The Research Lab is the core building used to start technologies. Its level affects research availability and timing, but a developed empire can also combine laboratories through the Intergalactic Research Network.
How does the Lab affect research time?
The simplified base time in hours uses total research cost / (1000 × (1 + effective lab) × game speed), followed by the remaining modifiers.
How does the Intergalactic Research Network work?
The Network does not simply add its own level. It controls how many of the account’s best Labs are summed: 1 + Network level. With Labs 12, 10, 8 and 5: Network 0 = 12, Network 1 = 22, Network 2 = 30 and Network 3 = 35.
Does the source planet matter?
Yes. A queued research item keeps its source planet. The University on that planet applies an additional time reduction: each University level contributes a ×0.5 multiplier before later bonuses.
Does a higher Lab always help?
It helps when it is among the laboratories used for the effective level and when a technology requires it. With the Network, several strong Labs can be more valuable than one isolated Lab.
FAQ — Research Lab
Is a completed technology planet-specific?
No. The technology level belongs to the account; only the queued item keeps a source-planet context.
Do Labs combine without the Network?
Not under this model; the Network determines how many top Labs are summed.
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