I've played a number of games now and I find that the computer players always seem to massive spheres of influence whereas mine are tiny. How do I increase my sphere of influence so that I don't get trapped in my own systems by turn 100?>

What major faction do you play? 

You have to increase the  Influence output of your systems via Heroes, buildings or System Improvements.

Belhoriann wrote:

You have to increase the  Influence output of your systems via Heroes, buildings or System Improvements.

Thanks! didn't know that. I thought it had to do with population.  Makes sense though!