Encyclopedia Hiigara
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For the disambiguation page on this research article, see Research.

Research is a process that allows the player to build bigger and better vessels. In Homeworld, research is a necessity to build a large fleet. Some research is made available through the Bentusi Exchange, but requires a number of RUs for the trade to occur: however, purchasing technology is not a requirement and a player can easily complete the game without purchasing any technology from the Bentusi.

List of Research[]

This table provides a list of all available technologies available in the single-player campaign and the ship that it builds. Due to the differences between single-player and multi-player, there are some notes available for some technologies.

Technology Outcome Requirements (Campaign) Requirements (Multiplayer)
Fighters
Fighter Drive Allows construction of fighters Already available.[note 1] Already available.
Fighter Chassis Can build interceptors This technology is available on construction of the Research Ship in Mission 01. Fighter Drive
Defender Sub-Systems Can build defenders During Mission 05, an enemy Assault Frigate will be guarded by defenders, leading to this technology. Fighter Drive
Plasma Bomb Launcher Can build Attack Bombers This technology becomes available just after the start of Mission 05. Fighter Chassis
Defense Fighter (Taiidan) Can build Defense Fighter This technology becomes available in Mission 12, but only if playing as the Taiidan. Fighter Chassis
Cloaked Fighter (Kushan) Can build Cloaked Fighter This technology becomes available in Mission 12, but only if playing as the Kushan. Fighter Chassis
Corvettes
Corvette Drive Allows construction of corvettes.[note 2] This technology becomes available after researching Fighter Chassis. Already available.
Corvette Chassis Can build Light Corvettes This technology becomes available immediately in Mission 02 once Corvette Drive is completed. Corvette Drive
Heavy Corvette Upgrade Can build Heavy Corvettes This technology becomes available immediately in Mission 02 once Corvette Chassis is completed. Corvette Chassis
Fast-Tracking Turrets Can build Multi-Gun Corvettes This technology becomes available during Mission 07, after Fleet Intelligence notices that the enemy is using fighters to attack. Corvette Chassis
Minelaying Tech Can build Minelayer Corvettes This technology becomes available during Mission 10, after Fleet Intelligence notices mines in the area. Corvette Chassis
Capital Ships
Capital Ship Drive Can build Support Frigates, Resource Controllers and some Non-Combat Ships. Allows construction of Capital Ships. This technology is gained automatically after capturing the first enemy Assault Frigate in Mission 03. Already Available.
Capital Ship Chassis Can build Assault Frigates This technology becomes available immediately after analysis of the drive technology on the captured frigate is completed. Capital Ship Drive
Ion Cannons Can build Ion Cannon Frigates This technology can be obtained in two ways. If Capital Ship Chassis has been researched, the Bentusi Exchange in Mission 04 will provide it for a fee. Otherwise, it will become available at the start of Mission 06. Capital Ship Chassis
Drone Technology (Kushan) Can build Drone Frigate This technology can be purchased from the Bentusi Exchange in Mission 06. If not purchased, it becomes available during Mission 08. It is only available to the Kushan. Capital Ship Chassis
Defense Field (Taiidan) Can build Field Frigate This technology appears in the same places as Drone Technology and is unique to the Taiidan. Capital Ship Chassis
Super Capital Ship Drive Can build Destroyers. Allows construction of Super Capital Ships. This technology can appear in two missions. If Ion Cannons was purchased in Mission 04, then this technology will become available in Mission 06. However, if Ion Cannons was not purchased in Mission 04, then this technology becomes available at the start of Mission 07. Capital Ship Chassis
Super Heavy Chassis Can build Carriers This technology is acquired from the Bentusi Exchange for free at the end of Mission 09. Capital Ship Chassis
Guided Missiles Can build Missile Destroyers This technology can be acquired in two locations. If the enemy Missile Destroyer in Mission 09 is NOT destroyed, it is made available immediately and does not require research. However, if it was destroyed, it is acquired during Mission 12. Super Capital Ship Drive
Heavy Guns Can build Heavy Cruisers This technology becomes available just after entering Mission 13. Super Heavy Chassis
Non-Combat Ships
Proximity Detector Can build Proximity Sensors. Allows construction of Sensors Array. This technology becomes available after seeing the cut-scene of the Research Station in Mission 10. Already Available.
Gravity Generator Can build Gravwell Generators This technology becomes available immediately after a Salvage Corvette obtains information from the Ghost Ship in Mission 09. Capital Ship Drive
Cloak Generator Can build Cloak Generators This technology becomes available shortly after Heavy Guns in Mission 13. Capital Ship Drive
Sensors Array Can build Sensors Array This technology becomes available shortly after entering Mission 14. Proximity Detector

Notes[]

  1. In Multi-Player, the player must research this technology
  2. During single-player, Corvette Drive results in the construction of Repair Corvettes, whereas it allows the construction of Salvage Corvettes in multi-player. This is because Salvage Corvettes can already be built in the first mission.
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