteamfacepalmː