Technology Tree & Research

Navigate the unique Technology Tree and Research options for your faction in Total War: Warhammer II. Gain campaign advantages through strategic tech choices.

Mastering your faction's Technology Tree and Research is paramount to success in Total War: Warhammer II. Unlike some RTS games, research here is not a passive background activity; it's an active strategic choice that directly impacts your campaign and battle performance. Each faction boasts a unique tech tree, reflecting their lore and playstyle. Understanding these differences and prioritizing your research is key to dominating the Old World and beyond.

Accessing the Research Panel

To access your faction's Technology Tree, simply click the "Research" button located in the bottom-right corner of your campaign map UI, typically represented by a scroll icon or a cogwheel. This will open a dedicated panel displaying all available research options, their prerequisites, and their benefits.

Understanding Research Mechanics

• Research Points: Research progresses automatically each turn. The speed at which you gain Research Points (and thus complete research) is influenced by several factors:
  • Buildings: Certain buildings, like the High Elf's Loremaster's Archive or the Skaven's Warp-Fuelled Laboratory, provide a flat bonus to research rate.
  • Lord Skills: Some Lords and Legendary Lords have skills that boost research, such as Teclis's "Lore of Hoeth" or Ikit Claw's "Warp-Engineer."
  • Faction Effects: Some factions have inherent bonuses to research, or specific dilemmas/events that can temporarily increase or decrease research speed.
• Prerequisites: Many advanced technologies require you to research preceding technologies first. Hover over a locked technology to see its specific requirements.
• Costs: While research itself doesn't cost gold per turn, the buildings or units it unlocks often do. Plan your economy accordingly.

General Research Strategies

While each faction has its nuances, some universal strategies apply to research:

1. Early Game Focus: Prioritize technologies that enhance your early-game economy and military.
   • Economic Boosts: Look for techs that increase income from settlements, trade, or resource buildings. For example, the Lizardmen's "Geomantic Web Harmony" line can significantly boost growth and income in your early provinces.
   • Core Unit Upgrades: Research upgrades for your starting units or the units you plan to recruit heavily in the early game. For Dark Elves, "Blade of the Har Ganeth" for Witch Elves is an excellent early pick.
   • Growth & Public Order: Technologies that boost growth allow you to upgrade settlements faster, while public order techs prevent rebellions, especially crucial in newly conquered territories.
2. Mid-Game Specialization: As your empire expands, begin to specialize your research based on your chosen playstyle and current threats.
   • Military Specialization: If you're facing heavily armored foes, research armor-piercing upgrades. If you need more ranged power, focus on missile unit buffs. For example, the Empire's "Gunpowder Expertise" is vital for their artillery and handgunners.
   • Campaign Map Bonuses: Technologies that improve movement range, agent success chance, or diplomatic relations can be incredibly powerful for mid-game expansion and consolidation.
3. Late Game Power Spikes: Save your most powerful, game-changing technologies for when you have the resources and infrastructure to fully use them.
   • Legendary Units & Buildings: Researching the prerequisites for powerful late-game units like the High Elf's "Star Dragon" or the Skaven's "Doomwheel" should be a priority once your economy can support them.
   • Faction-Specific Rituals/Mechanics: Many factions have unique research lines tied to their core mechanics. The Vampire Counts' "Bloodline" research or the Tomb Kings' "Mortuary Cult" advancements are crucial for unlocking their full potential.

Faction-Specific Research Highlights

High Elves

The High Elf tech tree is characterized by its focus on diplomacy, trade, and powerful magical enhancements. Their unique "Intrigue at the Court" mechanic often ties into research choices.

• Early Game: Prioritize "Trade Agreements" to boost income, followed by "Elven Archery" for improved archer effectiveness. "Loremaster's Archive" (building) is a must-have for faster research.
• Mid Game: "Martial Prowess" for infantry buffs, and "Waystones" for increased Geomantic Web bonuses. Consider "Dragon Taming" if you plan to field early dragons.
• Late Game: "Greater Arcane Conduit" for powerful spellcasters, and "Avelorn's Blessing" for significant diplomatic bonuses and unit buffs.

Dark Elves

Dark Elf research often revolves around slavery, military aggression, and enhancing their already potent shock troops.

• Early Game: "Slavery Management" is crucial for maximizing income from your unique slave economy. "Blade of the Har Ganeth" for Witch Elves and "Dark Riders" for early cavalry are strong choices.
• Mid Game: "Black Ark Upgrades" are vital for enhancing your mobile naval bases. "Hydra Taming" or "War Hydra Breeding" can introduce powerful monsters to your army.
• Late Game: "Cult of Khaine" for significant melee buffs to infantry, and "Soul Stealers" for powerful magical and unit enhancements.

Lizardmen

The Lizardmen tree emphasizes the Geomantic Web, powerful monstrous units, and magical prowess.

• Early Game: Focus on "Geomantic Web Harmony" to boost your provincial commandments. "Skink Cohort Training" for improved basic infantry and "Saurus Warrior Discipline" are also good.
• Mid Game: "Cold One Breeding" for cavalry, and "Terradon Riders" for aerial support. "Temple Guard Training" unlocks your elite infantry.
• Late Game: "Engine of the Gods" for powerful support units, and "Lord Mazdamundi's Wisdom" for significant magical and campaign bonuses.

Skaven

Skaven research is chaotic and often provides powerful, but sometimes risky, advancements in weaponry and engineering.

• Early Game: "Warp-Fuelled Laboratory" (building) is essential. "Skavenblight Engineering" for improved Clanrats and "Pestilence Spreading" for early plague effects are strong.
• Mid Game: "Weapon Teams" for Ratling Guns and Jezzails, and "Warpfire Throwers" for devastating close-range firepower. "Under-Empire Expansion" for increased Under-Empire capacity.
• Late Game: "Doomwheel Construction" for powerful war machines, and "Nuke Research" (Ikit Claw specific) for the game-changing Doomsphere ability.

Remember, the best research path is always dynamic and depends on your current campaign situation, your chosen Legendary Lord, and the enemies you face. Adaptability is key!