I mean careful strategy and proper defensive tactics can beat anything. I do agree even easy mode is a titan, but considering I won first try I know it's doable.

I find the key is get your station fortified, and hold a minimum of one asteroid fully upgraded for income. Then build up a fleet big enough to hit the incoming enemy who always trickle in their forces...and take every asteroid you can as you roll them up.

Soon enough they're out of money, and you're knocking on their door.

Originally posted by sambridgers2000:

Even on Easy mode, it's insanely difficult. I shouldn't have to need an AI partner just to fend off the onslaught of the opponent. Is there a learning curve to it?

The AI is very difficult yes. It needs to be turned down on easy mode. I don't even want to know how bad the AI cheats on medium and hard lol. Based on the above reply there is a learning curve and too much of one honestly. There's a lot of mods with insane AI and it's quite frustrating. Doesn't help when the AI does cheat too and that's not just here, but many mods if not all of them. I've been playing since 2007 btw.