After the big war nothing is left from the giant empires....
You start on a single spawn planet somewhere in the galaxy.
Grow up your planet, build ships and start colonizing your area.
Soon you will meat other players, either create an alliance,
or simply BLOW them away with your large fleet...
Dont forget your planets: collect taxes, construct buildings and research to get better technologies.
Good luck and may the zulaks be with you!