

I think those two factions are probably the most punishing factions to learn to play when you're new to the game, due to the riftborn requiring you to know that you need to build their pops yourself. Except for maybe the Riftborn and the Hissho. If you've never played 4X games before, then sure, your learning curve with one faction should be the same as any other. I wouldn't consider any of those the best starters due to how unique their play styles are. And while I do have my favorite factions like the Vodyani, Riftborn and Vaulters.

They're all just very unique, which I think is this game's greatest strength. There is no best faction in this game, just like there's no worst faction.
