Why Technology Research in Online Games Matters
Technology research trees are one of the most satisfying game elements of all: The gradual unlocking of new possibilities gives players a tangible sense of progression and rewards strategic thinking. Which technologies to research first? How do I prioritise scarce resources? Which combination of research strengthens my playstyle?
In OGame the research tree isn't decorative — it fundamentally determines what a player can build, attack and achieve. Without hyperspace technology research, one cannot build battleships. Those who reach graviton research can build Death Stars and thus destroy moons. The research tree is the progression path in OGame's space strategy.
OGame's Research Tree: All Important Technologies
| Category | Technologies | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Propulsion | Combustion, Impulse, Hyperspace Drive | Faster ships, new ship classes |
| Weapons | Weapons Technology | Higher attack value for all ships and defence |
| Protection | Shielding Technology, Armour Technology | Better shields and hull |
| Energy | Energy Technology | Prerequisite for many other research |
| Advanced Weapons | Laser, Ion, Plasma Technology | Better ships and defence + production bonus |
| Hyperspace | Hyperspace Technology | Unlock battleship, destroyer, moon buildings |
| Expansion | Astrophysics | More colonies, enable expeditions |
| Fleet Slots | Computer Technology | More simultaneous fleet missions |
| Espionage | Espionage Technology | More detailed espionage reports |
| Network | IRN (Intergalactic Research Network) | Connect all laboratories for faster research |
| Endgame | Graviton Research | Unlock Death Star (requires 300,000 energy) |
The Most Important Research Paths in OGame
Propulsion Technology: The Foundation of Every Fleet
The propulsion path is the first strategically significant research area: Combustion drive for cheap fighter speed, impulse drive for cruisers and bomber types, hyperspace drive for heavy combat ships. Higher propulsion levels increase the speed of existing ships — a level-15 impulse drive makes cruisers significantly faster than with level 1.
Astrophysics: The Key to Empire Expansion
Astrophysics is the research that most strongly influences OGame's building gameplay: Every second level allows another colony planet and expedition slots. From one home planet to nine colonies plus potential explorer bonus — astrophysics multiplies the resource production and strength of an empire.
Graviton Research: The Ultimate Technology Goal
Graviton research is the absolute endgame of OGame technology. The challenge: The research requires 300,000 energy units simultaneously — an astronomical amount that is only achievable through massive investments in fusion reactors and solar satellites. Those who research it unlock the Death Star — the strongest ship in the game, capable of destroying enemy moons.
Research Strategy: What to Research for Which Playstyle?
- Collector/Miner: Prioritise plasma technology (resource bonus) and astrophysics (more colonies)
- General/Fleeter: Propulsion technologies, weapons technology and computer technology (more fleet slots)
- Explorer: Astrophysics for more expedition slots and espionage technology for better reconnaissance
- All Players: Level computer technology early — more fleet slots are always valuable
The IRN (Intergalactic Research Network) connects the research laboratories of all a player's planets and combines their effectiveness. With several high-level laboratories, research time decreases dramatically — a strong argument for early colonisation combined with laboratory expansion.
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