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Research Lab

Research Lab

The Research Lab is where scientists develop new technologies to advance your empire.

Overview

Property Value
Type Research Facility
Function Conduct technology research
Prerequisites None

Description

The Research Lab is the center of technological advancement. Scientists here work on everything from improved engines to devastating weapons. Higher levels reduce research time.

Research Capabilities

Research Time

Higher Research Lab levels reduce research time:

Research Time = Base Time / Universe Speed

Note: Research speed uses the effective combined level of all eligible Research Labs across your empire.

Technology Availability

Research prerequisite gating is enabled. Research Lab level affects research speed; prerequisites determine whether a research can be started.

Construction Costs

Formula

Metal = 200 * 2^Level
Crystal = 400 * 2^Level
Deuterium = 200 * 2^Level

Cost Table

Level Metal Crystal Deuterium
1 200 400 200
2 400 800 400
3 800 1,600 800
4 1,600 3,200 1,600
5 3,200 6,400 3,200
6 6,400 12,800 6,400
10 102,400 204,800 102,400
12 409,600 819,200 409,600

Strategy

Level Priorities

  • Level 1-4: Strong early research speed boost
  • Level 6-10: Mid-game research acceleration
  • Level 10+: High-impact for long and expensive research

Research Focus

Early game priority research:

  1. Espionage Technology (spy on enemies)
  2. Computer Technology (fleet slots at even levels)
  3. Combustion Drive (faster ships)
  4. Energy Technology (fusion power)

Main Research Planet

  • Research continues even if you change planets
  • But can only start research from one planet at a time
  • Choose your most developed planet as research hub
  • Eligible empire labs are combined for research speed

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