Research
Technology is the engine of progress. Five eras of research unlock everything from basic mining improvements to galaxy-spanning megastructures. The tech tree spans 3 branches (Economy, Military, Science) and 13 categories.
How Research Works
- Research requires a Research Lab. Higher lab levels unlock more advanced technologies.
- Each Research Lab is its own slot — every colony with a lab can run one research project in parallel, so building labs on more planets lets you research multiple techs simultaneously.
- The same technology can only be researched on one planet at a time.
- Research costs resources and takes time. Both scale with each era.
- Some technologies have prerequisites — you must complete certain techs before unlocking others.
- Many technologies can be leveled up multiple times (up to 5) for stacking bonuses. Cost and time scale with each level.
- Use Precursor Fragments to speed up research when available.
Era Progression
The tech tree spans five eras. To unlock a new era, you need to complete a certain number of technologies from the previous era.
| Era | Theme | Key Unlocks |
|---|---|---|
| Era 1 — Planetary | Foundation | Resource production, energy, sensors, probes, basic armor, computing |
| Era 2 — Orbital | Space Access | Shipyards, combat ships, shields, weapons, trade, AI officer |
| Era 3 — Interstellar | Expansion | FTL, colonization, mining fleets, assault, plasma, moon, wormholes |
| Era 4 — Advanced | Power | Ion/torpedo weapons, jump drives, zero-point energy, battleships, cyberwarfare |
| Era 5 — Ultimate | Endgame | Antimatter weapons, dark matter tech, megastructures, titans, Alcubierre drive |
Era 1 — Planetary
Your foundation. These technologies improve basic resource production, unlock your first exploration tools, and prepare you for space.
Economy — Mining & Energy
Improved Mining
Advanced extraction techniques that increase ore mining efficiency across all colonies. +5% ore per level. Lab 1. Up to 5 levels.
Silicate Refining
Improved silicate processing yields higher purity and output. Boosts silicate production. Early-game tech, stackable across multiple levels.
Hydrogen Synthesis
Atmospheric processors extract hydrogen more efficiently. +5% hydrogen per level. Lab 1. Up to 5 levels.
Energy Systems
Fundamental understanding of energy distribution. +5% energy per level. Lab 1. Up to 5 levels.
Structural Alloys
New alloy compositions increase foundry output. Unlocks Alloy Foundry. +5% alloys per level. Lab 2. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Improved Mining.
Advanced Solar Collectors
High-efficiency photovoltaic arrays. +3% energy per level. Lab 2. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Energy Systems.
Thermal Extraction
Geothermal energy harvesting. Unlocks the Thermal Plant. Lab 2. Requires: Improved Mining, Energy Systems.
Economy — Industry
Expanded Warehousing
Compression and stacking technologies increase all storage capacity. +20% storage per level. Lab 1. Up to 5 levels.
Construction Optimization
Streamlined building processes reduce construction time. +5% build speed per level. Lab 2. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Structural Alloys.
Economy — Population
Dense Housing Modules
Compact living quarters support larger populations. +20% population capacity per level. Lab 2. Up to 5 levels.
Bio-Agriculture
Advanced hydroponics and gene-edited crops. Unlocks Bio Complex. +5% pop growth per level. Lab 1. Up to 5 levels.
Workforce Management
Optimized labor allocation. +10% pop growth, +5% build speed per level. Lab 2. Requires: Dense Housing, Bio-Agriculture.
Military — Defense
Basic Armor Plating
Reinforced hull plating. +2% ship HP, +5% building HP per level. Unlocks Defense Traps. Lab 1. Up to 5 levels.
Point Defense Systems
Rapid-fire anti-air turrets that intercept incoming assault shuttles. +10% AA intercept per level. Unlocks AA Turret. Lab 4. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Basic Armor.
Science — Scanning
Basic Sensors
Improved sensor arrays extend scanning range to adjacent sectors. +1 sector visibility. Lab 1.
Probe Technology
Unmanned reconnaissance probes. Probes (and other recon ships) auto-explore systems along their flight path during Explore missions. +1 sector visibility. Lab 2. Requires: Basic Sensors.
Signal Intelligence
Unlocks espionage operations. Deploy spy probes to intercept enemy signals and gather planetary intelligence. Lab 2. Requires: Basic Sensors.
Science — Computing
Basic Computing
Parallel processing algorithms accelerate research calculations. +3% research speed per level. Lab 1. Up to 5 levels.
Era 2 — Orbital
The age of space. Build shipyards, construct your first fleet, develop weapons and shields, and begin trading.
