Your first turn sets the stage for your entire campaign. Immediately assess your starting system: identify its planets, their resources, and any anomalies. Your first priority should be to initiate research. For most factions, a good starting research path involves unlocking Colony Base (under the Expansion & Exploration tree) to expand your empire, or a key economic technology like Xenology (under the Science & Exploration tree) for Sophons. Simultaneously, in your home system's construction queue, prioritize building a Scout Ship to explore nearby systems and uncover valuable resources and anomalies. If your home system has a strong food output, consider building a Colony Ship early to secure a second system quickly. Always check your hero assignments; assign your starting hero to your home system for a boost to production or research, or to your scout fleet for exploration bonuses. check your empire's initial laws and adjust them if necessary.
