I started to play this game "hero" style -> attack straight on and try to get "their six o'clock" position. I didn't last long and needed too many nanobots and missiles - could rarely get to sector 3.
Then I discovered strafing and are now able to get through all 4 sectors (each sector has multiple systems)
Keyboard keys:
w Forward
a/d Strafe left/right
space Strafe up
ctrl Strafe down
All keys at Controls - Official Everspace Wiki
Find the WiKi at Official Everspace Wiki
and if that doesn't kill you, then there are warships (forget to kill then - RUN/jump systems). When warships arrive press shift key (boost), you have a few seconds before they start shooting.
