Tech Tree

The Tech Tree is used to unlock new parts for use in the game's editors. The tech tree has a branching structure made up of nodes, each containing a collection of one or more parts. Nodes are unlocked by spending Science points to research their listed technologies. These nodes are spread out across multiple tiers which generally divide the parts by their ability to facilitate further exploration and build more complex crafts. The tree starts with the initial Starting Rocketry node already unlocked. Subsequent nodes all have a prerequisite node which must be unlocked before itself. The entire tech tree requires 152,080 Science points to unlock.

The tech tree is accessible via the KSC R&D Center and is therefore only available in Exploration Mode.

Use

The tech tree is displayed a horizontal branching structure going from left to right. The player can use Science points earned by completing Missions and conducting experiments to unlock the nodes on the tech tree. Green nodes are already unlocked, bright gray nodes with a blue Science points icon are available to be researched, and dark gray nodes are not yet accessible. One a node is unlocked, it's subsequent nodes become available to unlock. Unlocking one node may make more than one new node available. All nodes only have a single direct prerequisite node, though. Clicking on any node provides a description of it's technology, list of parts included, cost in Science points, and the option to research the node if not already researched.

Nodes are arranged into rows and columns which indicate their cost in Science points. Nodes in any particular column generally cost the same amount of Science points, with some exceptions, and the cost increases as you move from left to right along a row. Branches along the tree broadly follow certain themes, such as propulsion, utility, construction, or aerodynamics. Each tier following Tier 1 is made accessible by unlocking all of the top level nodes. For example, once Power Launchers is unlocked in Tier 1, Tier 2 becomes available starting with Medium Orbital Rockets.

Tier 1

The first tier of the tech tree requires 1,010 Science points to fully unlock. This tier is generally aimed at navigating Kerbin and its moons.

Tier 2

The second tier of the tech tree requires 11,170 Science points to fully unlock. This tier introduces parts typically used for initial interplanetary travel, particularly Nuclear Propulsion.

Tier 3

The third tier of the tech tree requires 42,900 Science points to fully unlock. This tier introduces parts typically used for deep space interplanetary travel.

Tier 4

The fourth tier of the tech tree requires 97,000 Science points to fully unlock. This tier introduces parts forXL sized crafts. Colony parts are expected to first become available in this tier once released. The large yellow star seen in the background of Tier 4 is thought to potentially be Deb Deb, hinting at interstellar travel.

Tier 5

The fifth tier of the tech tree is expected to be made available with the release of the Colonies milestone update and has been said to contain colony parts.

Tier 6 & Beyond

The sixth tier of the tech tree is "planned". Considering the number of colony parts alleged to be introduced as well as parts necessary for interstellar travel, tiers could continue past 6 depending on the number of nodes to be added to Tiers 4 - 6 and how many parts will be in each new node.