Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri/Technology tree

Prerequisite: Centauri Genetics, Advanced Ecological Engineering
Technology: The Will to Power, Secrets of Alpha Centauri, Sentient Resonance
Unit: Sealurk
Weapon: Psi Attack
Special Ability: Dissociative Wave
Increases Nutrient production in fungus.
Allows terrain improvements in fungus squares and eases fungus movement restrictions.
Track and Level: Explore 8

Controlled Singularity[edit]

Prerequisite: Singularity Mechanics, Applied Gravitonics
Technology: String Resonance, Transcendent Thought
Secret Project: The Singularity Inductor
Weapon: Singularity Laser
Track and Level: Conquer 15

Cyberethics[edit]

Prerequisite: Planetary Networks, Intellectual Integrity
Technology: Superstring Theory, Pre-Sentient Algorithms
Secret Project: The Planetary Datalinks
Socio/economic model: Knowledge
Track and Level: Build 4

Digital Sentience[edit]

Prerequisite: Industrial Nanorobotics, Mind/Machine Interface
Technology: Applied Gravitonics, Self-Aware Machines, Sentient Econometrics
Secret Project: The Network Backbone
Socio/economic model: Cybernetic
Improves Probe Team success rate.
Track and Level: Discover 10

Doctrine: Air Power[edit]

Prerequisite: Synthetic Fossil Fuels, Doctrine: Flexibility
Technology: Mind/Machine Interface, Orbital Spaceflight
Base Facility: Aerospace Complex
Terraforming: Airbase
Chassis: Needlejet
Special Ability: Air Superiority
Track and Level: Explore 5

Doctrine: Flexibility[edit]

Prerequisite: Doctrine: Mobility
Technology: Doctrine: Initiative, Doctrine: Air Power, Adaptive Doctrine
Base Facility: Pressure Dome
Unit: Transport Foil
Weapon: Troop Transport
Chassis: Foil
Track and Level: Explore 2

Doctrine: Initiative[edit]

Prerequisite: Doctrine: Flexibility, Industrial Automation
Technology: Nanometallurgy, Homo Superior
Base Facility: Naval Yard
Secret Project: The Maritime Control Center
Chassis: Cruiser
Special Ability: Amphibious Pods
Track and Level: Explore 4

Doctrine: Loyalty[edit]

Prerequisite: Doctrine: Mobility, Social Psych
Technology: Intellectual Integrity
Base Facility: Perimeter Defense
Secret Project: The Command Nexus
Socio/economic model: Police State
Track and Level: Conquer 2

Doctrine: Mobility[edit]

Technology: Doctrine: Flexibility, Doctrine: Loyalty
Base Facility: Command Center
Chassis: Speeder
Track and Level: Explore 1

Ecological Engineering[edit]

Prerequisite: Centauri Ecology, Gene Splicing
Technology: Centauri Meditation, Environmental Economics
Terraforming: Plant Fungus, Condenser, Echelon Mirror, Thermal Borehole, Aquifer
Allows a tile's Mineral production to exceed 2.
Track and Level: Explore 4

With this technology, your bases no longer have to rely on mineral bonuses to bypass the production limit. Mines on rocky tiles(+4) and thermal boreholes(+6) now provide full mineral bonuses, more than doubling your industrial output. Start using those crawlers on mines!

Environmental Economics[edit]

Prerequisite: Industrial Economics, Ecological Engineering
Technology: Advanced Ecological Engineering
Base Facility: Tree Farm
Terraforming: Raise Land, Lower Land
Increases commerce income from treaties and pacts.
Allows a tile's Energy production to exceed 2.
Track and Level: Build 5

Ethical Calculus[edit]

Prerequisite: Social Psych
Technology: Intellectual Integrity, Gene Splicing
Base Facility: Children's Creche
Socio/economic model: Democratic
Track and Level: Explore 2

Eudaimonia[edit]

Prerequisite: Sentient Econometrics, The Will to Power
Technology: Temporal Mechanics
Secret Project: The Telepathic Matrix
Socio/economic model: Eudaimonic
Armor: Psi Defense
Track and Level: Explore 12

