How does the Tech Tree work?

[843]

This is probably one of the reasons why I can't win on Noble. Whenever I complete a certain tech which I beeline to reach my goal, I can't immediately access the tech that's adjacent right to it, as I'd need to research a couple other lower techs first. Can anyone explain how the tech tree work?

 

[Empiremaker]

Each tech, excluding the first group (Wheel, Mining, Mysticism) have two types of prerequisites, optional and required. To research a tech, all the required prerequisites must be researched, along with 1 optional prerequisite if there are optional ones. IIRC, all techs have at least two prerequisites.

 

[843]

That makes sense, but how can you tell which is the second prerequisite since it's not written anywhere?

 

[MrCynical]

As empiremaker says, prerequisites come in two types; optional and mandatory.

Optional: These are indicated by the arrows in the tech tree. To research a tech you must have at least one of the techs with arrows leading to it (if there are any. Some techs have no optional prerequisites).

Mandatory: These are indicated by small icons in the top right corner of the tech box. Mouseover them for the name of the tech if you can't recognise them. To research a tech you must have ALL the techs indicated by this type of icon.

 

[843]

Ah, I see now. Thanks a lot, I've always thought the arrows are the mandatory ones. I'm actually surprised I didn't notice the tiny icon on the top right, guess I wasn't looking hard enough.

 

[Gooblah]

Also, check out the Tech Tree for Civ4 from the main site. An advanced version has prereqs mapped.

 

[kjnoren]

Ah, I see now. Thanks a lot, I've always thought the arrows are the mandatory ones. I'm actually surprised I didn't notice the tiny icon on the top right, guess I wasn't looking hard enough.

No, it's more a case of a lousy graphical presentation.