So the last part, we found out when to go to the all-out food production strategy, and when it is appropriate to switch from all-out food production to the tax/agri hybrid strategy.
But how do you figure out when food prices are too low and more favorable to the tax route? First, switch to the hybrid mode where you aren`t consuming food or producing a surplus. Next disband the vast majority of your housing (but not all, since you will want to rebuild obviously). Use a turn and make note of your food production. Now take your hybrid income (there are two, goods and non-goods adjusted, so choose which one applies to you mostly), divide it by this hybrid food production. The number you get is the ideal time to exit hybrid mode and go full blown tax. Why is this important? Because below this price, you`re making more money buying food than making it. Extreme example: if you see food selling at 2, it`s time to switch to the tax route.
A finally, a few words about the hybrid route as a fundamental empire build.
Hybrid mode is great because it offers the security and stability when the market turns against you. But if you want to base your empire setup and widen the range where hybrid mode is ideal for you, keep in mind, the more hybrid you go, the more mediocre your income will be. You trade income for flexibility/stability. How much flexibility/stability you want is a decision only you can make, but it is recommended you choose a tax or agriculture empire build and stick with it, and only switch to hybrid or even the opposite mode from your empire build to survive the market when it turns against you. In other words HYBRID MODE = SURVIVAL MODE.
So there you have it. If you`re an agri empire, you can now temporarily switch to tax if food prices are unbearably low, and the reverse is true for taxers.
If you follow this basic guide, you should never feel forced to restart, quit, or VM because the market is against you. You are free from market tyranny. Have fun. :)
R
RagnarokOP