I appreciate the thought out and detailed strategy guys some of you have written here, but for new players, I decided to make a very simple, skeletal structure of strategy, which guarantees survival, but not necessarily getting top 3. Since this is targeted for new players, advanced moves and strats are not included.
GAME START (T-4 hours):
Open communications with all your neighbors. Those with whom you can hold a conversation with are most likely not going to attack you first. Trying to partner up with a more experienced player is recommended (ask them to guide you through the game). They are likely to be more sympathetic and likely not attack you first.
Grasp for at least 4 closest outposts, recommended 5. Make sure you have an even balance of generators and factories. If possible, plan for your first attack on the border where you have the most factories, and be wary of your border with mostly generators. Try to be allies with the border of generators. Always be courteous, even if other players aren't.
EARLY GAME (first 2 days):
Unless a speed specialist is available or someone attacks you straight off the start, stack your hires (do not hire and save them up). If you trust your allies, go for promotable global hires (Navigator, Smuggler, Lieutenant, Inspector). Keep communications running with your allies. However, do not remain at peace for too long, as others may team up against you. At the end of day 2, look for a neighbor with the weakest border, and open communications with any of their neighbors for a possible combined strike. Never attack alone unless you greatly outnumber the enemy. Be sure to define what a peace treaty is with your allies, or you may be in for a nasty backstab.
MID GAME (day 3-6):
Give mining low priority. Recommend not mining unless you have at least 10 outposts. If so, either mine at an outpost most central, and preferably a generator. When choosing specialists, only hire when necessary, otherwise keep your hires stacked to keep the enemy unknowing of your strategy. Recommended that most attacks are supported by a specialist (local or global), unless you greatly outnumber the defending outpost. When attacking, prioritize taking out factories, then specialists. Keep your own specialists safe and retreat them if you have to. Remember to give any allies fair deals for who gets what territory when attacking, otherwise they may turn on you for a better deal.
LATE GAME (past day 6):
If you have around 10 outposts or more, focus on defense and mining. Recommended specialists are Tycoons, Foremen, Security Chiefs, and Generals. Make sure you can trust your allies and move drillers around as a show of force if you are uneasy. If you were beaten back, your main priority is just surviving and reclaiming land. Here it's most important to get friends to distract your main oppressor and take back land. Do not be too rash or the enemy will strike back with more vengeance. Specialists recommended are Thief, Saboteur, Diplomats, Security Chiefs, Pirates (to intercept reinforcements).
Tell me what you guys think and if this is a good and easy to understand guide for new players. Also, if I should add or remove anything, as this is supposed to be a quick and easy tutorial to strategy and diplomacy. Thanks for reading!