Economy — Mining & Energy
Advanced Metallurgy
Superior smelting processes yield stronger alloys. +3% alloys, +3% ore per level. Lab 4. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Structural Alloys.
Basic Mining Operations
Fundamental asteroid extraction techniques. Allows freighters to harvest ore from asteroid fields. Lab 3. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Economy — Industry
Assembly Lines
Automated assembly systems accelerate ship construction. +5% shipyard speed per level. Lab 4. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Structural Alloys, Construction Optimization.
Economy — Trade
Basic Trade
Establish primitive barter systems between player colonies. Unlocks player trade. Lab 3. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Market Access
Establish contact with the Wanderer merchant fleet. Unlocks galactic market hubs. Lab 3. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Cargo Expansion
Modular cargo bay extensions increase all freighter capacity. +8% cargo per level. Lab 5. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Transport Logistics, Basic Trade.
Trade Contracts
Formal trade agreements within your alliance. Enables the Trade Hub for alliance trading. Lab 4. Requires: Basic Trade.
Military — Weapons
Laser Weapons
Focused energy beam weapons. Unlocks Fighters. +1% attack per level. Lab 3. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Energy Systems, Orbital Mechanics.
Kinetic Weapons
Railguns and mass drivers, effective against armor. +3% attack per level. Lab 4. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Laser Weapons.
Military — Defense
Shield Theory
Silicate resonance fields shaped into protective barriers. Unlocks Shield Generator and Storage Cloaking. +2% damage reduction per level. Lab 3. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Silicate Refining, Energy Systems.
Military — Ships
Fighter Doctrine
Tactical doctrine for fighter squadrons. +2% attack per level. Lab 3. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Laser Weapons, Orbital Mechanics.
Transport Logistics
Optimized cargo handling. Unlocks Transport Shuttles. +20% shuttle cargo per level. Lab 5. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Military — Fleet Command
AI Officer Protocol
Automated fleet management. Enables basic auto-evacuation when hostile fleets are detected. Lab 5. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Fleet Coordination
Coordinate multiple fleet groups. +1 fleet slot, +1% ship speed per level. Lab 3. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Science — Navigation
Orbital Mechanics
Understanding of orbital construction. Unlocks Planetary Shipyard, Scouts, and Freighters. Lab 2. Requires: Structural Alloys.
Orbital Construction
Zero-gravity fabrication. Unlocks the Orbital Shipyard. Lab 7. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Impulse Drive
High-thrust ion engines significantly increase sub-light travel speed. +4% ship speed per level. Lab 3. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Navigation Computer
Automated pathfinding systems. Lv.1 enables patrol missions and starts Patrol Capacity. Higher levels improve fleet command and can expand patrol capacity. +1 fleet slot per level. Lab 3. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Science — Computing
Network Protocols
Inter-colony communication networks enable trade and data sharing. Lab 3. Requires: Basic Computing, Orbital Mechanics.
Science — PvE & Expeditions
Anomaly Scanning
Detect gravitational anomalies and energy signatures in explored systems. Lab 3. Requires: Basic Sensors.
Salvage Operations
Collect valuable wreckage and debris from space battles. Lab 3. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Era 3 — Interstellar
Expansion era. FTL travel, colonization, mining operations, assault capabilities, and moon access define this pivotal stage.
Economy — Mining & Energy
Deep Core Mining
Drill into planetary mantles. +3% ore, +2% silicates per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Advanced Metallurgy, Improved Mining.
Mining Fleet Operations
Asteroid field extraction protocols. Unlocks Mining Vessels and Gas Collectors. Lab 7. Requires: Deep Core Mining.
Hydrogen Cracking
Catalytic cracking of complex hydrocarbons. +3% hydrogen per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Hydrogen Synthesis, Thermal Extraction.
Economy — Industry
Mass Production
Standardized modular components reduce ship costs. -3% ship cost per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Assembly Lines.
Advanced Refining
Optimized smelting and microgravity refinement. +10% alloys. Unlocks Low-G Refinery. Lab 8. Requires: Advanced Metallurgy, Mass Production.
Outpost Engineering
Enables building outposts on asteroid fields. Unlocks Engineer Ships and Repair Ships. Lab 8. Requires: Mining Fleet Ops, Construction Optimization.
Economy — Trade
Interplanetary Supply Chains
Automated supply chains between star systems. Unlocks Logistics Hub. Lab 8. Requires: FTL Theory, Basic Trade.
Economy — Population
Colonial Governance
Centralized governance. +10% pop growth, +1 colony slot. Lab 8. Requires: Workforce Management, Colonization Tech.
