Rookie here

I have a question.

U can win the game without defeat de FE in the late game ?

I have 3 runs and always finish 2nd place for points, i play the gane without dlc because im having a taste afer buying those. Love the game till now but i hate to go across the galaxy, fighting other empires to defeat FE than have a massive fleet, ( i have my fleet personalize for this task), maybe there is something i missing

Thanks !!