SpaceCraft Tech Tree Guide: Research Order, Best Upgrades & Blueprint Unlocks
SpaceCraft tech tree and research guide covering optimal research order, best early unlocks, blueprint acquisition methods, Tech Point farming strategies, and technology specialization paths.
Quick Answer
What should I research first in SpaceCraft?
Prioritize research that unlocks better Mining Lasers and Reactor Core upgrades first. These directly increase your resource income rate. Next, research Cargo Hold expansions and Engine Thrusters. Save cosmetic and specialized combat research for late game.
What you probably searched for
SpaceCraft research priority order
PriorityMining Laser first, then Reactor Core, Deuterium Extraction, Cargo Expansion, Advanced Thrusters, Assembler Efficiency, Shield Optimization.
SpaceCraft how to get Tech Points fast
Tech PointsCraft one of every component, complete faction missions, explore new sectors, and join a Corporation for pooled research.
SpaceCraft best blueprints to unlock
BlueprintsStart with mining and power upgrades. Avoid cosmetic and combat research until the late game when Tech Points are abundant.
Tech Point Rule
Every first-time craft of a complex component grants Tech Points. Build one of everything you unlock — even items you do not plan to use — to maximize Tech Point income and accelerate your research speed.
Early Game Research Priority
| Step | Do this | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Improved Mining Laser — faster extraction on all ore types. | Directly increases your resource income rate. The single highest-ROI research in the entire tech tree. Research this before anything else. |
| 2 | Reactor Core Efficiency I — reduces power draw of all installed modules by 10%. | More efficient power means you can run more modules simultaneously. Essential for multi-role ships and automated outposts. |
| 3 | Deuterium Extraction — unlocks the ability to mine and refine Deuterium. | Deuterium is the bottleneck resource for Tier 2 propulsion. Unlocking it early gives you access to faster engines and FTL upgrades. |
| 4 | Cargo Hold Expansion I — increases cargo capacity by 25%. | Fewer trips back to station means more time mining. The compound effect over hours of gameplay is enormous. |
| 5 | Advanced Thruster Design — unlocks Tier 2 engines with better thrust-to-power ratio. | Faster travel between sectors and better ship maneuverability. Critical for trading and escaping dangerous situations. |
| 6 | Assembler Efficiency I — reduces production time by 15%. | Faster production means more output from the same factory infrastructure. Essential when you transition to automated manufacturing. |
| 7 | Shield Generator Optimization — improves shield recharge rate by 20%. | Survivability upgrade. Even without combat, environmental hazards in mid-game sectors require better shields. |
How to Farm Tech Points Fast
Tech Points are the research currency in SpaceCraft. The most efficient farming methods, ranked by TP per hour:
- First-time crafting bonus — Every complex component you craft for the first time grants a one-time Tech Point bonus. Build one of every new item you unlock, even if you immediately scrap it. This is the fastest source of early Tech Points.
- Faction missions — Mission board tasks grant Tech Points on completion. Prioritize "Research Assistance" and "Data Recovery" missions — they have the best TP-to-time ratio.
- Sector discovery — Entering a star system for the first time grants a discovery bonus. Explore methodically — each new system is free Tech Points.
- Corporation research pooling — Corporations can set shared research goals. All members contributing to the same node accelerates unlock speed. Join an active Corporation to benefit from pooled progress.
- Market purchases — Buying complex components from the player market counts as acquisition, but crafting them yourself grants the bonus. Purchase only when crafting is impractical.
Technology Specialization Paths
The SpaceCraft tech tree branches into several specialization paths after the early game. Your specialization should align with your chosen playstyle:
- Industrial Path: Focus on mining efficiency, assembler speed, refinery output, and drone capacity. Best for players who want to build automated production empires. Synergizes with the mining and automation gameplay loops.
- Logistics Path: Focus on engine speed, FTL range, cargo capacity, and fuel efficiency. Best for traders and explorers who travel frequently. Synergizes with the trading gameplay loop.
- Combat Path (Future Content): Focus on weapon damage, shield strength, armor plating, and targeting systems. Currently theoretical — invest points here only after combat is implemented.
- Corporation Path: Focus on shared research efficiency, corp station upgrades, and fleet coordination bonuses. Best for players in leadership roles within active Corporations.
Next Guides
SpaceCraft Guide Hub
Start here for release status, Early Access scope, beginner route, ship building, mining, automation, trading, factions, combat, and buying advice.
Release Date & Early Access
June 11, 2026 Early Access launch: price ($29.99), launch discount, server status, platforms, and Shiro Games roadmap.
Beginner Guide
First hour priorities, starter ship building, early mining, resource management, faction safety, and common beginner mistakes to avoid.
Ship Building Guide
Modular ship design: engines, weapons, cargo, shields, heat management. Best early-game ship builds and meta designs for 2026.
Mining Guide
Asteroid mining, resource scanning, mining lasers, best ores to sell, refinery chains, and mining ship loadouts.
Factory & Automation
Production lines, conveyor logistics, assembler ratios, power management, drone automation, and industrial scaling strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I research first in SpaceCraft?
Prioritize research that unlocks better Mining Lasers and Reactor Core upgrades first. These directly increase your resource income rate. Next, research Cargo Hold expansions and Engine Thrusters. Save cosmetic and specialized combat research for late game.
Q: How do I earn Tech Points?
Every first-time craft of a complex component grants Tech Points. Build one of everything you unlock — even items you do not plan to use — to maximize Tech Point income and accelerate your research speed. Additionally, completing faction missions, discovering new sectors, and achieving Corporation milestones grants bonus Tech Points.
Q: How do I unlock new blueprints?
Blueprints are unlocked through the tech tree by spending Tech Points on research nodes. Some rare blueprints are faction-exclusive and require Allied reputation or higher. Corporation-shared research allows members to pool Tech Points for expensive group unlocks.
Q: What is the fastest way to farm Tech Points?
Craft one of every new component you unlock, complete all available faction missions, explore uncharted sectors for discovery bonuses, and join an active Corporation that pools research contributions. Combined, these methods can double or triple your Tech Point income compared to passive play.