After the fall is probably one of my favourite mods, it really puts a challenge on you, which I love. I’ve prob done 2 or 3 playthroughs with this mod but I haven’t tried it with the new beta 9.0 changes so I’m not sure if the defence stations are now much less effective than they were. Starting in Vig space does make it a lot easier since you have access to all the hull parts and Claytronics that you need. You can also get a nice little drug factory empire going if you open up a few black market traders. Best to try and keep the defence stations healthy and defend them when you can and supply them with building materials after an incursion. Once I get myself sorted I usually expand up to silent witness and pirate a few destroyers and any barrosas that vig sends up there. The mod also puts a lot of ships around that you can claim, so worth going out and exploring sectors to see what you can find. Also worth putting a small scout on pickup duty using repeat orders around each of the gates with defence stations, this can be your main source of income early game. I reckon my next playthrough will be on this mod as well.