Field Modulation[edit]

Prerequisite: Progenitor Psych, Centauri Ecology
Technology: Bioadaptive Resonance
Armor: Resonance 3 Armor
Track and Level: Conquer 2

Frictionless Surfaces[edit]

Prerequisite: Unified Field Theory, Industrial Nanorobotics
Technology: Quantum Power
Special Ability: Cloaking Device
Track and Level: Discover 10

Fusion Power[edit]

Prerequisite: Pre-Sentient Algorithms, Superconductor
Technology: Advanced Ecological Engineering, Organic Superlubricant
Base Facility: Fusion Lab
Citizens: Engineer
Reactor: Fusion Reactor
Track and Level: Discover 6

The advent of Fusion Reactors marks the beginning of the end. With double the resilience of Fission based units at a cheaper cost, Fusion based units will make short work of anything that are not mindworms or similar psy-based units.

Gene Splicing[edit]

Prerequisite: Biogenetics, Ethical Calculus
Technology: Synthetic Fossil Fuels, Bio-Engineering, Ecological Engineering
Base Facility: Research Hospital
Increases defense against gene warfare.
Allows a tile's Nutrient production to exceed 2.
Track and Level: Build 3

Starts the chain of unlocking hardcoded production limits. Allows your bases to benefit from condensers and farms on rainy terrain, causing them to grow at a much faster rate.

Graviton Theory[edit]

Prerequisite: Quantum Machinery, Mind/Machine Interface
Technology: Applied Gravitonics
Chassis: Gravship
Special Ability: Antigrav Struts
Allows units with drop pods to perform orbital insertions to any location.
Track and Level: Explore 13

High Energy Chemistry[edit]

Prerequisite: Industrial Base, Applied Physics
Technology: Advanced Subatomic Theory, Synthetic Fossil Fuels
Armor: Plasma Steel Armor
Special Ability: Nerve Gas Pods
Track and Level: Conquer 2

Homo Superior[edit]

Prerequisite: Biomachinery, Doctrine: Initiative
Technology: The Will to Power
Base Facility: Nanohospital
Secret Project: The Universal Translator
Track and Level: Explore 8

Industrial Automation[edit]

Prerequisite: Industrial Economics, Planetary Networks
Technology: Silksteel Alloys, Doctrine: Initiative, Neural Grafting, Industrial Nanorobotics
Base Facility: Hab Complex
Secret Project: The Planetary Transit System
Socio/economic model: Wealth
Unit: Supply Crawler
Weapon: Supply Transport
Increases commerce income from treaties and pacts.
Track and Level: Build 3

Easily one of the two or three most important technologies in the game. This technology allows you to build the Supply Crawler, a staple of virtually all advanced strategies, and additionally allows Wealth, which may be desirable, and the construction of Hab Complexes, which you'll need for bigger bases, and the Planetary Transit System, which is useful if you can spare the time and resources to grab it. On top of all that, you get more commerce. Getting this tech before anybody else does can easily swing the game in your favor even if you are otherwise behind in every other respect — but you must take full advantage of it.

Industrial Base[edit]

Technology: Superconductor, High Energy Chemistry, Polymorphic Software, Industrial Economics
Secret Project: The Merchant Exchange
Armor: Synthmetal Armor
Track and Level: Build 1

Industrial Economics[edit]

Prerequisite: Industrial Base
Technology: Industrial Automation, Environmental Economics, Adaptive Economics
Base Facility: Energy Bank
Socio/economic model: Free Market
Increases commerce income from treaties and pacts.
Track and Level: Build 2

Industrial Nanorobotics[edit]

Prerequisite: Nanominiaturization, Industrial Automation
Technology: Frictionless Surfaces, Digital Sentience
Base Facility: Robotic Assembly Plant
Secret Project: The Nano Factory
Increases commerce income from treaties and pacts.
Track and Level: Build 9

Information Networks[edit]

Technology: Nonlinear Mathematics, Polymorphic Software, Planetary Networks
Base Facility: Network Node
Track and Level: Discover 1

Intellectual Integrity[edit]

