Original source: Useless Techs (Old)
upgrades are always beneficial - Upgrades of these technologies will benefit your empire,
as stated in the technology's description.
upgrades do nothing - Upgrades of these technologies will not benefit your empire,
once you have achieved the required level avoid researching further. I.e Laser Technology 12 to unlock the Battlecruiser.
upgrades are beneficial AS LONG AS - Upgrades of these technologies will benefit your empire under a certain condition.
Technologies
Espionage Technology-upgrades are always beneficial
To get a full espionage report of a player with lower espionage technology than you, send 2+ probes.
To get a full espionage report of a player with the same espionage technology as you, send 3+ probes.
To get a full espionage report of a player with higher espionage technology than you, the difference in espionage level between you and the other player, multiplied by 3, is the minimum number of probes you need to send.
Computer Technology-upgrades are always beneficial
Increases the maximum number of fleet slots available for use.
Weapons Technology-upgrades are always beneficial
Increases the strength of weapons by 10% of the base value each level.
Shield Technology-upgrades are always beneficial
Increases the strength of shields by 10% of the base value each level.
Armour Technology-upgrades are always beneficial
Increases the strength of armour by 10% of the base value each level.
Energy Technology-upgrades are always benificial
Increases the efficiency of the Fusion Reactor.
Hyperspace Technology-upgrades do nothing
Useless after unlocking the Lunar Guardian at level 9.
Combustion Engine-upgrades are always beneficial
Upgrades result in the speed of Small and Large Cargo Ships, Light Fighters, Recyclers, and Espionage Probes increased by 10% of the base value.
Impulse Engine-upgrades are always beneficial
Upgrades result in the speed of Bombers, Cruisers, Heavy Fighters, Colony Ships and Elite Cargo Ships increased by 20% of the base value. Interplanetary missiles also travel 5 systems further with each level.
Small Cargo are retrofitted with this engine once you attain level 5 Impulse Engine.
Hyperspace Engine-upgrades are always beneficial
Upgrades result in the speed of Battleships, Battlecruisers, Destroyers, Deathstars and Lunar Guardians increased by 30% of the base value.
Bombers are retrofitted with this engine once you attain level 8 Hyperspace Engine.
Laser Technology-upgrades do nothing
Useless after unlocking the Battlecruiser at level 12.
Ion Technology-upgrades do nothing
Useless after unlocking Plasma Technology at level 5.
Plasma Technology-upgrades are always beneficial
5% bonus per Plasma level on Weapons for Bombers and Plasma Cannon.
Intergalactic Research Network- upgrades are beneficial AS LONG AS the number of research labs you own is equal to or greater than the level of this technology.
Expedition Technology-upgrades are beneficial AS LONG AS this technology does not exceed your Computer Technology level.
Graviton Technology-upgrades do nothing
Useless after unlocking the Lunar Guardian at level 2.
Zorg Physics- Upgrades do nothing
Useless after unlocking the Lunar Guardian at level 4.
