Research — Xterium technologies that are developed in the lab for the sake of science. Each one enhances a specific aspect of the game: resource gathering, energy, weapons, armor, shields, fleet speed, expeditions, and colonization.
Each research has its own level bonus and maximum level (the cards show the maximum value). Combat technologies (weapons, armor, shields) and engines can be upgraded up to level 80, while the rest have lower caps. Fully upgrading all 37 research projects requires about 75 billion science points.
Some research projects (21 out of 37) can be upgraded beyond the maximum level—through "overlocks" (additional upgrades)—which further enhances their bonuses. Here, the technologies are grouped by purpose. Open a research card to see the cost and values by level.
Economy and Infrastructure 4
Colonization and Alliance 3
Expeditions and Reconnaissance 8
Shields 5
Armor 5
Weapons 6
Engines 6
Economy and Infrastructure
· 4 researchMicroprocessors (fleet slots), Resource Extraction (up to +75% for mines), Espionage, and Energy (up to +250% for energy production).
Max. 40
Processors
Evolution of micro-technologies has brought us great advantages in building even smaller chips allowing us to integrate highly powerful processors into our control systems and thus improving the algorithms in the Flight Control Center. As a result, the new generation of microprocessors makes it possible to track even more active fleets simultaneously. Every new stage of development can further raise that number.
225 m
science at max.
Max. 50
Extraction of resources
The technologies for mining resources are constantly improving. This leads to better efficiency and also makes digging cheaper. Every improvement increases income of resources.
796 m
science at max.
Max. 50
Espionage
Advanced engineering always introduces new components and parts for ships. Modern on-board equipment for espionage probes greatly improves their characteristics, such as: sensor efficiency, resistance to radiation and heat, and module response time. As a result, probes have better durability, enhanced navigational systems, and are able to gather more information.
3,5 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Energy
Development and research of structural and technological modernization scenarios of power engineering has brought us prosperous results. New models can replace old ones and raise power efficiency. These models are still in development and can be further enhanced. Every technological enhancement can raise power production to a higher level.
485 m
science at max.
Colonization and Alliance
· 3 researchColonization (up to 14 planets), communication, and alliance development.
Max. 14
Colonization
To ensure that new colonies are well maintained and have everything they need, special Colonial Support Centers were established to cluster information concerning each colony on every planet. The number of colonies your empire can currently maintain directly depends on the well-being and development of these very centers.
6,7 bn
science at max.
Max. 25
Alliance Link
An intellectual resource is no less important than material wealth. The speed of distribution and exchange of information in the Empire, as well as the introduction of know-how in production - directly affect the overall progress.
631 m
science at max.
Max. 1
Development of the alliance
In the pursuit of technological progress, we should not forget about humanitarian directions. The development of more complex and effective forms of governance and social relationships allows the creation of more stable and effective societies.
2
science at max.
Expeditions and Reconnaissance
· 8 researchAstrophysics and expedition size, the chances of finding resources, dark matter, and stardust, and attacks against Barbarians, Pirates, and Devastators.
Max. 15
Astrophysics
An expedition cant be absolutely safe and planned, however, we are not only obliged to but should also need to be able to predict any possible outcome. Scientific progress in Astrophysics provides us data that we can analyze to better secure our expeditions and more accurate predictions. Thus we can send practically larger risk-free expeditionary fleets with a much better planned mission.
2,5 bn
science at max.
Max. 12
Expedition
With the increase in the composition of the expedition fleet, on the one hand, various risks are growing, and on the other, the number of trophies found in expeditions is increasing.
1,7 bn
science at max.
Max. 10
Search for a fleet
Sometimes expeditions come up against the remains of cosmic battles, or traces of attacks by space pirates. Some abandoned ships can be restored, and serve the good of our Empire.
1,3 bn
science at max.
Max. 10
Search for Dark Matter
The installation and subsequent technological updates of special sensors of unstable gravity makes it possible to accurately determine the locations of the accumulation of dark matter particles.
2,6 bn
science at max.
Max. 10
Search for stellar ore
Stellar ore is a very rare material, it is not stable in nature, and has a very short decay period, so it is so difficult to find in the universe. Obtain ore on the surfaces of cool white dwarfs.