Cultural Development
Fostering arts and culture. Unlocks Cultural Center. Lab 5. Requires: Workforce Management.
Genetic Adaptation
Targeted gene therapies. +15% pop capacity, +1 colony slot. Lab 10. Requires: Bio-Agriculture.
Military — Weapons
Plasma Weapons
Superheated plasma projectiles. +3% attack per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Kinetic Weapons, Advanced Metallurgy.
Missile Systems
Self-guided warheads. Unlocks Missile Cruisers. +1% attack per level. Lab 7. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Kinetic Weapons.
Electronic Warfare
EM jamming and sensor disruption. Unlocks EW Ships. +5% counter-intel per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Laser Weapons, Shield Theory.
Mine Warfare
Deployable space mines for area denial. Unlocks Mine Layers. +5% AA intercept per level. Lab 5. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Kinetic Weapons.
Military — Defense
Advanced Shielding
Equips all ships with energy shields. +10% shield strength, +2% damage reduction per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Shield Theory.
Composite Armor
Layered alloy-ceramic armor. +3% ship HP and +1% ship speed per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Basic Armor, Advanced Metallurgy.
Fortress Protocols
Hardened defense doctrine. +5% garrison per level. Unlocks Defense Platform. Lab 8. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Point Defense, Advanced Shielding.
Shield Harmonics
Frequency-tuned shield oscillation. +5% shield regen per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Advanced Shielding.
Military — Ships
Colonization Technology
Colony ship designs and terraform protocols. Unlocks Colony Ships. +1 colony slot. Lab 5. Requires: FTL Theory, Dense Housing.
Cruiser Design
Heavy warship blueprints. Unlocks Cruisers. +1% ship HP per level. Lab 7. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Orbital Construction, Advanced Metallurgy.
Carrier Operations
Mobile airbase doctrine. Unlocks Carriers. +1% attack per level. Lab 8. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Cruiser Design, Fighter Doctrine.
Stealth Technology
Cloaking fields render ships invisible. Unlocks Stealth Ships and Stealth Field (moon). +5% counter-intel per level. Lab 7. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Electronic Warfare.
Military — Fleet Command
Assault Tactics
Advanced ground assault doctrines. Unlocks Assault Shuttles and Hacker Ships. +1% attack per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Advanced Shielding, Kinetic Weapons.
Fleet Tactics
Advanced tactical formations grant first-strike advantage. +1% fleet tactics, +1% ship speed per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Fleet Coordination.
Alliance Communications
Encrypted inter-alliance channels. +5% counter-intel. Unlocks shared vision with allies. Lab 6. Requires: Fleet Coordination, Basic Trade.
Science — Navigation
FTL Theory
Theoretical framework for faster-than-light travel between star systems. Unlocks FTL. Lab 5. Requires: Orbital Mechanics, Hydrogen Synthesis.
Warp Drive
Space-time compression technology. +6% FTL speed per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: FTL Theory, Impulse Drive.
Fuel Efficiency
Optimized fuel injection and recapture. -4% fuel cost per level. Lab 5. Up to 5 levels. Requires: FTL Theory.
Science — Scanning
Deep Space Scanning
Long-range subspace telescopes dramatically expand sensor reach. Lab 5. Requires: Probe Technology.
Counter-Intelligence
Electronic countermeasures block enemy scans. +15% counter-intel per level. Lab 7. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Signal Intelligence, Encryption Systems.
Science — Computing
Quantum Computing
Quantum processors accelerate all research. +5% research speed per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Network Protocols, Silicate Refining.
Encryption Systems
Military-grade encryption protects communications. +10% counter-intel per level. Lab 5. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Network Protocols.
Science — PvE & Expeditions
Rift Navigation
Gravimetric mapping of the galactic core. Enables sending fleets on expeditions into the Rift to search for ancient ruins and dark matter. Lab 10. Requires: FTL Theory, Quantum Computing.
Wormhole Theory
Theoretical models for navigating unstable wormholes. Access Class 1-2 wormholes. Lab 6. Requires: FTL Theory, Deep Space Scanning.
Artifact Analysis
Decode ancient technology fragments found during exploration. Lab 6. Requires: Anomaly Scanning.
Science — Lunar
Lunar Operations
Enables moon colonization and resource extraction. Unlocks Lunar Shuttles. +1 moon slot. Lab 10. Requires: Orbital Mechanics.
Era 4 — Advanced
Power projection. Jump drives, ion cannons, zero-point energy, advanced shields, and more. This is where empires become formidable.
