Most recently I've noticed all my starts seem to be hampered by pirates like immediately. I'll usually start with two pirates in the same system as me, and at best only one will likely be willing to talk to me.
So I'm finding I have time to research pre-warp experiments, and then 2-3 techs before they show up. That means I have escorts at best, usually about 30 strength, if I rush down shields, armor, and possibly improved escorts before anything else.
I've been trying to play the more aggressive factions from the get-go to get better at combat but it's felt pretty insurmountable to even hold on. I've lost a game or so already when raiding dropped my happiness so badly I lost my only planet.
Do you just have to accept getting wailed on, or is there some way to mount a proper defense in time when it becomes clear you're going to be fighting pirates from the start?
With the new DLC I suspect pirates are going to get harder to deal with rather than easier, so any tips or advice are welcome to prepare.
