Building Game with Technology Research

Research as the Core of Progress

OGame is one of the few browser building games in which technology research is not just a side mechanic but permeates the entire gaming experience. Every research is a permanent investment that affects all planets, ships and production facilities of the entire empire. Those who research strategically grow exponentially faster.

The research system has no upper limit: Theoretically, every technology can be increased indefinitely — in practice, costs become astronomical at high levels. This creates natural strategic priorities.

The OGame Research Tree: All Categories

Basic Technologies

Drive Technologies

The three drive research options determine the empire's mobility. Each level increases ship speed of corresponding ships by 10%:

• Combustion Drive: For Small Cargo, Large Cargo, Espionage Probe, Solar Satellite, Recycler
• Impulse Drive: For Heavy Fighter, Cruiser, Bomber, Colony Ship
• Hyperspace Drive: For Battleship, Battlecruiser, Destroyer, Death Star, Reaper

Military Technologies

The three combat research options apply to all ships and defence systems simultaneously:

• Weapons Technology: +10% attack strength per level
• Shielding Technology: +10% shield strength per level
• Armour Technology: +10% hull points per level

Special Technologies

• Computer Technology: +1 fleet slot per level — essential for every active player
• Astrophysics: Unlocks colonies (every 2 levels one additional planet), improves expeditions
• Espionage Technology: Determines quality and scope of espionage reports
• Graviton Research: Unlocks Death Star — requires 300,000 energy units
• Intergalactic Research Network: Connects all laboratory levels of the empire

Research Priority by Playstyle

Economic Player (Collector)

1. Energy Technology (research foundation)
2. Plasma Technology (production bonus on all resources)
3. Astrophysics (more colonies = more production)
4. Intergalactic Research Network (faster research via colonies)

Military Player (General)

1. Weapons Technology, Shielding Technology, Armour (combat bonuses)
2. Hyperspace Drive (faster heavy combat ships)
3. Computer Technology (more fleet slots for larger attacks)
4. Graviton Research (Death Star as endgame weapon)

Expedition Player (Explorer)

1. Astrophysics (expeditions become better, more colonies)
2. Computer Technology (more simultaneous expedition fleets)
3. Drive technologies (faster expeditions)
4. Espionage Technology (better reconnaissance)

Plasma Technology: The Economic Multiplier

Plasma Technology is one of the most profitable research options for long-term oriented players. Each level brings +1% on metal production, +0.66% on crystal and +0.33% on deuterium — for all planets of the entire empire simultaneously. At level 12, this means +12% more metal, +8% more crystal, +4% more deuterium from every single planet. With an empire of 9 fully developed planets, this adds up to millions of additional resources daily.

The Intergalactic Research Network: Synergy through Colonies

Those who own multiple colonies benefit enormously from the Intergalactic Research Network. This technology connects all research laboratories of the empire into a single virtual super-laboratory. Research speed is determined by the sum of levels of all connected laboratories — an effect that grows exponentially with each colony.