Economy — Mining & Energy
Rare Resource Extraction
Advanced techniques for exotic materials. Unlocks Ice Drills. +25% cryo ice production. Lab 8. Requires: Mining Fleet Ops.
Rare Resource Processing
Advanced refinement for quantum dust and plasma cores. Unlocks Excavators. +20% quantum dust & plasma core production per level. Lab 10. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Rare Resource Extraction.
Zero-Point Energy
Harness quantum vacuum fluctuations. +20% energy. Unlocks Zero-Point Generator. Lab 12. Requires: Advanced Solar, Rare Resource Processing.
Economy — Industry
Nanofabrication
Molecular-scale assembly. +7% build speed, -2% ship cost per level. Lab 12. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Mass Production, Advanced Refining.
Advanced Outpost Systems
Upgraded outpost modules allow more outposts and higher building levels. Lab 12. Requires: Outpost Engineering.
Economy — Trade
Trade Mastery
Better terms with merchant guilds. -0.5% market commission per level. Lab 6. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Trade Contracts, Market Access.
Logistics Mastery
Optimized supply chains. +10% transport speed per level. Lab 8. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Cargo Expansion, Supply Chains.
Economy — Population
Advanced Governance
Sophisticated bureaucratic systems. +2 colony slots. Lab 12. Requires: Colonial Governance.
Terraforming
Reshape planetary environments. Unlocks terraforming feature. +2 colony slots. Lab 14. Requires: Genetic Adaptation, Outpost Engineering.
Military — Weapons
Ion Cannons
Ionized particle beams disable enemy systems and drain shields. +1% ion disable chance, +1% attack per level. Lab 10. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Plasma Weapons, Advanced Shielding.
Torpedo Systems
Heavy warheads designed to cripple capital ships. +15% torpedo bonus, +1% attack. Lab 10. Requires: Missile Systems.
Siege Weapons
Orbital bombardment systems. +5% planetary attack per level. Lab 12. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Torpedo Systems, Assault Tactics.
Weapons Overcharge
Overclock weapon capacitors. +3% attack per level. Lab 10. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Plasma Weapons.
Military — Defense
Adaptive Shields
Shields dynamically adjust frequency. +3% damage reduction per level. Lab 10. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Shield Harmonics.
Heavy Armor
Thick ablative plating for capital ships. +3% ship HP per level. Lab 10. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Composite Armor.
Planetary Fortress
Comprehensive planetary defense network. +8% planetary defense per level. Lab 12. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Fortress Protocols.
Military — Ships
Battleship Design
Capital warship with devastating firepower. Unlocks Battleships. +1% ship HP per level. Lab 12. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Cruiser Design, Heavy Armor.
Dreadnought Design
Massive super-capital warship. Unlocks Dreadnoughts. +1% attack per level. Lab 12. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Battleship Design.
Fleet Auxiliary Systems
Dedicated support vessels for fleet maintenance. +2% ship HP per level. Lab 10. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Cruiser Design, Outpost Engineering.
Bomber Wing Doctrine
Specialized anti-structure bomber tactics. Unlocks Bombers. +2% planetary attack per level. Lab 10. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Carrier Operations, Missile Systems.
Military — Fleet Command
Advanced AI Officer
Enhanced threat analysis with smart evacuation. Auto-loads cargo during retreat. +2% ship speed. Lab 10. Requires: AI Officer Protocol.
Grand Strategy
Supreme tactical command systems. +2 fleet slots, -10% fuel cost per level. Lab 12. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Fleet Tactics, Neural Networks.
Combined Operations
Coordinate combined assaults with alliance members. Lab 7. Requires: Fleet Tactics, Alliance Communications.
Alliance Logistics
Optimized supply lines. +30% transfer and gift mission speed. Lab 10. Requires: Alliance Communications, Supply Chains.
Science — Navigation
Jump Drive
Instantaneous point-to-point teleportation. Enables Jump Gates on moons. Lab 10. Requires: Warp Drive.
Advanced Navigation
AI-optimized route planning. +2 fleet slots. Lab 10. Requires: Navigation Computer, Fleet Tactics.
Science — Scanning
Galactic Cartography
Complete mapping of your spiral arm. All sectors within your arm become partially visible. Lab 8. Requires: Deep Space Scanning.
Quantum Sensors
Quantum-entangled sensors detect cloaked ships and reveal fleet compositions. Lab 10. Requires: Galactic Cartography, Counter-Intelligence.
Science — Computing
Neural Networks
Advanced AI systems. +15% research speed, +1 fleet slot. Lab 10. Requires: Quantum Computing.
