In an effort to build a competant starting strategy, there are many ideas out there but no main resource. Post your early strategies here and we can share what we've learned. For me, here are some tidbits:
1) Research towards universal translator, and eventually trade with the other races. I notice they like to research many military techs, so this saves me the effort with a trade.
2) Buy a factory on your Homeworld. Not to be confused with build, "buying" allows the building to appear instantly at the end of the current turn. You will need this building to help build the other things on your planet quickly. Go speedy contractors!
3) Identify the best planet to colonize with your Colony Ship. You may need to scout to the next starsystem with your Flagship/Scout. Try not to settle for anything less than 8 class, but beggars can't be choosers. Remember that it is waaay easier to colonize a planet than capture it, so don't be afraid about wandering too far. This is a good thing, as finders keepers.
4) Send a scout ship across the galaxy, making contact with every alien race possible (due to range restrictions). Since you cannot open trade until you meet them first, get it done early before they get uppity about invading their space.
Go ahead and post any ideas you may have, let's try to keep building this database of useful info.
