Last Z Research Priority Guide — What to Research First
Quick Answer
Quick Answer
Last Z research priority (research guide):
- Hero Training · stop at Cockpit
- Military Strategies research · Troop HP buffs
- Peace Shield research · Urgent Rescue (-20% losses)
- Siege to Seize · optional research tree
- UST (Special Unit Training) · T10 units (long-term)
Key tip: Don't max Hero Training — badges are better spent elsewhere. Buy the second laboratory ASAP.
Note: This guide focuses on combat research. For Alliance Recognition (crucial for F2P rewards), see Alliance Recognition Costs and the Alliance Duel Guide.
Research Tree Overview
The research tree in Last Z splits into three practical tracks: base growth (construction and economy), combat power (troops and efficiency), and specialization (events and late-game systems). Early research should remove bottlenecks first, mid-game research unlocks higher tiers, and late-game research adds efficiency and multipliers.
Use this guide as a priority roadmap, but keep your research order aligned with your goal: fastest progression, PvP power, or economy scaling. For deeper branch planning, see our Tech Deep Dive. In late game, Steel Age becomes the next major gate — see the Steel Guide.
T10 Research Path
If your goal is T10 units, keep your path narrow and avoid spending badges on unrelated branches. Push the prerequisite gates that unlock higher troop tiers, then stack efficiency research around that path.
Safe approach: (1) remove HQ bottlenecks, (2) push the core military path to tier unlocks, (3) invest in efficiency nodes once the tier gate is open. Make sure your HQ level keeps pace; see the HQ Upgrade Guide for requirements.
Key Research Nodes (Quick Summary)
Peace Shield
High-impact defensive research that protects progress during vulnerable windows. Prioritize it early if your server is active in PvP or you’re running long upgrades.
Urgent Rescue
Reduces unit losses after combat and is one of the best ROI upgrades for PvP and event participation.
Military Strategies
Boosts core combat efficiency and scales into late game. It’s not the fastest power spike, but it’s essential once higher tiers are unlocked.
Research Priority Order
Step 1: Hero Training → Cockpit Only
Why: Cockpit gives meaningful hero stat boosts. After Cockpit, you only get ~400 extra ATK/DEF for extremely high badge costs.
Common mistake: Many players max Hero Training thinking it's important. It's a badge trap. Stop at Cockpit and move on.
Step 2: Military Strategies → Troop HP
Why: This tree is cheap and provides crucial Troop HP buffs. Focus on the bottom nodes that match your main faction's troop type (Assaulter for Blood Rose, etc.).
Tip: Don't max "Move Out" — it's expensive. Upgrade to level 10-20 max.
Step 3: Peace Shield → Urgent Rescue
Unlock requirements: 50% Shelter Building + 45% Military Strategies.
Key research: Urgent Rescue reduces unit deaths by up to 20% (10 ranks). This is the direct counter to enemy Annihilation skill. Essential for PvP.
Step 4: Siege to Seize (Situational)
Warning: This tree increases your Destruction Value. Only research if you're ready for more aggressive gameplay.
When to skip: If you prefer defensive play or are in a NAP alliance, delay this tree.
Step 5: UST (Special Unit Training)
Goal: Unlock T10 units — the strongest troops in the game.
Cost: ~1.4 million badges total. Takes years for F2P or ~$15,000 to speed up. Farm badges from Lucky Discounter events.
Pro tip: Start UST immediately after Urgent Rescue if you're committed to long-term progression.
Research Tips from Top Players
- Buy Second Laboratory — doubles your research speed, essential purchase
- Align with Capital Buff — reduces research time by 1 hour when active
- Save stars and speed-ups — use during research events for bonus rewards (see Alliance Duel Day 3)
- Don't rush Fully Armed Alliance (FAA) — leave it for later, focus on defensive research first
- Check unlock requirements — plan your path to unlock new trees efficiently
Research Trees Unlock Order
How Trees Unlock
Each research tree unlocks when you complete or reach a certain percentage in previous trees:
- New Home → unlocks HQ Management
- 100% Elite Troops → unlocks Military Strategies
- 50% Shelter + 45% Military Strategies → unlocks Peace Shield
- 40% Military Strategies → unlocks Siege to Seize
- 100% Siege to Seize → unlocks Field Research (594k badges for Recharge Shield)
Frequently Asked Questions
What research should I prioritize in Last Z (research guide)?
Priority order: Hero Training to Cockpit → Military Strategies → Peace Shield (Urgent Rescue) → Siege to Seize → UST. This maximizes combat power while efficiently using badges.
Is Hero Training worth maxing in Last Z research priority?
No. Only research until Cockpit. After that, you get minimal stats (+400 ATK/DEF) for very high badge costs. Those badges are better spent on Military Strategies or saving for UST.
What is Urgent Rescue (Peace Shield research) in Last Z?
Urgent Rescue is a Peace Shield research that reduces unit deaths by up to 20%. It directly counters the enemy's Annihilation skill. Must-have for PvP content.
How do I unlock T10 research faster?
Focus on the minimal prerequisite path to higher troop tiers, avoid spending badges on unrelated branches, and keep HQ requirements aligned with your research gates.
Where are Peace Shield and Urgent Rescue in the research tree?
They sit in the core defensive track and unlock after meeting percentage requirements in earlier trees. Prioritize them if PvP pressure is high on your server.
How many badges do I need for UST (Special Unit Training)?
1.4 million badges for full T10 unlock through UST. This takes years for F2P players. Whales can speed it up for $15,000 USD.
Should I buy the second laboratory in this research guide?
Yes, 100%. It doubles your research speed. One of the best investments in the game. Buy it as soon as you can afford it.
How do I unlock Peace Shield research in Last Z?
Complete or reach certain percentages in current trees. Example: 100% Elite Troops unlocks Military Strategies. 50% Shelter + 45% Military Strategies unlocks Peace Shield.
Glossary
Research Abbreviations
- UST — Special Unit Training (for T10 units)
- PS — Peace Shield
- STS — Siege to Seize
- FAA — Fully Armed Alliance
- T10 — Tier 10 units (strongest troops)
- Badges — Currency for research
- Cockpit — Key research in Hero Training tree
Game mechanics and numbers may change with updates. This guide was last validated in January 2026.