User talk:Sfnhltb

Technology Trees

Here are sequences of research topics needed to unlock all the technologies in the game.

Research time is given in total Scientist Man Days (MDs) and average days needed for one Laboratory (50 Scientists) to gain the technology and all prerequisites listed. Two Laboratories (100 Scientists) will take approximately half as long. The listed times are averages: actual research times will take between 0.5 and 1.5 times as long (see #Research time: notes for more details).

Laser Weapons

Personal Laser weapons have the unique ability that the do not require ammo, and can therefore be useful throughout the entire game although their comparative lack of power may limit their value as the game progresses.

Laser Weapons  (50 MDs/1.0 day)
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Laser Pistol1 (150 MDs/3.0 days)
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Laser Rifle2 (450MDs/9.0 days)
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Heavy Laser (910MDs/18.2 days)     
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Laser Cannon3 (1330MDs/26.6 days) includes Tank/Laser_Cannon
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Laser Defense (1840MDs/36.8 days)

¹ An option which should not be overlooked. Researched extremely quickly, 53% more damaging than than a basic Rifle, one-handed, can be manufactured for profit. Good for covering the span before you get Laser Rifles or Plasma weapons.

² Respectable damage, no ammo required. A good alternative to Heavy Plasma for some of your troops.

³ A poor Craft weapon, but the most profitable item in the game. Completing this research topic also permits you to build Tank/Laser Cannons, which have a much more powerful weapon than Cannon and Rocket tanks, and are effective against several dangerous units, particularly Sectopods.