Wayfinder Research
Wayfinder Research unlocks Exploration missions and improves exploration fleets.
Quick stats
| Effect at level 1 | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Exploration rewards | +5% |
| Wayfinder shield strength | +15% |
| Additional Exploration mission slots | 1 |
The mission family has one base slot, so level 1 allows two simultaneous Exploration missions. Higher completed tiers increase the rounded bonus; check Research for the next usable increase.
Research increases rewards and Wayfinder shields under current tier progression; it does not grant free Wayfinders. Check ship construction requirements before your first fleet.
Cost and access
Available from level 0 without a lab or research prerequisite. Level 1 costs 1,438 base RP; later levels grow exponentially before any other-domain tier surcharge. The Research screen shows the current quote and saved funding.
Purchase a completed level immediately with RP, or use automatic investment. Metal, crystal and deuterium are not research payments in 3.0. Physical Research Labs increase RP income, not purchase speed.
Each fifth level adds another initial amount before compounding the bonus itself by 1%. See tier progression.
When to invest
Take level 1 when you are ready to send an Exploration mission. Balance reward improvements with the risk of losing the deployed fleet and the fuel needed for the trip.