Read the research trees

Research unlocks buildings, ship and probe models, and policies, as well as improvements to your empire. The Research screen brings together the trees and requirements for each technology.

Tree	What it develops
Basic Infrastructure	Food, housing, administration and early growth.
Basic Industry	Production and development of mines and factories.
Energy	Power generation and grid development.
Advanced Industry	Spaceport, defenses, components and advanced construction.
Espionage	Intelligence, exploration and probe models.
Laws	Planetary policies and edicts.
Fleet	Ship models, upgrades and fleet operations.
Asteroid Mining	Prospecting, extraction and mining improvements.

Step by step

1. Open Research and select a tree.
2. Scroll or zoom to find the technology you want.
3. Open its profile to review requirements, benefits, science cost and duration.
4. Complete any unmet requirements, then start it when you have what it needs.

Screenshot pending

Some technologies depend on research in other trees. Check the profile requirements as well as the connections in the tree. Your empire can have only one active research project; its benefit arrives when it is complete.