starship configurations

[Droluk]

I'm just getting started on the game and getting beaten by everyone and everything. I'm assuming I'm making some dreadful mistake with the configurations. Could someone share their research path/weapons and defense of choice/starship configurations for the beginning of the game?
Thanks for your help and the previous friendliness of the replies to my earlier post![:)]

[Erik Rutins]

Well, better late than never...

Winning Starships Unlimited requires some good choices in a number of areas. If I could summarize my strategy, it would be as follows:

1. Initially, build an extra scout ship or two and expand as quickly as possible, focusing on getting freighters out to explored systems to claim them as trade routes. Also, start by building research labs, then production enhancements, then finally ship technologies. The faster you get your research and manufacturing base upgraded, the better off you will be.

2. Focus on one or two weapon areas to get the maximum research bonus. Invest advanced research items on your specialized tech once you start meeting other races to make sure you have an edge.

3. You can never have too many Wisdom artifacts, advancing through the ages is crucial.

4. Diplomacy, unrest and piracy can win you the game. Use them in whatever combinations necessary, with persistence, to befuddle your foes and get more races on your philosophical side so that you can create a Federation with them (and get access to their research and wisdom artifacts).

Regards,

- Erik