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Technology Tree System

This document covers the technology tree system in Civilization VII, including how to define technology trees, individual technologies, prerequisites, and unlocks.

Overview

Civ VII uses a ProgressionTree system for both technologies and civics. Each Age has its own tech tree:

  • Antiquity Age - TREE_TECHS_AQ
  • Exploration Age - TREE_TECHS_EX
  • Modern Age - TREE_TECHS_MO

Technologies are KIND_TREE_NODE types that belong to a progression tree and unlock various game elements.

Core Tables

Table Purpose
Types Register tech nodes as KIND_TREE_NODE
ProgressionTrees Define the tech tree itself
ProgressionTreeNodes Define individual technologies
ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks What each tech unlocks
ProgressionTreePrereqs Tech prerequisites
TypeQuotes Tech quotes and audio
ProgressionTree_Advisories Advisor recommendations

Defining a Technology Tree

Step 1: Register the Tree Type

<Types>
    <Row Type="TREE_TECHS_MY_AGE" Kind="KIND_TREE"/>
</Types>

Step 2: Define the Tree

<ProgressionTrees>
    <Row ProgressionTreeType="TREE_TECHS_MY_AGE"
         AgeType="AGE_ANTIQUITY"
         SystemType="SYSTEM_TECH"
         Name="LOC_TREE_TECHS_MY_AGE_NAME"/>
</ProgressionTrees>

ProgressionTrees Columns

Column Type Description
ProgressionTreeType TEXT Unique tree identifier
AgeType TEXT Which age (AGE_ANTIQUITY, AGE_EXPLORATION, AGE_MODERN)
SystemType TEXT SYSTEM_TECH for technologies, SYSTEM_CULTURE for civics
Name TEXT Localization key for tree name
CostProgressionModel TEXT Cost scaling model (optional)
CostProgressionParam1 INTEGER Base cost parameter (optional)
PrereqFormat TEXT AND (default) or OR for prerequisites

Defining Technologies

Step 1: Register the Type

<Types>
    <Row Type="NODE_TECH_AQ_MY_TECH" Kind="KIND_TREE_NODE"/>
</Types>

Step 2: Define the Node

<ProgressionTreeNodes>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_MY_TECH"
         ProgressionTree="TREE_TECHS_AQ"
         Cost="125"
         Name="LOC_TECH_MY_TECH_NAME"
         IconString="tech_mytech"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodes>

ProgressionTreeNodes Columns

Column Type Description
ProgressionTreeNodeType TEXT Unique technology identifier
ProgressionTree TEXT Parent tree reference
Cost INTEGER Science cost to research
Name TEXT Localization key for name
IconString TEXT Icon identifier
Repeatable BOOLEAN Can be researched multiple times
RepeatableCostProgressionModel TEXT Cost model for repeatable techs
RepeatableCostProgressionParam1 INTEGER Cost increase per repeat

Standard Tech Costs (Antiquity)

Tier Cost Example Techs
Starting 1 Agriculture
Early 70-85 Pottery, Animal Husbandry, Sailing
Mid-Early 125 Writing, Irrigation, Masonry
Mid 245-255 Currency, Bronze Working, Wheel
Mid-Late 430 Navigation, Engineering, Military Training
Late 738 Mathematics, Iron Working
Endgame 1255 Future Tech

Technology Unlocks

The ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks table defines what each tech grants access to.

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <!-- Unlock a building -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_AGRICULTURE"
         TargetKind="KIND_CONSTRUCTIBLE"
         TargetType="BUILDING_GRANARY"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Unlock a unit -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_BRONZE_WORKING"
         TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
         TargetType="UNIT_SPEARMAN"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Unlock a modifier (passive bonus) -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_AGRICULTURE"
         TargetKind="KIND_MODIFIER"
         TargetType="MOD_TECH_AQ_FLAT_FOOD"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Unlock a wonder -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_MASONRY"
         TargetKind="KIND_CONSTRUCTIBLE"
         TargetType="WONDER_PYRAMIDS"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Unlock a project -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_WRITING"
         TargetKind="KIND_PROJECT"
         TargetType="PROJECT_CITY_SCIENCE_PROJECT"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Unlock a diplomatic action -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_WRITING"
         TargetKind="KIND_DIPLOMATIC_ACTION"
         TargetType="DIPLOMACY_ACTION_ESPIONAGE_STEAL_TECH"
         UnlockDepth="2"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Unlock Columns

