New player, struggling to understand movement

[Alblaka]

When in doubt, bribe them.

Actually, just guarantueing their independence works fine, if you have influence to spare.
More importantly then increasing relations, it as well increases trust, making it more likely for the AI to accept diplomatic actions.

 

[scaper12123]

my advice: become a warmonger. How DARE they close their borders to you and restrict your movement between planets? Destroy them! Eradicate them! annihilate them all!

Seriously though, it seems either making friends with them or going to war for open borders are your only options.

 

[prismaticmarcus]

That, but with a bit more detail:
If those are the stock Hissma, they should be Collectivist, Fanatic Pacifist. Wich means every year of peace makes them stronger and stronger, they are not going to attack you but they will look for Defense pacts. Consider using Tributary Rush against a pacifist, fanatic one in particular.

Overall that position right next to the galactic border and 2 Fallen Empires was pretty bad. I would propably consider just restarting that game anyway.

i thought that about my current game. literally on the edge of the elliptical galaxy with 2 hegemonist neighbours. the only option for me was to create a non-contiguous empire and then federate. my empire now spans the galaxy and the galaxy is basically my fed, another one, 2 FE's (both friendly) and a boxed in scourge.

it's do-able.