Prerequisite: Ethical Calculus, Doctrine: Loyalty
Technology: Cyberethics, Planetary Economics
Secret Project: The Citizens' Defense Force
Special Ability: Non-Lethal Methods, High Morale
Track and Level: Explore 3

Matter Compression[edit]

Prerequisite: Nanometallurgy, Nanominiaturization
Technology: Super Tensile Solids
Armor: Neutronium Armor
Special Ability: Fuel Nanocells
Track and Level: Conquer 9

Matter Editation[edit]

Prerequisite: Self-Aware Machines, Super Tensile Solids
Technology: Matter Transmission
Base Facility: Nanoreplicator
Secret Project: Clinical Immortality
Armor: Antimatter Plate
Increases defense against gene warfare.
Track and Level: Build 12

Matter Transmission[edit]

Prerequisite: Matter Editation, Secrets of Alpha Centauri
Technology: Temporal Mechanics
Base Facility: Psi Gate
Secret Project: The Bulk Matter Transmitter
Special Ability: Blink Displacer
Increases Mineral production in fungus.
Track and Level: Build 13

Mind/Machine Interface[edit]

Prerequisite: Doctrine: Air Power, Neural Grafting
Technology: Graviton Theory, Digital Sentience, Biomachinery
Secret Project: The Cyborg Factory
Secret Project: The Cloudbase Academy
Citizens: Thinker
Chassis: Copter
Diplomatic Proposal: Unite Behind Me As Supreme Leader
Special Ability: Drop Pods
Improves Probe Team success rate.
Track and Level: Conquer 6

Monopole Magnets[edit]

Prerequisite: Superstring Theory, Silksteel Alloys
Technology: Unified Field Theory, Nanominiaturization
Terraforming: Mag Tube
Track and Level: Build 6

N-Space Compression[edit]

Prerequisite: Orbital Spaceflight, Biomachinery
Technology: Self-Aware Machines
Base Facility: Flechette Defense System, Geosynchronous Survey Pod
Track and Level: Conquer 8

Nanometallurgy[edit]

Prerequisite: Probability Mechanics, Doctrine: Initiative
Technology: Matter Compression, Quantum Machinery
Special Ability: Repair Bay
Track and Level: Explore 8

Nanominiaturization[edit]

Prerequisite: Monopole Magnets, Organic Superlubricant
Technology: Matter Compression, Industrial Nanorobotics
Chassis: Hovertank
Special Ability: Algorithmic Enhancement
Track and Level: Build 8

Neural Grafting[edit]

Prerequisite: Secrets of the Human Brain, Industrial Automation
Technology: Mind/Machine Interface, Bio-Engineering
Base Facility: Bioenhancement Center
Secret Project: The Neural Amplifier
Allows a unit to have two special abilities.
Track and Level: Conquer 4

Nonlinear Mathematics[edit]

Prerequisite: Applied Physics, Information Networks
Technology: Superstring Theory
Weapon: Particle Impactor
Track and Level: Conquer 2

Starts off the long era of impact rover warfare.

Optical Computers[edit]

Prerequisite: Applied Physics, Polymorphic Software
Technology: Superconductor, Advanced Military Algorithms
Track and Level: Discover 3

Orbital Spaceflight[edit]

Prerequisite: Doctrine: Air Power, Pre-Sentient Algorithms
Technology: Advanced Spaceflight, N-Space Compression
Base Facility: Sky Hydroponics Lab
Weapon: Planet Buster, Conventional Payload
Chassis: Missile
Diplomatic Proposal: Salvage Unity Fusion Core
Track and Level: Discover 6

Organic Superlubricant[edit]

Prerequisite: Fusion Power, Synthetic Fossil Fuels
Technology: Nanominiaturization, Advanced Spaceflight
Weapon: Fusion Laser
Track and Level: Conquer 7

Photon/Wave Mechanics[edit]

Prerequisite: Applied Relativity, Silksteel Alloys
Technology: Probability Mechanics
Armor: Photon Wall
Track and Level: Conquer 6

Planetary Economics[edit]