Column Type Description
ProgressionTreeNodeType TEXT Tech that grants the unlock
TargetKind TEXT Kind of unlocked item
TargetType TEXT Specific item type
UnlockDepth INTEGER 1=primary unlock, 2=mastery bonus
Hidden BOOLEAN Don't show in tech tree UI
RequiredTraitType TEXT Only for civs with this trait

Target Kinds

TargetKind Description
KIND_CONSTRUCTIBLE Buildings, wonders, improvements
KIND_UNIT Military and civilian units
KIND_MODIFIER Passive bonuses and abilities
KIND_PROJECT City projects
KIND_DIPLOMATIC_ACTION Espionage and diplomacy actions

Civilization-Specific Unlocks

Use RequiredTraitType to unlock unique units/buildings only for specific civilizations:

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <!-- Standard unit for everyone -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ANIMAL_HUSBANDRY"
         TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
         TargetType="UNIT_SLINGER"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Unique unit only for Maya -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ANIMAL_HUSBANDRY"
         TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
         TargetType="UNIT_HULCHE"
         UnlockDepth="1"
         RequiredTraitType="TRAIT_MAYA"/>

    <!-- Unique unit only for Han -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ANIMAL_HUSBANDRY"
         TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
         TargetType="UNIT_NU"
         UnlockDepth="1"
         RequiredTraitType="TRAIT_HAN"/>

    <!-- Unique unit only for Mississippian -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ANIMAL_HUSBANDRY"
         TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
         TargetType="UNIT_BURNING_ARROW"
         UnlockDepth="1"
         RequiredTraitType="TRAIT_MISSISSIPPIAN"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Unlock Depth

  • UnlockDepth="1" - Primary unlock, shown prominently in tech tree
  • UnlockDepth="2" - Mastery bonus, granted as secondary benefit

Technology Prerequisites

The ProgressionTreePrereqs table defines the tech tree structure.

<ProgressionTreePrereqs>
    <!-- Single prereq -->
    <Row Node="NODE_TECH_AQ_POTTERY" PrereqNode="NODE_TECH_AQ_AGRICULTURE"/>

    <!-- Multiple prereqs (AND by default) -->
    <Row Node="NODE_TECH_AQ_IRRIGATION" PrereqNode="NODE_TECH_AQ_POTTERY"/>
    <Row Node="NODE_TECH_AQ_IRRIGATION" PrereqNode="NODE_TECH_AQ_ANIMAL_HUSBANDRY"/>

    <!-- End-game tech with multiple prereqs -->
    <Row Node="NODE_TECH_AQ_FUTURE_TECH" PrereqNode="NODE_TECH_AQ_NAVIGATION"/>
    <Row Node="NODE_TECH_AQ_FUTURE_TECH" PrereqNode="NODE_TECH_AQ_IRON_WORKING"/>
    <Row Node="NODE_TECH_AQ_FUTURE_TECH" PrereqNode="NODE_TECH_AQ_MATHEMATICS"/>
</ProgressionTreePrereqs>

Prerequisite Columns

Column Type Description
Node TEXT Tech requiring the prerequisite
PrereqNode TEXT Required tech to unlock

When multiple prerequisites exist for the same node, they are combined with AND by default. Set PrereqFormat="OR" on the tree for OR logic.

Technology Quotes

Add flavor quotes that display when researching technologies:

<TypeQuotes>
    <Row Type="NODE_TECH_AQ_MY_TECH"
         Quote="LOC_TECH_MY_TECH_QUOTE"
         QuoteAuthor="LOC_TECH_MY_TECH_QUOTE_AUTHOR"
         QuoteAudio="VO_Quote_MyTech"/>
</TypeQuotes>

TypeQuotes Columns

Column Type Description
Type TEXT Technology type
Quote TEXT Localization key for quote text
QuoteAuthor TEXT Localization key for attribution
QuoteAudio TEXT Voice-over audio reference

Advisor Recommendations

Mark which advisors recommend this technology:

<ProgressionTree_Advisories>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_BRONZE_WORKING"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_MILITARY"/>

    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_WRITING"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_SCIENCE"/>

