I like to explore spying as an initial offensive measure against other factions, plus I'm kinda patriotic which makes ARC a good first try. Their strengths in infrastructure is kind of a pull as well.
Slavic Federation, because as far as I know, satellites are a new area of effect game mechanic that strongly affects 1UPT gameplay.
Franco-Iberia makes the case for standard gameplay except for a bonus to science via culture. I like to approach the game with a blank state (random settings) and their bonus allows a quicker introduction to Beyond Earth tech. This makes them third.
Panasian Cooperative gets comes fourth because of the excellence in science, energy, and culture.
I also like to go tall and for that, growth as a factional characteristic is key. In this case, I like the Kavithan Protectorate and Pan African Union as a tie in for fifth and sixth respectively.
Trade routes are fun to extend responsibilities for your fighting force (i.e. protecting trade routes) and can pre determine the maneuvers of your military and civilian placements on the map. For this reason, I like Polystralia for it's quixotic nature as a favorite for 7th.
Brazilia lacks growth but is rewarded by health/happiness bonus'. With their military bent, this faction makes a powerful early to mid game stand all by it's own as it might be luxury resource independent.
Slavic Federation, because as far as I know, satellites are a new area of effect game mechanic that strongly affects 1UPT gameplay.
Franco-Iberia makes the case for standard gameplay except for a bonus to science via culture. I like to approach the game with a blank state (random settings) and their bonus allows a quicker introduction to Beyond Earth tech. This makes them third.
Panasian Cooperative gets comes fourth because of the excellence in science, energy, and culture.
I also like to go tall and for that, growth as a factional characteristic is key. In this case, I like the Kavithan Protectorate and Pan African Union as a tie in for fifth and sixth respectively.
Trade routes are fun to extend responsibilities for your fighting force (i.e. protecting trade routes) and can pre determine the maneuvers of your military and civilian placements on the map. For this reason, I like Polystralia for it's quixotic nature as a favorite for 7th.
Brazilia lacks growth but is rewarded by health/happiness bonus'. With their military bent, this faction makes a powerful early to mid game stand all by it's own as it might be luxury resource independent.