Core Mechanics
Best Tech/research trees Games
Researching technologies to unlock new capabilities
48 games ranked by tech/research trees intensity
Europa Universalis IV
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMethodicalMulti-hour deep dives
Crusader Kings III
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleDialogue choicesResource managementTech/research treesSpreadsheet territory
Stellaris
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technology
Total War: PHARAOH
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleMethodicalResource managementTech/research treesReal-time combat
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
A Total War Saga: TROY
WindowsmacOS
Fantasy mythologyMap scaleSandboxMMO socialMethodical
Total War: ROME REMASTERED
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleTurn-based combatMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Distant Worlds 2
Windows
Map scaleResource managementTech/research treesSpreadsheet territoryTerritory control
Shadow Empire
Windows
Map scaleAsync communityMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Dominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleAsync communityMethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combat
Dominions 6 - Rise of the Pantokrator
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleTurn-based combatAsync communityMethodicalTech/research trees
Field of Glory: Empires
Windows
Map scaleTurn-based combatMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Terra Invicta
Windows
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldResource managementTech/research trees
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Windows
Dialogue choicesBase managementSci-fi technologyMethodicalResource management
Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Windows
Map scaleSandboxExplorationBase managementResource management
Imperiums: Greek Wars
Windows
Map scaleExplorationSpreadsheet territoryResource managementTech/research trees
Sid Meier's Civilization® IV
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleLocal multiplayerMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Sid Meier's Civilization® V
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleTurn-based combatResource managementMethodicalTerritory control
Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection
Windows
MethodicalTech/research treesSpreadsheet territoryTerritory controlCity/empire building
Sid Meier's Civilization VII
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingSpreadsheet territoryMethodicalMulti-hour deep divesDiplomacy
Sid Meier's Civilization®: Beyond Earth™
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleExplorationMethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combat
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri™ Planetary Pack
Windows
MethodicalTech/research treesSpreadsheet territoryTerritory controlCity/empire building
HUMANKIND™
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingOpen worldMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Old World
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Age of Wonders 4
Windows
Map scaleDialogue choicesExplorationMethodicalTech/research trees
Age of Wonders: Planetfall
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingResource managementTech/research treesTurn-based combatTerritory control
Age of Wonders III
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleMethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combatTerritory control
Galactic Civilizations IV
Windows
Map scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technologySpreadsheet territory
Galactic Civilizations III
Windows
Map scaleSandboxSci-fi technologySpreadsheet territoryTech/research trees
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition
Windows
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryResource managementTech/research trees
ENDLESS™ Space 2
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleOpen worldSandboxMethodicalResource management
Pandora: First Contact
Windows
Tech/research treesSpreadsheet territoryTerritory controlCity/empire buildingMap scale
ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationSandboxMethodicalResource management
ENDLESS™ Legend
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationOpen worldSandboxMethodical
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
WindowsLinux
Map scaleMethodicalTech/research treesSpreadsheet territoryTerritory control
Millennia
Windows
Map scaleMethodicalResource managementTech/research treesTurn-based combat
Ara History Untold: Anniversary Edition
Windows
City/empire buildingMethodicalResource managementTech/research treesSpreadsheet territory
Thea: The Awakening
Windows
Fantasy mythologyDialogue choicesRoguelike loopsResource managementTech/research trees
Thea 2: The Shattering
Windows
Deck buildingRoguelike loopsResource managementTech/research treesTurn-based combat
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Windows
Map scaleTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxOpen world
StarDrive 2
WindowsmacOSLinux
Resource managementTech/research treesSci-fi technologySpreadsheet territoryTerritory control
Master of Orion
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleMethodicalResource managementTech/research treesSpreadsheet territory
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes
Windows
City/empire buildingTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxSolo contemplative
Sorcerer King: Rivals
Windows
Map scaleSandboxDialogue choicesSpreadsheet territoryTech/research trees
Dune: Spice Wars
Windows
Map scaleResource managementSolo contemplativeSci-fi technologyMethodical
Songs of Conquest
WindowsmacOS
Local multiplayerTurn-based combatMethodicalSpreadsheet territoryTech/research trees
Conquest of Elysium 5
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationAsync communityLocal multiplayerTurn-based combatMethodical