    <!-- Tech can have multiple advisories -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_WHEEL"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_HAPPINESS"/>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_WHEEL"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_MILITARY"/>
</ProgressionTree_Advisories>

Advisory Classes

AdvisoryClassType Focus
ADVISORY_CLASS_FOOD Food and growth
ADVISORY_CLASS_SCIENCE Science and research
ADVISORY_CLASS_CULTURE Culture and tourism
ADVISORY_CLASS_ECONOMIC Gold and trade
ADVISORY_CLASS_MILITARY Combat and defense
ADVISORY_CLASS_HAPPINESS Happiness and amenities

Technology Modifiers

Technologies often unlock modifiers that provide passive bonuses. Define these in GameEffects XML:

<GameEffects xmlns="GameEffects">
    <!-- Settlement cap increase -->
    <Modifier id="MOD_AQ_SETTLEMENT_CAP_INCREASE"
              collection="COLLECTION_OWNER"
              effect="EFFECT_PLAYER_ADJUST_SETTLEMENT_CAP"
              permanent="true">
        <Argument name="Amount">1</Argument>
        <String context="Description">LOC_MOD_AQ_SETTLEMENT_CAP_INCREASE_DESCRIPTION</String>
    </Modifier>

    <!-- Embarkation ability -->
    <Modifier id="MOD_SAILING_EMBARKATION"
              collection="COLLECTION_PLAYER_UNITS"
              effect="EFFECT_UNIT_ADJUST_EMBARKATION_TYPE"
              permanent="true">
        <SubjectRequirements>
            <Requirement type="REQUIREMENT_UNIT_DOMAIN_MATCHES">
                <Argument name="UnitDomain">DOMAIN_LAND</Argument>
            </Requirement>
        </SubjectRequirements>
        <Argument name="EmbarkationType">UNIT_EMBARKATION_SHALLOW_WATER</Argument>
        <String context="Name">LOC_MOD_SAILING_EMBARKATION_NAME</String>
        <String context="Description">LOC_MOD_SAILING_EMBARKATION_DESCRIPTION</String>
    </Modifier>

    <!-- Unit class strength bonus -->
    <Modifier id="MOD_AQ_TECH_INFANTRY_STRENGTH"
              collection="COLLECTION_PLAYER_UNITS"
              effect="EFFECT_UNIT_ADJUST_ABILITY">
        <SubjectRequirements>
            <Requirement type="REQUIREMENT_UNIT_TAG_MATCHES">
                <Argument name="Tag">UNIT_CLASS_INFANTRY</Argument>
            </Requirement>
        </SubjectRequirements>
        <Argument name="AbilityType">ABILITY_AQ_TECH_INFANTRY</Argument>
        <String context="Description">LOC_MOD_AQ_TECH_INFANTRY_STRENGTH_DESCRIPTION</String>
    </Modifier>

    <!-- Yield bonus for building tag -->
    <Modifier id="MOD_AQ_TECH_CULTURE_BUILDING"
              collection="COLLECTION_OWNER"
              effect="EFFECT_PLAYER_ADJUST_CONSTRUCTIBLE_YIELD">
        <Argument name="Tag">CULTURE</Argument>
        <Argument name="YieldType">YIELD_CULTURE</Argument>
        <Argument name="Amount">1</Argument>
        <String context="Description">LOC_MOD_AQ_TECH_CULTURE_BUILDING_DESCRIPTION</String>
    </Modifier>
</GameEffects>

Repeatable Technologies

End-game "Future Tech" can be researched multiple times:

<ProgressionTreeNodes>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_FUTURE_TECH"
         ProgressionTree="TREE_TECHS_AQ"
         Cost="1255"
         Name="LOC_TECH_FUTURE_TECH_NAME"
         IconString="tech_futuretech"
         Repeatable="true"
         RepeatableCostProgressionModel="COST_PROGRESSION_PREVIOUS_COPIES"
         RepeatableCostProgressionParam1="1255"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodes>

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <!-- Each completion grants these bonuses -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_FUTURE_TECH"
         TargetKind="KIND_MODIFIER"
         TargetType="MOD_AQ_FUTURE_TECH_ATTRIBUTE"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_FUTURE_TECH"
         TargetKind="KIND_MODIFIER"
         TargetType="MOD_AQ_FUTURE_TECH_AGE_PROGRESS"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Complete Example: Adding a New Technology

