Very new to the game, need help badly!

[Atrocities]

Dubious Strategy Guide

Also go to the SE IV Strategy Site

How I play my first 100 turns is really based upon how I have my game set up. I often set the AI to max and do not use cheats. I max out the racial points to 5k and spend a bit of time setting my player up.

Under Advanced Traits I always choose Natural Merchants, thus eliminating the need for Spaceports.

I always set tech to low and cost medium. I start with 1 planet at max conditions.

My first turn is spent designing a colony ship, escort/explorer, a shipyard, and defense base. I start researching technology - for me I go for propulsion and resupply early on. I repeat the Que. and research these two items until they reach their maximum. However research is something that is best learned by doing. I recommend that you spend your time concentrating on what you feel is best for your empire. Political science is a must for keeping people happy. Weapons, and weapons support systems are vital. Intel is a must have and can be put off until you encounter another player.

I explore the area colonizing every planet that I can. I build RESEARCH facilities and storage facilities for resources. I also build one of each resource facility and urban pacification center in each system I colonize a planet in.

I try to keep any aliens I meet happy, and if I fail, I mass produce Escort/Attack ships and park them on the warp points. I then research mines and satellites and then deploy those to the warp points. Also Point Defense weapons, you'll need those for sure.

Mostly I spend my first 100 turns exploring colonizing and researching necessary technology. The next 100 turns are spent aggressively colonizing, terraforming, and conquering smaller enemies. Turns 200 to 300 are for the big fish.

Things to keep in mind:
1. Fighter are awesome.
2. Diversify your ship designs.
a. Build weapon specific ships. Ships with multiple weapons types often get destroyed.
3. Always consider the AI your enemy and never trust it.
4. Mines and satellites are great for warp point defense.
5. Weapon platforms are the best for planetary defense.
6. Always be sure you have colonist on your colony ships before sending them out to colonize.
7. Come to this forum to ask questions.
8. Play the game as much as you can and if you have to use the cheat codes until you gain experience.
9. Point Defense cannons will save your fleet
10. Play as many multiplayer games as you can at PBW when they come back up next week.