Dark Elves technologies
52 technologies from the game's research tree for Dark Elves, patch 9.0.4, line by line as the game lays them out. Hover or tap a technology for its cost (research points), its effects and what it needs first. Faction-only trees (a single lord's variant) are not included.
COMPUTEDThe whole tree costs 41,500 research points. Each technology's tooltip also shows what reaching it costs: its own points plus the technologies it needs first, each counted once (the tree's links). Research points only. Before research speed bonuses; some technologies also need a building, which this doesn't count. Upgrade I, Upgrade II and Upgrade III also list a gold amount per turn in the tables (technology_nodes.cost_per_round); whether the game still charges it isn't confirmed, so it isn't shown or counted.
Marching to WarMarching to War600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Speed: +10% for Dreadspears, Darkshards, Bleakswords and Black Ark Corsairs unitsRequires: Driven by VengeanceEver onwards the Druchii armies march, conflict's breakneck rhythm dictating the pace.
Bolt CartridgesBolt Cartridges800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Ammunition: +25% for Reaper Bolt Thrower and Scourgerunner Chariot units
Missile strength: +10% for Reaper Bolt Thrower and Scourgerunner Chariot units
Reload time reduction: +10% for Reaper Bolt Thrower and Scourgerunner Chariot unitsRequires: Forged to KillYou'll like this, it's got a fast-action reload; you can kill the Asur all day long without pausing for more than a second.
Black Iron ArmourBlack Iron Armour1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Armour: +10 for Dreadspears, Darkshards and Bleaksword unitsRequires: An Instrument of WarThe hardest of substances, when heated to the optimum temperature, may be drawn into mail, plate or scale.
Bloodforged PlatemailBloodforged Platemail1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Armour: +5 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot unitsArmour: +10 for Har Ganeth Executioners and Black Guard of Naggarond unitsRequires: No Signs of WeaknessBlack steel, mixed with sacrificial blood and etched with powerful runes, makes the best armour produced in Naggarond.
Driven by VengeanceDriven by Vengeance400 research points · 800 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Melee attack: +4 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Black Ark Corsairs and Darkshards units
Recruitment cost: -5% for Dreadspears, Darkshards and Bleakswords unitsRequires: Choose or Die!The deep-seated, profoundly-ingrained desire for revenge consumes and drives one forward.
Martial SocietyMartial Society600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Recruit rank: +2 for Dreadspears, Darkshards and Bleakswords unitsRequires: Driven by VengeanceEvery aspect of the Druchii world is directed to warfare, as it should be when war is a permanent state of affairs.
Forged to KillForged to Kill600 research points · 700 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Missile strength: +10% for Darkshards and Black Ark Corsairs units
Weapon strength: +10% for Dreadspears, Darkshards, Bleakswords and Black Ark Corsairs unitsRequires: Upgrade ISteel is only as strong as the hand that wields it.
Hit & RunHit & Run800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Reload time reduction: +10% for Shades and Dark Riders unitsSpeed: +10% for Shades, Dark Riders and Doomfire Warlock unitsWeapon strength: +10% for Shades, Dark Riders and Doomfire Warlock unitsRequires: Forged to KillTo strike like lightning and then melt away - that is the way of the irregular warrior.
An Instrument of WarAn Instrument of War800 research points · 900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruit rank: +2 for Black Guard of Naggarond unitsRecruit rank: +2 for Har Ganeth Executioners unitsRequires: Upgrade IIMuscle, flesh, and the skeleton that binds them can be finely tuned for maximum violence.
Exotic Beast Hide ArmourExotic Beast Hide Armour1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Armour: +10 for Black Ark Corsairs, Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot unitsRequires: An Instrument of WarSome creatures have a natural outer carapace, so hard that it may double as armour once removed from its original owner.
No Signs of WeaknessNo Signs of Weakness1,000 research points · 1,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Leadership: +5 for Shades, Witch Elves, Har Ganeth Executioners, Black Guard of Naggarond and Sisters of Slaughter unitsRequires: Upgrade IIIUsed to slaying their own kin at the first sign of fragility or compassion, Naggarothi armies constantly prune their own ranks.
