#2:
- Play test your empire in single player to make sure you know how it works, and that it isn't totally crippled in an unexpected area.
Remember to design a variety of ships. Consider the potential roles they can play in combat and optimize them for it. Pay attention to other players' designs and steal any good ideas.
A mixed fleet does better than a monolithic fleet! You'll need short range assault ships, PD ships, missile bombardment, interceptors, bombers and dogfighters. Even some thick hide cannon fodder fighters to clog up space and slow enemy movement in big battles.
Be careful with your culture selection. It will affect your whole race's outlook far more than any mere stock racial tech does. Try to pick one that matches your personal philosophy. They're all playable if you push hard on the advantages, and cover the weak spots as best you can.
Be *very* careful about your happiness type!
Peaceful hates fighing, but will let you build planetary defenses. !!!Not uber like in stock!!!
Bloodthirsty needs to fight, and will get mad about planetary defenses.
Masochistic is pretty funky; they get happy when bad things happen, and angry when good things happen. However, it does mean instant jubilant status if the enemy lands troops on your planets
Provincial is not-quite emotionless. They won't turn on you unless you screw up in their eyes repeatedly for a long time. They prefer a boring lifestyle.