research ahead of time (without Re. bonus) is it worth it?

[Mamluke]

So, I haven't done any math, and I can't figure out how the formula works for calculating research days. and I've heard things... about the wiki, anyway, do you guys and gals know a good rule of thumb when to research ahead of time that doesn't waste too many days?

 

[Dalwin]

It comes down to how important the item is to you and what else is available. I think most experienced players would agree that taking the main industry techs ahead of time is a good idea. I rarely do it more than a half year ahead but I would not think someone was making a mistake if they reached out further than that even.

Sometimes it comes down to having a plan and sticking to it. In my last MP game as the Russians, I knew my German adversary and knew he'd be coming with lots of large and heavily armored panzer divisions. I decided at the very beginning of the game that all of my line infantry had to have a significant amount of piercing capability. The only way to compete in this particular matchup is to research the AT guns as far ahead as possible. I did that and got the good ones in place in quantity before I was invaded. I wouldn't say that alone achieved victory for me but it sure as hell contributed.

 

[Alex_brunius]

Around 6-12 months before the historical date at most is a rule of thumb I use for important techs I want to rush without any NF bonus ( depending on other bonuses and importance of techs ).

This usually leads to a 200 day tech taking ~300-350 days to finish or so instead allowing you to get it some months to half a year early.


Ofcourse there can be exceptions for this if you base your entire strategy on having a tech/unit available much earlier (like Dalwin above with AT).

 

[Praetori]

Industrial techs can be worth rushing post 1.3.x due to the efficiency nerf.
It pays off pretty well if done early game but it's a gamble to rush the CIC for a late MIC buildup.

 

[rcbricker33]

I tend to stay within the 1/2 year mark for any ahead of time researching. That said I have two exceptions to that rule, an open research slot that would require wasting on something I don't need right away or a tech I am striving to get ASAP. Then I will break the rule and take it as much as a year ahead of time.

It really depends on your needs at the time, except industry techs. Those should always be researched as soon as possible (within the 1/2 year to 1 year rule). Any research beyond 1 year is a waste of a slot.

*achievement runs do not follow this rule as I don't play to win in cheevo runs. I am there to get the achievement. So I will dedicate a research slot to nukes from day one (unless I only have two slots).

 

[Mamluke]

Amazing guys, I was expecting answers like maybe 3-4 moths ahead of time but 6 to 12 months ahead can pay up? that is very cool to know, I sure need to change my habits.

do you guys take in to account the base number of days?

 

[Tomnoddy]

When I'm playing as France I start research on 1939 infantry at least a year ahead of time without any speed boost.

With the 50% bonus from NF, I start work on 1940 fighters some time in 1938. It's really nice having RADAR and some Dewoitine D520s when the Germans come knocking with Bf109s, but as you can imagine i struggle not to fall behind in other areas, with France only having 3 tech teams (the 4th tech slot arrives fairly late in 1938 such are the demands on the NF tree to get rid of France's nerfs, and the 5th, due to distractions such as the army that got within sight of Moscow showing up on your doorstep.

 

[Gefallener_Held]

Does anyone have the actual numbers setting the forth penalties for research six months ahead of time or so?

 

[porta80]

I Mostly don't do it more then 2-3 month ahead of time. In my opinion it struggles you too much in other fildes of research and doesn't pay of enough to be worth it.