Science & progression
Discoveries
A discovery is a verified scientific finding produced by focused research. Research Output alone builds RP, but discoveries require an active scientific focus through Research Directives.
Discovery generation
Active directives convert your Research Output into discovery progress over time. Technology can improve the rate. When progress reaches the threshold, a new unpublished discovery becomes available.
Three ways to use a discovery
Convert the finding into Research Points and reputation, strengthening long-term science progression.
Exchange the finding for immediate cash and reputation.
Add 20% of the mission target, with a minimum gain of 20 science work.
The multiplayer dataset systems expand this decision: permanent ledger datasets can also be contributed to cooperative missions, coalition projects, or traded through the player marketplace.