9,5 bn
science at max.
Max. 4
Aggr. vs Barbarian
Aggression of the Barbarian
28 m
science at max.
Max. 4
Aggr. vs Pirate
Aggression of the Pirated
113 m
science at max.
Max. 4
Aggr. vs Destroyers
Aggression of the Alien
563 m
science at max.
Shields
· 5 researchShield strength for all ships (up to +120%), with separate bonuses for light, medium, and heavy classes (up to +125%), and shield regeneration during combat.
Max. 80
Shields
Powerful shield systems of both ships and extraterrestrial defense (ETD) make up first line of defense in any, potential conflict. Depending on how much progress your scientists deliver in studying deflector shields and force fields, the success of your military campaign will vary.
1,6 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Light shields
Light shields can absorb and extinguish small impulses and radiation. They do not require much energy, and can be installed even on light and ultra light vessels.
398 m
science at max.
Max. 50
Medium Shields
Shields of medium power are able to absorb already more powerful energy radiation before the system is overloaded and put out of order. For the projection of medium shields, powerful generators are needed that are installed on medium-class vessels.
596 m
science at max.
Max. 50
Heavy Shields
To generate the energy required for this type of shield, modular power plants are usually installed. The energy bubble projected around the object is capable of absorbing a significant amount of destructive, directed energy, ion pulses and radiations, and gravitational waves.
902 m
science at max.
Max. 20
Shields restoration
The technology of duplication of the main generating modules allows partially to restore the protective screens after the system overload.
1,9 bn
science at max.
Armor
· 5 researchArmor strength for all ships (up to +120%) and separately by class—light, medium, and heavy (up to +125%).
Max. 80
Armor
Scientists are constantly looking for new alloys and formulas for improving armor. By directing the efforts and resources of the Empire, to develop new types of protection, you will significantly improve the survivability of the fleet and the means of defense.
2,4 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Light armor
The technology of light armor production does not require a lot of material and time resources. This is the simplest and most common technology in the galaxy, used, including for civilian vessels. The main function of light armor is protection from radiation and space debris.
909 m
science at max.
Max. 50
Medium Armor
The production of medium armor requires more complex alloys and technologies. It is produced, as a rule, in two stages, actually the armor itself, and separately - a strengthening crystalloid lattice. The average armor significantly strengthens the structure, and is able to protect the carrier from sufficiently strong damages, including directed charges.
1,2 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Heavy armor
Manufacturing heavy, armored plates, requires a lot of resources and time. The structure of a heavy armor in a section is similar to a layered pie, and its protective properties allow to withstand a certain time the directed attack using the most perfect guns.
1,6 bn
science at max.
Max. 20
Active Armor
Active armor is a complex of protective solutions, consisting of dynamic defense, a system for jamming and projection of false targets.
6,7 bn
science at max.
Weapons
· 6 researchWeapon power (up to +120%), specific weapon types—laser, ion, plasma, and gravitational gun (up to +125%)—and shot accuracy.
Max. 80
Attack
Improving weapons systems often requires discoveries in basic science, so it takes a lot of time and effort to study these technologies. Paying due attention to the development of weapons systems, you will increase the firepower of any types of weapons.
3,1 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Laser module
The first laser technologies appeared at the dawn of the development of mankind, and in the beginning they were rarely used for military purposes. Over time, as a result of technological progress, laser installations became more powerful, consuming less and less energy. Modern lasers have practically reached perfection, they do not lose the beam power in the atmosphere, and various modifications of laser modules installed on FEC systems or spacecraft have impressive combat power.
1,3 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Ionic module
The electrical ion module consists of two parts: a generator, and a Tesla-beam focusing system. Because of its impressive size, the module is usually installed on medium and heavy class vessels. The ion modules of some modifications are capable of generating a special kind of radiation and damaging the on-board electronics of ships or SSP systems.
1,7 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Plasma module
The power of the plasma plant was limited for a long time only by the absence of suitable cooling systems. The plasma power itself greatly exceeds both the laser and the ion beam, but a strong overheating of the system adversely affects the rate of fire. With the advent of improved plasma modules with magnetic traps, the problem has been partially solved, and experts say that continuing research in this area will further increase the rate of fire and power of the installations.
