When to Build
Build Research Lab only after your economy can absorb the cost without delaying core military or expansion plans.
Complete Stats, Tier & Strategy Guide
Produces research. Unlocks Financier and Trader upgrades that boost all income.
Used only to estimate your post-build income curve. Payback is calculated from building cost and income gain.
✅ No prerequisites. Available from the start.
Build Research Lab only after your economy can absorb the cost without delaying core military or expansion plans.
Avoid selling unless you need space for a stronger tech path. Selling buildings is usually a last resort because resale value is low.
Place it close to Storage Center or other factories to reduce collection friction and keep your economy cluster readable.
This building does not appear in any current build order.
Economy
Produces corn. Identical cost to Wheat Farm — diversify early resources.
ROI Score
240Payback
4.2 minEconomy
A basic farm that produces wheat. Best first building for new players.
ROI Score
240Payback
4.2 minEconomy
Mines coal. A solid step up from farms in mid-early game.
ROI Score
72Payback
13.9 minEconomy
Produces wood. Pairs well with Wood Plant for higher output.
ROI Score
36Payback
27.8 minNo confirmed patch changes are recorded for Research Lab yet. This section will update when verified balance changes are added to the building data.
Research Lab is a Tier S Economy building. Produces research. Unlocks Financier and Trader upgrades that boost all income.
Build Research Lab when its role fits your late game plan. It has no confirmed prerequisite chain in the current data.
Avoid selling Research Lab unless you need the space for a stronger tech path. Resale value is not confirmed in the current data.