Anno 117: Best Discovery Tree Paths – Optimal Research for Every Playstyle

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In past Anno games, research followed a predictable, linear climb. But Anno 117: Pax Romana changes everything. Instead of a straight ladder, you’re now standing before a massive web of interconnected discoveries—over 150 of them—each shaping your empire in a different direction.

Want to dominate Mediterranean trade?
Command feared Roman legions?
Build cultural wonders admired across provinces?

Your research choices define not just your strategy, but your empire’s identity.

This guide breaks down the full Discovery Tree system, highlights the best early-game picks, and gives you optimal research paths for every playstyle. Consider this your roadmap to turning the Discovery Tree from an overwhelming maze into your sharpest strategic weapon.

Understanding the Discovery Tree Framework

Anno 117: Best Discovery Tree Paths

The Discovery Tree is Anno 117’s biggest system overhaul, introducing a flexible, non-linear approach to technological progress. It’s divided into three core branches:

πŸ›️ Economic Branch

Boosts production efficiency, resource chains, trade, and storage.

πŸ•Š️ Civic Branch

Improves city services, religious structures, happiness, and quality of life.

⚔️ Military Branch

Strengthens armies, ships, fortifications, and military logistics.

πŸ” How Progress Works

  • Research requires Knowledge, generated by Grammaticus buildings.

  • Supplying Writing Tablets to Eques citizens increases Knowledge output.

  • Some research requires Inspiration, unlocked through milestones such as:

    • Reaching population tiers

    • Creating certain trade routes

    • Constructing specific buildings

You can eventually research everything, but early choices shape your mid-game strengths.

Essential Early-Game Research Priorities

These early upgrades provide enormous value to every playstyle. Rush them.

1. Paved Roads (Economic) – Your First Must-Have

This should be your absolute first pick.
Paved Roads dramatically boost:

  • Goods transportation speed

  • Service building ranges

  • Overall early settlement stability

It’s the foundation of a functioning city.

2. Wells (Civic) – Your Fire Protection Lifeline

As your city grows denser, fire becomes your biggest early threat.
Wells offer:

  • Reliable fire suppression

  • Protection against catastrophic losses

A single unchecked blaze can wipe hours of progress—don’t skip this.

3. Protective Entourage (Military) – Critical Early Defense

Even pacifists need protection.
This upgrade gives:

  • Stronger Auxilia troops

  • Better defense vs. early barbarian raids

It guarantees safety as you stabilize your economy.

Optimal Mid-Game Research Paths by Playstyle

Once your foundations are set, commit to a specialized research direction that fits your empire’s goals.

🟦 The Economic Emperor Path

For governors who crave trade dominance & efficient production.

Priority Discoveries:

  • Depots – Expand storage for smoother trade

  • Pier-to-Pier Trading – Reduce harbor congestion, faster loading

  • Woodland Rebirth – Enables sustainable forestry

  • Market Forces – Reduce warehouse upkeep empire-wide

This path supercharges your economic engine and opens the door to commercial empire-building.

πŸŸ₯ The Military Commander Path

For players who plan to expand, conquer, and dominate through force.

Priority Discoveries:

  • Plated Hulls – Stronger, more durable ships

  • Imperial Measures – Double shipbuilding speed

  • Repair Cranes – Faster naval repairs

  • Siege Craft – Access to advanced military units and siege options

This route ensures your legions and fleets are unmatched.

🟩 The Cultural & Civic Leader Path

For builders who focus on happiness, monumental cities, and sustainable population growth.

Priority Discoveries:

  • Latrines – Improve health and prevent disease

  • Patron Gods – Unlock powerful deities like Ceres & Minerva

  • Aqueduct Systems – Enhance city planning and population expansion

  • Monumental Architecture – Reduce time/cost of grand projects

Your cities become cleaner, happier, and visually impressive.

Advanced Strategies & Province-Specific Research

Expanding into Albion unlocks completely different technological strengths. Capitalize on them.

🟫 Marsh Drainage (Albion)

Transforms marshland into usable building space—crucial where land is scarce.

🐎 Celtic Deities

Access gods like:

  • Epona – boosts husbandry & logistics

  • Cernunnos – improves environmental health

Different from the Roman pantheon, offering fresh synergies.

πŸ”₯ Advanced Smelting

Enhances metalworking for both military hardware and export goods.

Tip:
The strongest empires blend cross-branch synergy:

  • Economic strength fuels military expansion

  • Civic improvements boost population and Knowledge

  • Military victories unlock Inspiration for advanced research

Final Thoughts: Shape Your Empire Through Knowledge

The Discovery Tree isn’t just a tech system—it’s the blueprint of your empire’s destiny. By mastering its structure, prioritizing essential early upgrades, and aligning your research with your chosen playstyle, you turn uncertainty into strategic confidence.

Your journey through the Discovery Tree will evolve naturally with your empire’s challenges—and your decisions will create an identity truly your own.

Rome wasn’t built in a day… but with the right research path, your empire will stand the test of time.    

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