Mastering Technology and Science for Empire Growth

Introduction

Research plays a crucial role in Distant Worlds 2, driving technological advancements for your empire’s military, economy, and exploration. Understanding how to efficiently manage your research will give you a major advantage in expanding and defending your galactic domain.

This guide will cover the research interface, boosting research speed, using research facilities, crash research, espionage, and more.

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1. Understanding the Research Interface

• Open the Research Window by clicking on the research button.
• The right side of the menu shows current research projects.
• The top menu lets you select new technologies to research.
• Completed research appears colored, while unresearched techs are grayed out.

How Research Works

• Selecting Research: Click on a technology to begin researching it.
• Research Costs: Technologies require credits and specific resources.
• Research Queue: If another tech is in progress, the new one is added to a queue.
• Upgrades vs. New Techs:
  • New technologies unlock ships, components, or gameplay mechanics.
  • Upgrades (marked with an upward arrow) improve existing tech.

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2. How to Speed Up Research

1. Crash Research (Double Speed)

• Click on a research project and select “Crash Research” to double its speed.
• Cost: Only requires credits (no additional resources).
• Best Used For: Critical military upgrades, early-game tech, or emergency advancements.

2. Research Bonuses

• The left-side panel shows bonus percentages for different fields.
• Research stations & scientists increase research efficiency.
• Strategic use of scientists in key fields will greatly accelerate progress.

3. Concurrent Research (Multiple Projects)

• Research Stations unlock additional research slots.
  • 1 Research Station = 1 project at a time.
  • 2+ Research Stations = Multiple projects simultaneously.
• Spaceports don’t count as research stations.

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3. Research Progress from Events, Espionage & Diplomacy

1. Research Events

• Some exploration events provide free research progress in specific areas.
• Example: Investigating an ancient colony ship might grant 25% progress in colonization tech.
• Caution: Some events remove research progress, forcing you to restart.

2. Espionage: Stealing Research

• Spies can infiltrate other empires and steal technology.
• You can steal research from allies, too!
• Assign spies to targeted research theft missions for a steady influx of new tech.

3. Research via Diplomacy

• Negotiate technology trades with other factions.
• Sell outdated tech for extra credits or boost relations.
• Combine tech trades with espionage for faster scientific dominance.

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4. Managing Research Facilities

1. Research Facilities vs. Spaceports

• Dedicated research stations increase total research output.
• Spaceports provide minor research boosts but do not increase research slots.

2. Finding & Building Research Stations

• Use the “New Research Locations” tab to find ideal station sites.
• Good research locations provide bonuses to specific fields.
• Example: A site offering +13% Construction Research is ideal for infrastructure-focused tech.

3. Assigning Scientists for Research Buffs

• Scientists boost research efficiency when assigned to research stations.
• Different scientists specialize in different tech fields.
• Use high-skill scientists for critical tech branches.

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5. Balancing Research Funding

• Adjust research funding levels in the Economy Menu.
• Manual control allows fine-tuning between economy growth & research.
• More funding = faster research but less income for other expenses.
• If research is set to automatic, it will override manual funding settings.

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6. Advanced Research Strategies

1. Prioritizing Key Early Game Techs

• Early Hyperdrives: Faster expansion across systems.
• Basic Deflectors & Shields: Protect your fleet from pirates.
• Improved Mining & Economy Tech: Increases private sector growth.
• New Ship Hulls (Frigates, Destroyers): Expands your military options.

2. Tech Dependencies & Unlocking Hidden Research

• Some research remains hidden until certain conditions are met.
• Diplomacy tech only unlocks after first contact with alien species.
• Colonization techs may require specific planet types to be discovered.

3. Retrofitting Ships After Research

• Once research is completed, ships need to be retrofitted to benefit.
• Automatic Upgrades: If a new component is a direct replacement, it updates automatically.
• Manual Upgrades: If a tech offers a new ship type, you must design & build new ships.

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7. Research Summary & Final Tips

✔ Crash Research is invaluable—use it for emergency breakthroughs.
✔ Increase research speed with stations & scientists.
✔ Use espionage to steal tech from rivals & allies.
✔ Invest in economy & mining tech early for long-term stability.
✔ Prioritize ship upgrades & military tech to stay ahead of threats.
✔ Trade tech diplomatically to gain missing research faster.
✔ Manage research funding manually for better control of progress.

By following these strategies, you’ll dominate the galaxy through superior technology in Distant Worlds 2! 🚀