Ceremonial WeaponsCeremonial Weapons1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Melee attack: +5 for Witch Elves, Har Ganeth Executioners and Sisters of Slaughter unitsWeapon strength: +5% for Witch Elves, Har Ganeth Executioners and Sisters of Slaughter unitsRequires: No Signs of WeaknessThe ornate, ceremonial weapons used in Khainite rituals give power to subsequent acts of murder carried out in his bloody name.
Ascension Through BattleAscension Through Battle600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Leadership: +5 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs and Dark Riders unitsRequires: Driven by VengeanceThrough glorious warfare we may become worthy of Khaine's favour.
Reworked CrossbowsReworked Crossbows800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Ammunition: +20% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs, Shades and Dark Riders units
Range: +15% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs, Shades and Dark Riders unitsRequires: Forged to KillWho could have imagined that the fingers of slaves would have so many uses?
Walking in DarknessWalking in Darkness1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Speed: +10% for Witch Elves, Black Guard, Har Ganeth Executioners and Sisters of Slaughter units
Campaign movement range: +10%Requires: An Instrument of WarTo reach certain destinations, one does not always need to see the way.
Serrated BladesSerrated Blades1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Melee defence: +5 for Black Guard of Naggarond unitsMelee defence: +5 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot unitsWeapon strength: +5% for Black Guard of Naggarond unitsWeapon strength: +5% for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot unitsRequires: No Signs of WeaknessThe many razor-sharp barbs and hooks may catch an opponent's blade, or rend their flesh.
Chartered PiracyChartered Piracy600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Upkeep: -5% for Black Ark Corsairs units
Income from sacking settlements: +20%Requires: Battle as BusinessLetters of Marque may be issued to those who pursue the Witch King's aims as their own.
Sadistic HandlersSadistic Handlers800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Speed: +10% for Harpies, War Hydra and Kharibdyss unitsRequires: Broken by the LashIt does one's temperament good to channel aggression via the appropriate outlet.
Recruit ConvictsRecruit Convicts1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruitment cost: -5% for Dreadspears, Darkshards and Bleakswords unitsUpkeep: -5% for Dreadspears, Darkshards and Bleakswords unitsRequires: Pressed into ServitudeCriminals make surprisingly good guards once it is made abundantly clear that the alternative is death.
Bewitch Dragon EggsBewitch Dragon Eggs1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Armour: +5 for Black Dragon unitsWeapon strength: +10% for Black Dragon unitsRequires: Under the YokeA source of great power, Black Dragon Eggs must be nurtured correctly so their potential is exploited to the fullest extent.
Choose or Die!Choose or Die!400 research pointsIncome from slaves: +3%Some choices require next to no thought whatsoever.
Battle as BusinessBattle as Business400 research points · 800 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Income from post-battle loot: +10%Income from raiding: +15%Requires: Choose or Die!For the Dark Elves, war is transactional - for Druchii blood to be spilled there must be payment, in the form of loot, preferably.
Naval TrainingNaval Training600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Melee attack: +4 when fighting at sea (all armies)Recruit rank: +2 for Black Ark Corsairs, Shades and Dark Riders unitsRequires: Battle as BusinessYou start with not drowning; once that has been achieved, the rest will swiftly follow - unless a watery grave appeals of course.- Upgrade IUpgrade I100 research points
Black Ark growth: +3 (cumulative)Research the following items to take the Dark Elves' vicious military machine to another level of cruelty altogether. 
Broken by the LashBroken by the Lash600 research points · 700 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Speed: +10% for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot unitsRequires: Upgrade IThe merest swish of leather is enough to make them alert and simply dying to obey.
Dominating the BeastsDominating the Beasts800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruit rank: +2 for Harpies, War Hydra and Kharibdyss unitsRequires: Broken by the LashThey *will* obey, their own will buried deep beneath an overwhelming urge to comply.