Cyberwarfare
Hack enemy colony systems to disrupt operations. Lab 12. Requires: Encryption Systems, Electronic Warfare.
Science — PvE & Expeditions
Deep Wormhole Navigation
Navigate deeper, more dangerous wormholes. Access Class 3-4 wormholes. Lab 8. Requires: Wormhole Theory, Advanced Shielding.
Rogue Genesis Research
Study rogue AI patterns. Enables encountering Ancient AI in the Rift. Lab 12. Requires: Rift Navigation, Artifact Analysis.
Xenoarchaeology
Study ancient alien ruins on moons for unique blueprints and bonuses. Lab 10. Requires: Artifact Analysis, Lunar Operations.
Science — Lunar
Lunar Expansion
Advanced lunar engineering. Increases moon colony limit to 3. Lab 12. Requires: Lunar Operations.
Era 5 — Ultimate
The pinnacle of technology. These game-changing breakthroughs define late-game empires. Extremely expensive but immensely powerful.
Economy — Industry
Megastructure Engineering
Galaxy-scale engineering. Unlocks Dyson Sphere, Molecular Assembler, Quantum Nexus. +3 colony slots. Lab 16. Requires: Nanofabrication, Advanced Outposts.
Economy — Trade
Galactic Exchange
Galaxy-spanning marketplace accessible from any colony. Unlocks remote trading. Lab 14. Requires: Trade Mastery, Galactic Cartography.
Military — Weapons
Antimatter Warheads
Matter-antimatter annihilation weaponry. +3% attack per level. Lab 14. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Weapons Overcharge, Ion Cannons.
Dark Matter Weapons
Exotic matter weapons that bypass all known shield technology. +0.5% armor pierce, +1% attack per level. Costs dark matter. Lab 16. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Antimatter Warheads, Rare Resource Processing.
Planet Cracker
Concentrated graviton beam devastates planetary defenses and outpost shields. +5% planetary attack, +2% attack per level. Lab 16. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Siege Weapons, Antimatter Warheads.
Military — Defense
Phase Shields
Phase-shifted shield barriers have a chance to completely negate incoming hits. +1% phase dodge, +2% damage reduction per level. Lab 14. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Adaptive Shields.
Nanobot Repair Systems
Self-replicating nanobots continuously repair damage even during combat. +1% nanobot repair, +1% ship HP per level. Lab 16. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Heavy Armor, Nanofabrication.
Military — Ships
Titan Design
One-of-a-kind flagship — the most powerful vessel in existence. One per empire. Unlocks Titans. +1% attack per level. Costs quantum dust & dark matter. Lab 16. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Dreadnought Design, Megastructure Engineering.
Ship Mastery
Perfected hull designs benefit all ship classes. +7% shipyard speed, +2% ship HP per level. Lab 16. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Battleship Design, Nanofabrication.
Military — Fleet Command
Supreme Command
Massively expands fleet command capacity. +5 fleet slots. Lab 16. Requires: Grand Strategy.
Alliance Mastery
Peak military coordination. +2% attack, +2% damage reduction. Lab 16. Requires: Alliance Logistics, Combined Operations.
Science — Navigation
Quantum Drive
Quantum tunneling propulsion — fastest and most efficient drive. +8% FTL speed, -6% fuel cost per level. Lab 14. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Jump Drive, Warp Drive.
Galactic Highway Network
Interconnected jump gate network. Instant fleet transfer between colonies. Lab 16. Requires: Advanced Navigation, Jump Drive.
Science — Scanning
Omniscience Array
A network of quantum-entangled sensors spanning the galaxy. Full visibility of all systems. Lab 14. Requires: Quantum Sensors.
Science — Computing
Artificial Consciousness
Self-evolving AI dramatically reduces research time. +5% research speed per level. Lab 14. Up to 5 levels. Requires: Neural Networks.
Science — PvE & Expeditions
Genesis Core Hacking
Hack rogue Genesis AI cores to acquire their advanced technology. Lab 14. Requires: Rogue Genesis Research, Deep Wormholes.
Transcendent Artifacts
Craft powerful artifacts from ancient components — one of the strongest PvE reward paths. Lab 16. Requires: Xenoarchaeology, Genesis Core Hacking.
Alcubierre Bubble Drive
Warp the fabric of space-time around the fleet. Travel at extreme speed, completely invisible to enemy sensors. Requires antimatter fuel per trip. Costs dark matter & antimatter. Lab 16. Requires: Quantum Drive, Antimatter Warheads.
Science — Lunar
Lunar Mastery
Full lunar dominion. Increases moon colony limit to 5. Lab 14. Requires: Lunar Expansion.