As supreme ruler over their own empire, players must learn to master research and development technologies, resource management, ship construction and design, foreign affairs and combat. Players can work on and develop five research categories - Weapons, Shielding, Ship, Colonial and Space. Gamers determine the speed of which these new technologies are discovered. Progressing in different areas gives players an advantage over others. On the various planets, players can monitor and control population growth and development progress.
Players direct the construction of buildings that represent the different technologies.
Through Ship Design, gamers can upgrade each ship's component pieces as new technology becomes available. Enthusiasts can monitor the status of ships and properly assemble large fleets. Players can also upgrade ships and any of their shipyards with the newest technologies. Through Foreign Affairs, players can arrange treaties and trade agreements with other gamers and conduct espionage missions against their enemies. The Espionage function allows players to undermine competitor's accomplishments, steal, subvert and sabotage entire ships, as well as planets.