On this page
- Key facts in 30 seconds
- Optimal research order
- 3 research principles
- Principle 1: Lab grows faster than tech
- Principle 2: Don't go all-in on one branch
- Principle 3: Hyperspace 3 = colonization magic
- Typical mistakes
- Can I research multiple techs at once?
- How long does research take?
- Lasers or Combustion — what's more important?
- When to learn heavy tech (Graviton, Plasma)?
- Quick citation reference
- What to read next
Key facts in 30 seconds
- Lab level 2 — unlocks all other research
- Energy Tech 3 — solar satellite and fusion reactor
- Computer Tech 3 — +3 simultaneous fleets
- Hyperspace Tech 3 — COLONIZER (second planet)
- Espionage 1 — basic scouting before attacks
Optimal research order
| Priority | Tech | Level | Unlocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Исследовательская лаборатория | 1-2 | Все остальные исследования |
| 2 | Энергетическая | 1-3 | Солнечный спутник, ядерный реактор |
| 3 | Компьютерная | 1-3 | +1 одновременный флот за уровень |
| 4 | Импульсный двигатель | 1-2 | Малый транспортник |
| 5 | Лазерная | 1-2 | Лазерные турели (оборона) |
| 6 | Гиперпространственный двигатель | 3 | КОЛОНИЗАТОР (вторая планета!) |
| 7 | Шпионаж | 1 | Базовые шпионские зонды |
This order works for the first 2 weeks in Xterium War of Alliances. After — individual by strategy (raider / eco / alliance focus).
3 research principles
Principle 1: Lab grows faster than tech
Lab level N → research techs up to ~2N+2. Lab 1 → up to 4. Lab 2 → up to 6. Lab 5 → up to 12. Lab 10 → up to 22.
Rule: always keep lab one level ahead of what you need. Otherwise you stall.
Principle 2: Don't go all-in on one branch
Pouring 10 levels into energy — pointless. Develop 1-3 levels across branches for versatility.
WRONG: Energy 10 + everything 0 = can't build colonizer (needs hyperdrive), can't fly (no engines), can't defend (no lasers).
RIGHT: Energy 3, Computers 2, Combustion 2, Hyperdrive 3, Lasers 1 — everything basic available.
Principle 3: Hyperspace 3 = colonization magic
This is a separate milestone. Before level 3 — one planet and slow growth. After — colonizer available, second planet = ×2 economy. Don't delay.
Typical mistakes
- Pumps Energy to 10 «because it's needed» — actually Energy 3 already gives satellite, further levels not needed until month 2-3
- Ignores Computers — without them only 1 fleet at a time, can't colonize and defend simultaneously
- Pumps Espionage to 5+ in week 1 — Espionage 1 is enough for basic scouting, higher = for raiders (after month 1)
- Doesn't learn Hyperdrive — stuck on one planet, loses a week of economy
- Parallel build and research of same tech — NOT possible. One research at a time per planet
Can I research multiple techs at once?
No — one research per planet at a time. With colonies — one per planet in parallel. The «queue» is display-only.
How long does research take?
Depends on lab level and universe tech_speed. Base: lab 1 — 1-2 hours per research; lab 5 — same researches in 20-30 minutes. See research time formula.
Lasers or Combustion — what's more important?
Depends on strategy. Eco player: Combustion (need cargos). Raider: Combustion + Espionage. Defense lover: Lasers. Week 1 both at level 1-2.
When to learn heavy tech (Graviton, Plasma)?
After month 3, minimum. They unlock Death Star and Plasma turret — need tons of resources and tech level 12+. Not for month 1.
Quick citation reference
Newbie research order (first 2 weeks): Lab 1-2 → Energy 1-3 → Computers 1-3 → Combustion 1-2 → Lasers 1-2 → Hyperdrive 3 (colonizer) → Espionage 1. Lab rule: lab must be one level ahead of the research you want. Last verified: 2026-05-22.
