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Research (known as “techs” in gamer slang) unlocks a new fleet, defenses, and permanent bonuses. Leveling them up haphazardly isn’t efficient: some technologies serve as “keys” to unlock others. Below are the order and priorities for beginners. The technology tree (which technologies unlock which others) has been verified against the game code; the priorities (“which ones are more important to upgrade first”) are based on community advice.
To even start research, you need a [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/buildings/laboratoriya) lab—build it in advance (see the guide Building Order). For an overview of how technologies work, see the Research Mechanics: How It Works.
Where did this guide come from? The names of the technologies and requirements (what unlocks what) are taken directly from the Xterium War of Alliances game code. Priorities (“where to start”) are community recommendations from the player wiki and this forum thread (authors include players Storm22073, Shataev, Kara, and others). For exact numbers, see the encyclopedia.
Step 1. Microprocessors — the root of the tree
[](/knowledge/encyclopedia/research/mikroprotsessory) Microprocessors — the very first technology. It unlocks several important branches at once: Resource Extraction, Espionage, and Energy. Without Microprocessors, the technology tree barely grows, so this is always the first move in research.
Step 2. Cost-Effective Technologies
After microprocessors, choose what boosts the economy:
- Resource Extraction — increases resource output; unlocked at Microprocessors Level 1. It also unlocks Production Fund, Astrophysics, and Colonization;
- Energy — provides more energy and unlocks the Thermal Power Plant (at level 3), the Terraformer (at level 5), and the Engines branch.
These two branches are the foundation of steady growth: more resources and more energy.
Step 3. Engines — for the first fleet
[](/knowledge/encyclopedia/research/dvigateli) Engines unlock at Energy Level 1 and are essential for almost any ship—without them, your fleet won’t go anywhere. They also mark the beginning of the speed tree: jet, impulse, ion, and warp engines. Get Engines as soon as you want to build your first ships (for example, for the [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/expedition) expedition).
Step 4. Combat Branches — Shields, Armor, Attack
When it comes to the navy and national defense, we'll need military technology:
- Espionage (from Level 1 Microprocessors) unlocks Shields and Armor;
- [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/research/schity) and [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/research/bronya) are the base defensive technologies that give rise to light, medium, and heavy subvariants;
- [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/research/ataka) Attack — Weapons Branch (laser, ion, plasma, and gravity modules).
These three branches are required for almost all ships and every defensive weapon. For more details on the levels needed for defense, see the guide How to Build Defenses.
Step 5. Expeditions and Alliance Technologies
When will the first fleet be ready:
- Astrophysics (from Level 1 Resource Gathering) unlocks Expedition;
- The "" expedition is an excellent, safe source of resources and dark matter; it unlocks "searches" (for fleets, dark matter, and starlite) and aggression for more lucrative sorties;
- [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/research/kolonizatsiya) Colonization — allows you to establish new planets;
- Alliance Communication and Alliance Development — team bonuses; Alliance Communication unlocks Orbital Station.
A Brief Overview
- Microprocessors—the foundation of everything, always at the forefront.
- Resource Extraction + Energy — Economy and Energy.
- Engines—for the first fleet.
- Espionage → Shields, Armor + Attack — when it comes to combat and defense.
- Astrophysics → Expedition, then Colonization and Alliance Technologies.
Scientific knowledge accumulates in the lab and isn't wasted: the higher the lab's caliber, the faster the research progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which study should I download first in Xterium? Microprocessors. They are the root of the entire technology tree—they unlock Resource Extraction, Espionage, and Energy, without which the other branches are unavailable.
What should we focus on for the economy? Resource Extraction (increases resource output) and Energy (provides energy and unlocks the Thermal Power Plant, Terraformer, and Engines). These two branches are the foundation of steady growth.
What does it take to build a fleet? Engines (unlocked at Energy Level 1) plus the combat research trees—Shields, Armor, and Attack. Specific ships require certain levels of these technologies.
When should I take the Expedition? After Astrophysics (which unlocks at Resource Gathering Level 1 and, in turn, unlocks the Expedition). The Expedition is a safe source of resources and dark matter for beginners.
Is it okay to download everything in sight? It's not worth it. Start with "Microprocessors and Economics," then move on to "Engines" and the relevant military branches for your fleet and defense. Unnecessary levels that are "off-topic" only slow down progress.
What to Read Next
You'll find the following guides useful: Building Order and How to Build Defenses, as well as the mechanics of Exploration: How It Works and How to Develop Your Economy. Player slang can be found in the Glossary.
