Research strategies

I'm wondering what sort of research strategies people use. Like % of research, etc...

Also - what are some good spots on the tree to stop researching at? For instance, I know a lot of people only research the first farm tech... also - what do people see as the more important research techs?
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Reply #1 Top
These are some of my strategies

The first thing I research is one level of engine tech, so I can make faster colony and constructors.

During the colony rush, I don't research any weapons/defense techs, just building improvement techs, diplomacy, sensors, and things like that.

When I see the Rush winding down, or if a rival civ is in the wary range, I research all the way up to level one weapon/defense techs. I don't select a weapon or defense tech until my espionage starts to reveal the opponents strengths and weaknesses.

During the colony rush, I usually run about 60% research. I don't back off until I get a big tech lead.

Cheers,
Reaver
Reply #2 Top
I avoid getting Manufactorying Centers as long as possible. An Enhanced Factory costs 100 and produces 10, a Manufactorying Center costs 200 but only produces 11. They make it harder to get production going on a new planet. Eventually, you will need to research or trade for the later manufacturing techs so that you can build up your starbases mining resources from 19% to 49%.

I play as Neutral for the many benefits (Neutrality Learning Centers, instant planet teraforming, morale bonuses, and extra trade routes). I hold at Research Centers, until I have choosen Neutral as my alignment, then I trade for Research A., research NLC, and upgrade my Research Centers to NLCs.
Reply #3 Top
I first research Galactic Warfare, Space Militarization to get the 20% bonus in miitary production so I get colony ships built faster. Then Planetary improvements to get 10% to social/military/research.

After that I go for Impulse Drive to get faster ships. And keep plugging away at it intermittently until I get to Warp drive.

In this part of the game I vary my style--finish up the Sensors line of research to get Eyes of the Universe, get range improvements and logistics improvements and miniturization improvements. Also go for upgraded governments during this stage (again for the bonuses).

I avoid techs that give building upgrades until the colony rush is over and my planets tiles are pretty well filled up with buildings. The upgrade cost is rarely worth it until you've filled up the planet with buildings.

I don't do weapon/defense research until another civ starts the arms race, then I shift research to those areas and build up my fleet.

After that, it depends on the game dynamics and my strategy for victory.