Kenshi
Kenshi

Research and Technology Tree

Navigate Kenshi's Research and Technology Tree for survival. This guide details essential steps and item acquisitions for crafting superior gear and base build.

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Research and Technology Tree

In the harsh world of Kenshi, technological advancement is not merely a convenience, but a matter of survival. Understanding and efficiently navigating the Research and Technology Tree is paramount for establishing a thriving base, crafting superior gear, and ultimately, dominating the wastes. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, item acquisitions, and strategic considerations for becoming a technological powerhouse.

Getting Started: The Humble Research Bench

Your journey into Kenshi's tech tree begins with a Research Bench. There are three tiers of Research Benches, each unlocking higher-level research options:

  • Research Bench I: This basic bench can be crafted early on. You'll need 2 Building Materials and 1 Iron Plates. It allows you to research fundamental technologies like farming, basic crafting, and simple defenses.
  • Research Bench II: A significant upgrade, requiring 4 Building Materials, 2 Iron Plates, and 2 Electrical Components. This bench opens up advanced crafting, more efficient resource extraction, and improved defensive structures.
  • Research Bench III: The pinnacle of research, demanding a hefty investment of 6 Building Materials, 4 Iron Plates, 4 Electrical Components, and 2 CPU Units. This tier unlocks the most powerful technologies, including robotics, advanced weapon and armor smithing, and complex hydroponics.

To craft these benches, you'll need a character with sufficient Construction skill. Place them within a secure building in your outpost or a purchased building in a town.

The Fuel of Innovation: Research Materials

Research in Kenshi isn't free. Each technology requires specific research materials, which vary in rarity and location. Understanding where to find these is crucial:

Basic Research Materials

  • Books: The most common research material, found almost everywhere. You can purchase them from general stores, tech hunters, and even some bar owners. They also frequently drop from defeated human enemies, especially bandits and cannibals. Early on, scavenging abandoned ruins and small camps can yield a good supply.
  • Ancient Books: A step up in rarity, Ancient Books are essential for mid-tier research. They are often found in more dangerous locations:
    • Ruins: Explore ancient ruins, particularly those marked as "Ancient Labs" or "Ancient Science Outposts." Be prepared for robotic guardians or other hostile inhabitants.
    • Tech Hunter Shops: Occasionally sold by Tech Hunters in their towns (e.g., Black Scratch, World's End). Their stock is limited and expensive.
    • Plooting: Rare drops from higher-tier robotic enemies like Skeletons or Security Spiders.

Advanced Research Materials

These materials are critical for Research Bench II and III technologies and are significantly harder to acquire:

  • Engineering Research: Required for advanced machinery, robotics, and some high-tier crafting.
    • Ancient Labs & Science Outposts: The primary source. These locations are often heavily guarded by powerful robots and require a well-equipped squad.
    • Ashlands: The most dangerous region, but also a rich source. Be wary of the environmental hazards and the powerful enemies.
    • Tech Hunter Shops: Very rarely stocked by Tech Hunters at a high price.
  • AI Cores: The rarest and most valuable research material, essential for the most advanced robotics and certain unique technologies.
    • Ashlands: The most reliable source, found in the deepest, most dangerous ruins and facilities within the Ashlands. Expect to fight powerful bosses like Cat-Lon's guardians.
    • Ancient Labs (Deep): Extremely rare finds in the most remote and heavily defended Ancient Labs.
    • Plooting: An incredibly rare drop from unique, powerful robotic enemies.

Strategic Research Path: Early Game Focus

For new players, a focused early-game research path is vital for establishing a sustainable base and improving survivability:

  1. Basic Farming: Unlocks the ability to grow food, reducing reliance on expensive town purchases. Prioritize Wheatstraw and Greenfruit for early food production.
  2. Stone Mining & Processing: Allows you to extract and process stone into Building Materials, a fundamental resource for base construction.
  3. Copper Mining & Processing: Essential for Iron Plates and Electrical Components, which are needed for higher-tier Research Benches and crafting stations.
  4. Small Shack & Walls: Provides basic shelter and defense for your early outpost.
  5. Storage Boxes: Crucial for organizing your growing inventory of resources and crafted items.
  6. Basic Weapon Smithing / Armor Smithing: Allows you to craft rudimentary gear, improving your squad's combat effectiveness. Focus on the weapon types your characters specialize in.
  7. Sleeping Bags / Beds: Improves healing rates, reducing downtime after combat or injuries.

Mid to Late Game: Specialization and Expansion

As your base grows and your squad becomes more capable, you can begin to specialize your research:

Base Development & Automation

  • Wind Generators / Solar Panels: Provides reliable power for your base, essential for advanced machinery.
  • Water Pumps & Wells: Ensures a steady supply of water for farming and other needs.
  • Hydroponics: Allows farming in areas without fertile soil, expanding your base location options.
  • Advanced Defenses: Research Turrets (Harpoon, Crossbow) and stronger wall types to protect against increasingly dangerous raids.
  • Automated Mining: Unlocks automated mining drills for stone, copper, and iron, significantly boosting resource production.

Crafting & Gear

  • Advanced Weapon Smithing / Armor Smithing: Unlocks higher-grade weapons and armor, providing significant combat advantages. Aim for "Specialist" or "Masterwork" quality.
  • Fabrication Bench: For crafting textiles and fabric, essential for armor and clothing.
  • Robotics Workshop: Allows you to craft prosthetic limbs, repairing severe injuries and even improving character stats. Requires Engineering Research and eventually AI Cores.
  • First Aid Kits (Advanced): Improves healing efficiency and reduces the chance of infection.

Exploration & Utility

  • Backpacks (Larger Capacity): Increases your squad's carrying capacity, allowing for longer expeditions and more loot.
  • Map Research: Unlocks more detailed maps and points of interest, aiding in exploration.
  • Medical Beds: Provides superior healing and recovery for severely injured characters.

Tips for Efficient Research

  • Dedicated Researcher: Assign a character with high Science skill to your Research Bench. Higher skill means faster research.
  • Secure Your Materials: Research materials, especially Ancient Books and AI Cores, are valuable. Store them in secure containers within your base to prevent theft.
  • Scavenge Aggressively: Early game, actively seek out ruins and bandit camps for Books. Don't be afraid to send a stealthy character to sneak into dangerous areas for a quick grab.
  • Buy When Necessary: If you're struggling to find a specific material, check Tech Hunter shops. While expensive, sometimes the time saved is worth the cost.
  • Prioritize Power: Many advanced research projects and crafting stations require power. Ensure you have a stable and sufficient power supply before investing heavily in these technologies.
  • Plan Ahead: Look at the technologies you want to unlock and identify the required research materials. This allows you to hunt for them proactively.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Research and Technology Tree in Kenshi, transforming your struggling band of survivors into a formidable force in the unforgiving world.