This is a 4X game, so of course eXploration is going to be vital! The mysteries of the cosmos aren't going to find themselves! Fix up, look sharp. Are you going to control your military, or is your military going to control you?
Understand the subtleties of supra-lightspeed travel along star lanes.
22/11/2018
Everybody wants to have big chrome fleets, but you need to earn it. Learn how.
Explore places beyond the reach of your fleets using interstellar probes.
Once you find some prime galactic real estate, you need to claim it. Learn how not to get gazumped!
Scientific exploration is all well and good, but learning how to strategically deploy fleets will be key.
Star lanes aren't the only means of traversing the galaxy. Get up to speed on other options.
The galaxy is rich with unusual systems, both natural and artificial. Leverage them to your advantage.