Skirmish AI keeps rushing early, any way to slow it down?

[Therin1968]

I’m new to OpenRA and having a blast so far! I’ve mostly been playing skirmishes to learn the game, but I keep getting overwhelmed by the AI rushing me within the first 3–5 minutes.

Is there a setting or mod that makes the AI play more defensively or at a slower pace? I’d like to enjoy building up a bit more before the chaos starts

I’m currently playing the Red Alert mod, if that helps.

[freemind_9]

I'd be interested in knowing more as well I just started but felt overwhelmed by AI right away

[oomsna]

Hey, that’s a super common issue when starting with skirmishes in OpenRA!
Don’t forget to scout early and build a few defenses — even just a pillbox or two can buy you valuable time.

[Punsho]

You can always put a handycap on AI. It will build slower

[general_failure]

Obviously, switching to normal or turtle is enough.
Only rushAI attacks after 3-5 minutes.

If you harvest with 3-4 trucks (as rushAI does) it is quite easy to defend and counterattack.
If map has derricks - it becomes too easy (because AI do not use them).