Prerequisite: Adaptive Economics, Intellectual Integrity in SMACAX, Environmental Economics and Intellectual Integrity in original
Technology: Quantum Power, Sentient Econometrics
Base Facility: Hybrid Forest, Subsea Trunkline
Secret Project: The Ascetic Virtues
Diplomatic Proposal: Global Trade Pact, Repeal Global Trade Pact
Increases commerce income from treaties and pacts.
Allows economic victory
Track and Level: Build 6

Planetary Networks[edit]

Prerequisite: Information Networks
Technology: Industrial Automation, Cyberethics
Base Facility: Hologram Theatre
Secret Project: The Virtual World
Socio/economic model: Planned
Citizens: Librarian
Unit: Probe Team
Weapon: Probe Team
Track and Level: Discover 2

Polymorphic Software[edit]

Prerequisite: Industrial Base, Information Networks
Technology: Advanced Subatomic Theory, Optical Computers, Adaptive Doctrine
Special Ability: Heavy Artillery
Improves Probe Team success rate.
Track and Level: Discover 2

Pre-Sentient Algorithms[edit]

Prerequisite: Advanced Military Algorithms, Cyberethics
Technology: Fusion Power, Probability Mechanics, Orbital Spaceflight
Base Facility: Covert Ops Center
Secret Project: The Hunter-Seeker Algorithm
Special Ability: Polymorphic Encryption
Improves Probe Team success rate.
Track and Level: Discover 5

Unlocking the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm alone makes this one of the most highly sought out technologies.

Probability Mechanics[edit]

Prerequisite: Photon/Wave Mechanics, Pre-Sentient Algorithms
Technology: Nanometallurgy
Base Facility: Tachyon Field
Armor: Probability Sheath
Track and Level: Build 7

Progenitor Psych[edit]

Technology: Field Modulation, Adaptive Economics
Base Facility: Aquafarm
Track and Level: Explore 1

Quantum Machinery[edit]

Prerequisite: Quantum Power, Nanometallurgy
Technology: Graviton Theory
Base Facility: Quantum Converter
Weapon: Quantum Laser
Track and Level: Build 12

Quantum Power[edit]

Prerequisite: Frictionless Surfaces, Planetary Economics
Technology: Quantum Machinery
Base Facility: Quantum Lab
Reactor: Quantum Chamber
Track and Level: Discover 11

Retroviral Engineering[edit]

Prerequisite: Bio-Engineering, Advanced Military Algorithms
Technology: Biomachinery, Centauri Genetics
Base Facility: Genejack Factory
Increases defense against gene warfare.
Allows gene warfare to be committed by probe teams.
Track and Level: Conquer 6

Secrets of Alpha Centauri[edit]

Prerequisite: Centauri Psi, Sentient Econometrics
Technology: Matter Transmission, Secrets of the Manifolds
Base Facility: Temple of Planet
Citizens: Transcend
Increases Energy production in fungus.
Reveals the entire map when discovered.
Secrets: First faction to discover Secrets of Alpha Centauri gains a free technological advance.
Track and Level: Discover 12

Secrets of Creation[edit]

Prerequisite: Unified Field Theory, The Will to Power
Technology: Singularity Mechanics
Secrets: First faction to discover Secrets of Creation gains a free technological advance.
Track and Level: Discover 10

Secrets of the Human Brain[edit]

Prerequisite: Social Psych, Biogenetics
Technology: Neural Grafting, Centauri Empathy
Socio/economic model: Fundamentalist
Special Ability: Hypnotic Trance
Secrets: First faction to discover Secrets of the Human Brain gains a free technological advance.
Track and Level: Discover 2

Secrets of the Manifolds[edit]

Prerequisite: Sentient Resonance, Secrets of Alpha Centauri
Technology: Threshold of Transcendence, String Resonance
Secret Project: The Manifold Harmonics
Secrets: First faction to discover Secrets of the Manifolds gains a free technological advance.
Track and Level: Discover 13

Self-Aware Machines[edit]

