Tech Tree Guide
The tech tree unlocks module-crafting permissions and stat bonuses — not direct gear. You unlock a node, then return to base to build and install the part. Unlocking everything costs 480,000+ Crowns plus thousands of rare materials, so plan your path early.
Three Factions, Four Tiers
The tree has three independent branches (each with Tier I–IV, unlocked linearly — you need the prerequisite before the next tier). Each branch spends two currencies: Crowns (the in-run currency from selling and exploration goals) and branch-specific exploration materials.
| Faction | Focus | Key materials |
|---|---|---|
| Godlewski's Expedition | Exploration — better engines & chassis to reach the world early | Coral Chunk / Dust; Raw Aurogen Crystal (T2–T4) |
| K.K. Landwehr | Combat — small armament workshops & artillery decks | Scrap Metal / Scrapped Ammo |
| Kaiser's Friends | Cargo & mobility — wooden decks, crew rooms | Fabric Scraps / Threads / Metal Rods |
Alloy Steel appears across all branches at higher tiers; Black Box and the District Officer's Portable Safe are required by two branches from T2; Ficus / Crystal are the T4 gatekeepers. Don't try to max all three branches at once — pick a main branch, fill it, then branch out (T4 shares Ficus/Crystal/Black Box bottlenecks).
Best Nodes to Unlock First
- Motor Reactor / Engine Upgrades. The reactor is the most important part — destroy it and the whole run ends. Upgrades add engine HP.
- Chassis Upgrades. A better chassis means higher weight capacity for more compartments and armor; mid-engine placement helps protect the reactor.
- Captain's Cabin. Front-line defense, usually placed at the bow.
- Crew Room. The step toward a functioning Captain's Cabin; enables respawns.
- Cargo Holds / Bays. Storage is the best defensive investment and wraps the reactor as armor.
- Wooden Decks / Cargo Deck. Customization and movement flow.
- Framed Artillery Deck. Protects your cannons — invest here before sinking crowns into the cannons themselves.
- Cannons. Last — the basic starter cannons are enough early.
- Battering Ram. Late-game defense (~8,000 HP to absorb collisions).
Pick Your Path
Combat build
K.K. Landwehr T1–T2 for the fastest return: Small Armament Workshop (~700 Crowns) + Artillery Decks (~1,000 Crowns).
Cargo / mobility
Kaiser's Friends T1 is cheapest (Wooden Decks ~600 Crowns) plus Godlewski's Crew Room (~700).
Exploration
Prioritize Godlewski's Expedition for better engines and chassis to reach the world early. Stockpile Raw Aurogen Crystal from T2.