Tip: There's usually no hurry to end many of the missions, even after you've accomplished all the objectives. Take the time to have your Workers collect all the remaining resources, because you can use them in the next mission. Use time compression to speed the harvest.

Tip: Fighters are crucial early in the game to defend against other fighters; you can even take out smaller capital ships by swarming them with enough fighters. In the latter part of the game, concentrate on building more powerful capital ships, and use multigun frigates to protect them against enemy fighters.

Tip: Use the sensor manager to give orders. You don't need to drop into 3D mode until the fireworks start. Then sit back and enjoy the show.