2 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Gravity module
Gravitational compression technologies allow the creation of the most sophisticated and destructive weapons systems. The principle of practical use of gravitational waves was discovered thanks to many years of research by a group of imperial scientists, and later spread in all areas of human activity, including, of course, military. The potential of gravitational waves is huge, and further study of this technology can lead to new scientific breakthroughs in this field.
2,4 bn
science at max.
Max. 20
Exact shots
Intelligent sensors built into all types of guns allow you to make fire adjustments on quickly moving objects if their speed exceeds the speed of light.
6,7 bn
science at max.
Engines
· 6 researchBase fleet speed (up to +240%); individual engines—jet, pulse, ion, and warp (up to +250%)—and fuel efficiency.
Max. 80
Engines
Speed is an important element of navigation. Making allocations in the field of science responsible for developing new components in engines, you will increase the speed of your vessels, with each new level.
2,8 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Jet engine
Despite the apparent obsolescence, jet engines have a number of significant advantages, such as: the cheapness of production and maintenance; unpretentiousness; proven reliability for centuries; economy. The installation of RDs for light-class vessels is no alternative to a single space cycle.
913 m
science at max.
Max. 50
Impulse engine
Essentially an improved version of a jet engine, where fuel is consumed not by combustion, but by detonation. Modern models of pulse motors have enough power to provide the necessary thrust to medium-class vessels.
1,1 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Ionic engine
Along with ionic weapons, ion engines consume a huge amount of , so installing these types of engines always requires additional equipment in the form of super-power generators, which can only be realized on medium and heavy vessels.
1,3 bn
science at max.
Max. 50
Warp engine
The warp engine deforms the space in front of the ship into the projection of a point of infinite mass and density, deducing it every time for the perspective of the horizon. Due to the curvature of time and space, the ship is thus capable of performing interstellar flights at sublight speeds and higher. The technology of the warp engine is obtained as a result of studying the Ancient artifacts, and its only drawback is the high production price. Install warp engines only makes sense for very powerful and expensive vessels.
1,6 bn
science at max.
Max. 20
Fuel savings
Deuterium is a very valuable resource for profligiously burning it in engines with low efficiency. Do not forget that effective management of the economy is the foundation of the well-being of your Empire.
1,6 bn
science at max.
Summary table of all research
| Name | Group | Max. level | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processors | Economy and Infrastructure | 40 | Evolution of micro-technologies has brought us great advantages in building even smaller chips allowing us to integrate highly powerful processors into our control systems and thus improving the algorithms in the Flight Control Center. As a result, the new generation of microprocessors makes it possible to track even more active fleets simultaneously. Every new stage of development can further raise that number. |
| Extraction of resources | Economy and Infrastructure | 50 | The technologies for mining resources are constantly improving. This leads to better efficiency and also makes digging cheaper. Every improvement increases income of resources. |
| Espionage | Economy and Infrastructure | 50 | Advanced engineering always introduces new components and parts for ships. Modern on-board equipment for espionage probes greatly improves their characteristics, such as: sensor efficiency, resistance to radiation and heat, and module response time. As a result, probes have better durability, enhanced navigational systems, and are able to gather more information. |
| Energy | Economy and Infrastructure | 50 | Development and research of structural and technological modernization scenarios of power engineering has brought us prosperous results. New models can replace old ones and raise power efficiency. These models are still in development and can be further enhanced. Every technological enhancement can raise power production to a higher level. |
| Colonization | Colonization and Alliance | 14 | To ensure that new colonies are well maintained and have everything they need, special Colonial Support Centers were established to cluster information concerning each colony on every planet. The number of colonies your empire can currently maintain directly depends on the well-being and development of these very centers. |
| Alliance Link | Colonization and Alliance | 25 | An intellectual resource is no less important than material wealth. The speed of distribution and exchange of information in the Empire, as well as the introduction of know-how in production - directly affect the overall progress. |