Prerequisite: N-Space Compression (Advanced Spaceflight in original), Digital Sentience
Technology: Singularity Mechanics, Matter Editation
Base Facility: Nessus Mining Station, Orbital Defense Pod
Secret Project: The Self-Aware Colony
Secret Project: The Net-Hack Terminus
Improves Probe Team success rate.
Track and Level: Discover 11

Sentient Econometrics[edit]

Prerequisite: Planetary Economics, Digital Sentience
Technology: Eudaimonia, Secrets of Alpha Centauri
Base Facility: Paradise Garden
Increases commerce income from treaties and pacts.
Recreation Commons maintenance cost reduced from 1 to 0
Track and Level: Explore 11

Sentient Resonance[edit]

Prerequisite: Bioadaptive Resonance, Centauri Psi
Technology: Secrets of the Manifolds
Weapon: Resonance Bolt
Armor: Resonance 8 Armor
Track and Level: Conquer 6

Silksteel Alloys[edit]

Prerequisite: Advanced Subatomic Theory, Industrial Automation
Technology: Monopole Magnets, Photon/Wave Mechanics
Armor: Silksteel Armor
Track and Level: Build 4

Singularity Mechanics[edit]

Prerequisite: Secrets of Creation, Self-Aware Machines
Technology: Controlled Singularity
Base Facility: Subspace Generator
Reactor: Singularity Engine
Track and Level: Discover 12

Social Psych[edit]

Technology: Doctrine: Loyalty, Ethical Calculus, Secrets of the Human Brain
Base Facility: Recreation Commons
Track and Level: Build 1

String Resonance[edit]

Prerequisite: Secrets of the Manifolds, Controlled Singularity
Weapon: String Disruptor
Track and Level: Conquer 16

Super Tensile Solids[edit]

Prerequisite: Matter Compression, Advanced Spaceflight
Technology: Matter Editation
Base Facility: Habitation Dome
Secret Project: The Space Elevator
Armor: Pulse 8 Armor
Track and Level: Build 10

Superconductor[edit]

Prerequisite: Optical Computers, Industrial Base
Technology: Applied Relativity, Fusion Power
Weapon: Gatling Laser
Track and Level: Conquer 4

Superstring Theory[edit]

Prerequisite: Nonlinear Mathematics, Cyberethics
Technology: Monopole Magnets
Weapon: Chaos Gun
Track and Level: Conquer 5

Synthetic Fossil Fuels[edit]

Prerequisite: High Energy Chemistry, Gene Splicing
Technology: Doctrine: Air Power, Organic Superlubricant
Weapon: Missile Launcher
Special Ability: Fungicide Tanks
Track and Level: Explore 4

Synthetic Fossil Fuels provides Missile Launchers, usually considered the next step in weapons technology after a long era of impact rover warfare. Doctrine: Air Power will follow soon, resulting in a boom of cheap Missile Penetrators and turning the tide of war singlehandedly.

Temporal Mechanics[edit]

Prerequisite: Eudaimonia, Matter Transmission
Technology: Threshold of Transcendence
Armor: Stasis Generator
Increases Energy production in fungus.
Track and Level: Build 14

The Will to Power[edit]

Prerequisite: Homo Superior, Centauri Psi
Technology: Eudaimonia, Secrets of Creation
Secret Project: The Dream Twister
Socio/economic model: Thought Control
Track and Level: Explore 9

Threshold of Transcendence[edit]

Prerequisite: Secrets of the Manifolds (Secrets of Creation in original), Temporal Mechanics
Technology: Transcendent Thought
Secret Project: The Voice of Planet
Secret Project: The Ascent to Transcendence
Increases Mineral production in fungus.
Track and Level: Explore 15

Transcendent Thought[edit]

Prerequisite: Threshold of Transcendence, Controlled Singularity

Transcendent Thought serves the same function as the 'Future Technology' techs in the Civilization series: Bonus Points at the end of the game for each 'level' of Transcendent Thought researched.

Track and Level: Discover 16

Unified Field Theory[edit]

Prerequisite: Monopole Magnets, Applied Relativity
Technology: Frictionless Surfaces, Secrets of Creation
Secret Project: The Theory of Everything
Weapon: Tachyon Bolt
Track and Level: Conquer 7