Research
Research across your planets
Learn how shared research works, which projects require discovery and how capital level and completion time affect your fleets.
How it works
Research belongs to your commander and applies across your planets. All projects share one Research queue. You can select a planet to pay, but research timing and Core requirements always use your capital’s Core.
Each project has its own level limit and prerequisites. Some become available later in the season. A project shown in the Wiki may still be locked in your current game.
Some projects also need a gameplay discovery. Dense Fuel Cells requires a raid that fills your cargo while loot remains. Gravitic Charges requires an active Aegis to absorb the stated share of raid damage. Discovery opens the project; you must still pay for and complete it.
Your next decision
Choose the effect you need: new ship access, attack, hull strength, cargo or shorter production time. Unlocking a ship is different from improving existing ships. Starship Engineering meets advanced ship requirements but adds no attack bonus.
An attacking fleet uses its launch-time research; ordinary defenders use their levels when combat begins. Speed improvements apply to newly launched missions. Check the project’s scope and the ship’s own requirements before purchasing.