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Database>
    <!-- 1. Register the type -->
    <Types>
        <Row Type="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE" Kind="KIND_TREE_NODE"/>
    </Types>

    <!-- 2. Add quote -->
    <TypeQuotes>
        <Row Type="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE"
             Quote="LOC_TECH_ADVANCED_WARFARE_QUOTE"
             QuoteAuthor="LOC_TECH_ADVANCED_WARFARE_QUOTE_AUTHOR"/>
    </TypeQuotes>

    <!-- 3. Define the technology -->
    <ProgressionTreeNodes>
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE"
             ProgressionTree="TREE_TECHS_AQ"
             Cost="500"
             Name="LOC_TECH_ADVANCED_WARFARE_NAME"
             IconString="tech_advancedwarfare"/>
    </ProgressionTreeNodes>

    <!-- 4. Define prerequisites -->
    <ProgressionTreePrereqs>
        <Row Node="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE"
             PrereqNode="NODE_TECH_AQ_MILITARY_TRAINING"/>
        <Row Node="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE"
             PrereqNode="NODE_TECH_AQ_IRON_WORKING"/>
    </ProgressionTreePrereqs>

    <!-- 5. Define unlocks -->
    <ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
        <!-- New building -->
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE"
             TargetKind="KIND_CONSTRUCTIBLE"
             TargetType="BUILDING_WAR_ACADEMY"
             UnlockDepth="1"/>

        <!-- New unit -->
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE"
             TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
             TargetType="UNIT_ELITE_INFANTRY"
             UnlockDepth="1"/>

        <!-- Mastery bonus -->
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE"
             TargetKind="KIND_MODIFIER"
             TargetType="MOD_TECH_ADVANCED_WARFARE_BONUS"
             UnlockDepth="2"/>
    </ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

    <!-- 6. Advisor recommendations -->
    <ProgressionTree_Advisories>
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_TECH_AQ_ADVANCED_WARFARE"
             AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_MILITARY"/>
    </ProgressionTree_Advisories>
</Database>

Localization

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Database>
    <LocalizedText>
        <Row Tag="LOC_TECH_ADVANCED_WARFARE_NAME" Language="en_US">
            <Text>Advanced Warfare</Text>
        </Row>
        <Row Tag="LOC_TECH_ADVANCED_WARFARE_QUOTE" Language="en_US">
            <Text>In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and strike at what is weak.</Text>
        </Row>
        <Row Tag="LOC_TECH_ADVANCED_WARFARE_QUOTE_AUTHOR" Language="en_US">
            <Text>Sun Tzu</Text>
        </Row>
    </LocalizedText>
</Database>

Antiquity Tech Tree Reference

Technology Cost Prerequisites Primary Unlocks
Agriculture 1 - Granary, Fishing Quay
Pottery 70 Agriculture Brickyard
Animal Husbandry 70 Agriculture Saw Pit, Slinger
Sailing 85 Agriculture Harbor, Galley, Embarkation
Writing 125 Pottery Library
Irrigation 125 Pottery, Animal Husbandry Garden, +1 Settlement Cap
Masonry 125 Animal Husbandry Walls, Monument, Pyramids
Currency 245 Sailing, Writing Bath, Market, Colossus
Bronze Working 255 Writing, Irrigation Barracks, Spearman, Archer
Wheel 245 Irrigation, Masonry Villa, Ballista, Chariot
Navigation 430 Currency Lighthouse, Quadrireme
Engineering 430 Currency, Bronze Working Amphitheater, Bridge
Military Training 430 Bronze Working, Wheel Arena, Blacksmith, Flanking
Mathematics 738 Engineering Academy, Great Library
Iron Working 738 Military Training Horseman, Phalanx
Future Tech 1255 Navigation, Mathematics, Iron Working Repeatable bonuses

Best Practices

  1. Cost Balance - Follow the tier system; don't make techs too cheap or expensive
  2. Prerequisites - Ensure logical tech paths; avoid dead ends
  3. Unique Unlocks - Use RequiredTraitType for civ-specific content
  4. Mastery Bonuses - Use UnlockDepth="2" for secondary rewards
  5. Advisors - Assign appropriate advisory classes for AI guidance
  6. Localization - Always provide localized names and quotes
  7. Testing - Verify tech tree displays correctly in-game

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