Hey all

So, im currently doing my 2nd play through. The first was to get familiar with the game. Now I'm taking it seriously though I'm by no means an expert.

I've run into serious problems my 2nd play through. I made the mistake of forming a defense pact with a neighboring empire. That empire declared war on the most powerful empire in the galaxy.

They are currently rampaging through my systems with fleets I can't even touch. Their one fleet alone has over 11k offensive points. They also have massive fleets of transport ships for ground troops (over 45 ships) so my ground forces don't stand a chance. These fleets are so powerful that my defensive structures get wiped out in one volley.

My allys fleets come in to my systems, fire a few pot shots than get wiped out. A fleet of 22 destroyers got ripped to shreds in a few seconds.

I cannot surrender as the demands are for ceding ally systems which I don't have. It's pretty clear I cannot survive this.

However I'm looking for tips to avoid this in the future. I thought forming a defensive pact would be beneficial. Clearly I was wrong.

UPDATE: As a former space empires player. One thing I see that is really lacking is the intillegence options. It would be really nice to gather intel on enemy/rival fleets and planets. As well as sabotage installations/fleets. I am not seeing this in any of the menus. Am I missing something or is this sorely lacking from the game?

UPDATE: oh good, the unbidden just showed up... following all the tips here and I have one 60k. Was hoping to test it out by conquering a neighbor and boom unbidden. They are on a rampage just slaughtering everyone. It's intense watching those 50-100k fleets just slug it out. How the HECK am I supposed to fight these guys? And what triggers them?