Your goal is to build an empire consisting of multiple planets. To do this you will need to procure three vital resources: metal, crystal, and deuterium. Initially, you will mine your home planet for these, using them to build up your infrastructure, research new technologies, and build spacecraft.
This game offers a variety of play styles. Miners produce their own resources by building mines on their planets and colonies. Farmers search for resources left unprotected on other players planets, launching raids to take those resources for themselves. Fleeters specialize in hunting other players space fleets, destroying them in epic space battles and recycling the debris left floating in space. Most players combine multiple elements in their personal playstyle.
As a new player, you have a degree of protection from larger players called Noob Protection. During this period, you can attack and be attacked only by other new players of similar rank. As your points increase, you become fair game to more powerful players (and can attack them as well).
Dont be afraid to ask for help. The player community is one of the best things about this game. Experienced players will often share advise and offer you some startup resources. You can communicate with individual players in-game or on Discord server which you can find from the games website.