I suggest putting it on beginner settings, creating a smaller map with just a few opponents and seeing what happens.  Some of the most fun memories I have of 4X gaming and GalCiv is having things fall apart on me badly at the beginning, very badly, laughably bad.  Each thing I figured out was a triumph and a joy.  In many ways, it would be a shame if you lost all that.

The game is still in flux, so no one can give you a pre-worked-out list of steps.  I don't care what anyone claims here, we are all still faking it and learning.   Some may try and there may e good advice in there, but some of it will contradict other parts and you can end up being just as confused as were before, only with more information.

My advice is to roleplay.  What would you find important if you were leader of the Altarians?  Wha would be different about a Drengin empire? Pick an approach and a set of theories.  Then look for ways to make the game flow along those lines.   It is very flexible and will cooperate with you a lot on the lower difficulty levels.  I will offer three abstract principles on a role playing basis.

A stronger economy can build a stronger military, especially a technically advanced economy.

A weak military attracts attention from aggressors.  Everybody else just thinks you're pathetic.

The faction with the most planets and the most people has the easiest time winning.  Nothing is more important or obvious than that.  At least, that's what I think.

After that, you are on you own.  Good luck and have Fun!

I beg to differ on the tutorial. I am also brand new and the tutorial is extraordinarily frustrating and non helpful. I suspect I'll be talking about what a terrible experience my first two tutorial games were for years. Yes it tells you what the menus and ui elements are. But it also gives you no advice on strategy or tactics, most importantly none on economy.

Playing an easy random game taught me vastly more than the tutorial.

That said, I put post in the thread about ragequitting asking for help on the tutorial because I got to over turn 800-something and it was a completely non fun experience. I tried it again and had all the same problems so, as a new player I really recommend avoiding the tutorial and take erischild's advice instead.

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there are also excellent play troughs ans lessons on you-tube .  Also good things on steam for beginners.  beginner settings make it almost impossible to lose so you can really take your time and try different ways of building your empire.  have fun

Also see

https://forums.galciv3.com/466300