The tech tree in Gal Civ is linear, so this really doesn't seem to be a priority to me.

The only exceptions are:

- Ethical techs. If you want the Good defences, evil weapons or Neutrality learning centres, you have to research Xeno Ethics first.
- Core ships. But you are much, MUCH better off designing your own. Seriously, don't waste your time with core ships.

Thanks, Actually just discovered the "Galactopedia" thats a great help too.
Better start designing my ships now though...

The Core ships aren't worse as such. If you happen to research the exact right techs in the right order, they're just as good as a custom ship. But you'll always have an extra level of miniturisation, or the next level up of laser, or whatever, making them constantly obsolete.

Devestation beam... I think it's one of the early weapon techs. Space Weaponry or something like that. If not, look further up the Beam weapons tree. It should be listed under 'New Starbase Modules' when you look at it in the tech screen. You'll need to have installed Battle Stations MkI as well of course.

Exactly. I've said it before and I'll say it again, core ships=steaming hunk of poo.

i second that.

the only core ships i ever use are the colony ships and constructors, and very rarely frighters. the only reason i ever use them when i do is that they're usually the cheapest things on the market.