| Development of the alliance | Colonization and Alliance | 1 | In the pursuit of technological progress, we should not forget about humanitarian directions. The development of more complex and effective forms of governance and social relationships allows the creation of more stable and effective societies. |
| Astrophysics | Expeditions and Reconnaissance | 15 | An expedition cant be absolutely safe and planned, however, we are not only obliged to but should also need to be able to predict any possible outcome. Scientific progress in Astrophysics provides us data that we can analyze to better secure our expeditions and more accurate predictions. Thus we can send practically larger risk-free expeditionary fleets with a much better planned mission. |
| Expedition | Expeditions and Reconnaissance | 12 | With the increase in the composition of the expedition fleet, on the one hand, various risks are growing, and on the other, the number of trophies found in expeditions is increasing. |
| Search for a fleet | Expeditions and Reconnaissance | 10 | Sometimes expeditions come up against the remains of cosmic battles, or traces of attacks by space pirates. Some abandoned ships can be restored, and serve the good of our Empire. |
| Search for Dark Matter | Expeditions and Reconnaissance | 10 | The installation and subsequent technological updates of special sensors of unstable gravity makes it possible to accurately determine the locations of the accumulation of dark matter particles. |
| Search for stellar ore | Expeditions and Reconnaissance | 10 | Stellar ore is a very rare material, it is not stable in nature, and has a very short decay period, so it is so difficult to find in the universe. Obtain ore on the surfaces of cool white dwarfs. |
| Aggr. vs Barbarian | Expeditions and Reconnaissance | 4 | Aggression of the Barbarian |
| Aggr. vs Pirate | Expeditions and Reconnaissance | 4 | Aggression of the Pirated |
| Aggr. vs Destroyers | Expeditions and Reconnaissance | 4 | Aggression of the Alien |
| Shields | Shields | 80 | Powerful shield systems of both ships and extraterrestrial defense (ETD) make up first line of defense in any, potential conflict. Depending on how much progress your scientists deliver in studying deflector shields and force fields, the success of your military campaign will vary. |
| Light shields | Shields | 50 | Light shields can absorb and extinguish small impulses and radiation. They do not require much energy, and can be installed even on light and ultra light vessels. |
| Medium Shields | Shields | 50 | Shields of medium power are able to absorb already more powerful energy radiation before the system is overloaded and put out of order. For the projection of medium shields, powerful generators are needed that are installed on medium-class vessels. |
| Heavy Shields | Shields | 50 | To generate the energy required for this type of shield, modular power plants are usually installed. The energy bubble projected around the object is capable of absorbing a significant amount of destructive, directed energy, ion pulses and radiations, and gravitational waves. |
| Shields restoration | Shields | 20 | The technology of duplication of the main generating modules allows partially to restore the protective screens after the system overload. |
| Armor | Armor | 80 | Scientists are constantly looking for new alloys and formulas for improving armor. By directing the efforts and resources of the Empire, to develop new types of protection, you will significantly improve the survivability of the fleet and the means of defense. |
| Light armor | Armor | 50 | The technology of light armor production does not require a lot of material and time resources. This is the simplest and most common technology in the galaxy, used, including for civilian vessels. The main function of light armor is protection from radiation and space debris. |
| Medium Armor | Armor | 50 | The production of medium armor requires more complex alloys and technologies. It is produced, as a rule, in two stages, actually the armor itself, and separately - a strengthening crystalloid lattice. The average armor significantly strengthens the structure, and is able to protect the carrier from sufficiently strong damages, including directed charges. |
| Heavy armor | Armor | 50 | Manufacturing heavy, armored plates, requires a lot of resources and time. The structure of a heavy armor in a section is similar to a layered pie, and its protective properties allow to withstand a certain time the directed attack using the most perfect guns. |
| Active Armor | Armor | 20 | Active armor is a complex of protective solutions, consisting of dynamic defense, a system for jamming and projection of false targets. |
| Attack | Weapons | 80 | Improving weapons systems often requires discoveries in basic science, so it takes a lot of time and effort to study these technologies. Paying due attention to the development of weapons systems, you will increase the firepower of any types of weapons. |
| Laser module | Weapons | 50 | The first laser technologies appeared at the dawn of the development of mankind, and in the beginning they were rarely used for military purposes. Over time, as a result of technological progress, laser installations became more powerful, consuming less and less energy. Modern lasers have practically reached perfection, they do not lose the beam power in the atmosphere, and various modifications of laser modules installed on FEC systems or spacecraft have impressive combat power. |
