Taking over a capital

[Andromeday]

Hi all,

First I'd like to say sorry if this should be somewhere else, I kind of got lost in the forums.

Second, I'm pretty new to this, so I'm still trying to figure out how most of this works.

Third, my topic:
I've been fighting a war with my neighbours and I've got them down to just their home system but, as it's their capital they've got 50 odd troops on it and I just can't take it.
So I thought I'd try bombarding the planet to weaken it a little (I've reached the stage where I'm not bothered what state the planet's in, as long as it's MINE[:@]) before trying to invade it again.
My problem is that I can't figure out how to do this. [&:]
I'm not sure if I'm using the right type of ship (I've got escorts, frigates, destroyers and cruisers) or what I'm doing wrong. I've just been selecting my ships and right clicking the target planet but bombardment just doesn't seem to be an option.

Thanks for any advice or tips you can give![&o]

[FingNewGuy]

Have you researched the Bombardment weapons techs?

P.S. I am new here myself [;)]

[Andromeday]

I do have Bombard and Enhanced Bombard reseached. I'm currently researching the Advanced option.

That hadn't occurred to me before to check though. Learning!

[Osito]

Hi Andromeday

FingNewGuy is correct that you need to have the right technology, specifically "Bombard Weapons" in the "Missile Weapons" tech tree under the "Weapons Research" tab.

Then you have to make sure you have the bombard weapon (in particular a "Nuclear Devastator", for example) on the ship that you're trying to bombard with.

Next, make sure the ship you're trying to bombard with is close to the planet you're trying to bombard.

Finally, if you done all that, and it still fails, try [Shift]-[right click] on the planet and see if that makes any difference.

Osito

[Andromeday]

Success!
I've bombarded the planet almost to oblivion! [:'(]
Those nasty neighbours of mine will never threaten me again! [:D]

[Icemania]

Capitals provide a massive boost to your empire early to mid game. If you have enough cash build up a larger army and invade. A couple of Armoured Factories building the strongest available Armour, then invade with about 3x their strength with space control and the battle will not last long.