What research unlocks
Research provides permanent technologies and is a major bridge between simple resource gathering and a more complex kingdom. Official descriptions connect technologies to advanced buildings, policies, magic, and upgrades. New research choices appear as the settlement advances.
Demo v1.0.46 expanded the available options and added Advisor research through the Leader's Hut or Manor. The official patch summary describes these as largely quality-of-life improvements. Exact node costs, prerequisites, and effects must still be read from the current build rather than reconstructed from old screenshots.
Research is an opportunity-cost decision
A permanent benefit can still be badly timed. Before choosing a technology, compare its effect with the kingdom's present constraint:
- Production research matters most when its resource is actually limiting progress.
- Capacity improvements matter when stockpiles repeatedly hit their limit.
- Policy unlocks matter when population and happiness need active governance.
- Building unlocks matter only if the settlement can afford and staff the new structure.
- Defense or magic choices can be urgent when raids or later systems are approaching.
The best choice may therefore differ between two saves even at similar progression. One kingdom may be Food-limited while another has enough Food but cannot supply Stone or workers.
Choose by outcome, not by position
| Current problem | Research outcome to favour |
|---|---|
| A core resource cannot meet normal demand | Production efficiency or a new production building |
| Workers sit against a storage cap | Capacity before further output |
| Progress requires a new system | The building, policy, expedition, or magic unlock on that path |
| Raids consume too much of the economy | Defensive strength, armour, training, or preparation capacity |
| The kingdom is stable | A long-term branch that would be too expensive during a shortage |
Version warning for old research lists
Older Demo screenshots show named church-related options, but v1.0.46 changed research pacing and added more nodes. A screenshot proves that a label existed in that build; it does not prove the full-release effect, duration, cost, or prerequisite.
Use pre-release research screenshots to understand branch roles, not as a final launch tree. Demo v1.0.46 changed research pacing and the full release can change names, costs, requirements, or effects.