| Ionic module | Weapons | 50 | The electrical ion module consists of two parts: a generator, and a Tesla-beam focusing system. Because of its impressive size, the module is usually installed on medium and heavy class vessels. The ion modules of some modifications are capable of generating a special kind of radiation and damaging the on-board electronics of ships or SSP systems. |
| Plasma module | Weapons | 50 | The power of the plasma plant was limited for a long time only by the absence of suitable cooling systems. The plasma power itself greatly exceeds both the laser and the ion beam, but a strong overheating of the system adversely affects the rate of fire. With the advent of improved plasma modules with magnetic traps, the problem has been partially solved, and experts say that continuing research in this area will further increase the rate of fire and power of the installations. |
| Gravity module | Weapons | 50 | Gravitational compression technologies allow the creation of the most sophisticated and destructive weapons systems. The principle of practical use of gravitational waves was discovered thanks to many years of research by a group of imperial scientists, and later spread in all areas of human activity, including, of course, military. The potential of gravitational waves is huge, and further study of this technology can lead to new scientific breakthroughs in this field. |
| Exact shots | Weapons | 20 | Intelligent sensors built into all types of guns allow you to make fire adjustments on quickly moving objects if their speed exceeds the speed of light. |
| Engines | Engines | 80 | Speed is an important element of navigation. Making allocations in the field of science responsible for developing new components in engines, you will increase the speed of your vessels, with each new level. |
| Jet engine | Engines | 50 | Despite the apparent obsolescence, jet engines have a number of significant advantages, such as: the cheapness of production and maintenance; unpretentiousness; proven reliability for centuries; economy. The installation of RDs for light-class vessels is no alternative to a single space cycle. |
| Impulse engine | Engines | 50 | Essentially an improved version of a jet engine, where fuel is consumed not by combustion, but by detonation. Modern models of pulse motors have enough power to provide the necessary thrust to medium-class vessels. |
| Ionic engine | Engines | 50 | Along with ionic weapons, ion engines consume a huge amount of , so installing these types of engines always requires additional equipment in the form of super-power generators, which can only be realized on medium and heavy vessels. |
| Warp engine | Engines | 50 | The warp engine deforms the space in front of the ship into the projection of a point of infinite mass and density, deducing it every time for the perspective of the horizon. Due to the curvature of time and space, the ship is thus capable of performing interstellar flights at sublight speeds and higher. The technology of the warp engine is obtained as a result of studying the Ancient artifacts, and its only drawback is the high production price. Install warp engines only makes sense for very powerful and expensive vessels. |
| Fuel savings | Engines | 20 | Deuterium is a very valuable resource for profligiously burning it in engines with low efficiency. Do not forget that effective management of the economy is the foundation of the well-being of your Empire. |
Questions and answers
How many research are there in Xterium in total?
The game has 37 research. They are split into 7 groups: Economy and Infrastructure — 4, Colonization and Alliance — 3, Expeditions and Reconnaissance — 8, Shields — 5, Armor — 5, Weapons — 6, Engines — 6.
Which research takes the longest to level up?
Attack, Armor, Shields and Engines go up to 80 levels — these are the longest upgrade chains. Their effect at maximum: weapons, armor and shields give up to +120%, and fleet speed — up to +240%.
What is more important for a beginner to level up — weapons, armor or shields?
All three combat technologies (Attack, Armor, Shields) strengthen the entire fleet and defense equally — up to +120% at level 80. In addition there are separate research lines for weapon types (laser, ion, plasma, graviton) and ship classes (light, medium, heavy) — up to +125%.
What do economic research lines give?
Resource Production raises mine output up to +75%, Energy raises energy output up to +250%, Microprocessors add slots for sending fleet (up to 40), and Colonization increases the maximum number of planets to 14.
How much science is needed for all research?
Fully upgrading all 37 research projects to their maximum levels takes about 75 billion science. Research is studied in the laboratory, and the speed depends on your science production per hour.
What are research overlocks?
An overlock is extra leveling of a research beyond its maximum level, which boosts the bonus even further. You can level 21 of the 37 research projects with overlocks (mostly combat modules, armor and shield classes, engines).