Upgrade IIUpgrade II100 research pointsBlack Ark growth: +5 (cumulative)Research the following items to take the Dark Elves' vicious military machine to another level of cruelty altogether.
Pressed into ServitudePressed into Servitude800 research points · 900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Local recruitment capacity: +1 (all provinces)Requires: Upgrade IISociety's detritus may yet find gainful employment in the service of the state.
Hunt OutlawsHunt Outlaws1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruitment cost: -5% for Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot unitsUpkeep: -5% for Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot unitsRequires: Pressed into ServitudeThey live apart from the rest of Dark Elf society, waging an endless war against the enemies of Malekith.
Upgrade IIIUpgrade III100 research pointsIncome from slaves: +10%Black Ark growth: +8 (cumulative)Research the following items to take the Dark Elves' vicious military machine to another level of cruelty altogether.
Under the YokeUnder the Yoke1,000 research points · 1,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Leadership: +5 for Harpies, War Hydra, Bloodwrack Medusa, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon and Feral unitsLeadership: +5 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot unitsRequires: Upgrade IIIThe dark, feral Cold Ones must be broken to the will of their new masters.
Harnessed FuryHarnessed Fury1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Melee attack: +5 for War Hydra and Kharibdyss unitsMelee defence: +5 for War Hydra and Kharibdyss unitsRequires: Under the YokeSo ferocious is the Hydra that their ravenous nature has proven the doom of many.
Bloodthirsty CompanionsBloodthirsty Companions600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Armour-piercing weapon damage: +2 for Harpies unitsMelee attack: +5 for Harpies unitsRequires: Battle as BusinessDefinitely not backwards in coming forwards, or indeed when getting stuck in.
Daylight DeniedDaylight Denied800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Income from slaves: +3%Income from Iron Mines, Gold Mines and Stone Quarries: +15%Requires: Broken by the LashBeing beaten, half-starved and kept perpetually in darkness coaxes the very best work from the enslaved.
Spoils of WarSpoils of War1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruitment cost: -5% for Harpies, War Hydra, Bloodwrack Medusa, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon and Feral unitsUpkeep: -5% for Harpies, War Hydra, Bloodwrack Medusa, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon and Feral unitsRequires: Pressed into ServitudeTo the victor go the spoils - be they coin or place or the lives of the defeated.
Bred in CaptivityBred in Captivity1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruit rank: +2 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot unitsRequires: Under the YokeAn even more vicious breed of Cold Ones is now being born in captivity, raised on a strict diet of live flesh and warm blood.
Revel in SufferingRevel in Suffering600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Growth: +15Requires: Founded on TyrannyAh, the suffering. The sweet, sweet suffering.
Temple Training GroundsTemple Training Grounds800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruit rank: +2 for Witch Elves and Sisters of Slaughter unitsRequires: Tempered in BloodWhere better to become proficient in the arts of war? Where the very soil is stained with the blood of failure!
Hardship & CrueltyHardship & Cruelty1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Melee defence: +5 for Doomfire Warlocks units
Hero recruit rank: +2 for Death Hags
Hero recruit rank: +2 for Khainite AssassinsMelee defence: +5 for Lords and embedded HeroesRequires: Consumed by RivalryAusterity, and the absence of any kind of warmth, can produce unexpectedly-positive results.
Deadly AccountabilityDeadly Accountability1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Leadership: +10 for Lords and embedded HeroesLord recruit rank: +2Requires: A Life of DreadThere is no tolerance for failure in Naggarond, no matter how trivial the error.
Founded on TyrannyFounded on Tyranny400 research points · 800 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Growth: +10Requires: Choose or Die!Start as you mean to go on and your population will never know what they may be missing.
Continuous Slave SupplyContinuous Slave Supply600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Income from Ports: +5%
Casualties captured post-battle: +15%Requires: Founded on TyrannyThere's always more work to be done and, fortunately, a constant stream of unfortunate wretches whose only option is to do it.
Tempered in BloodTempered in Blood600 research points · 700 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Income from slaves: +3%Requires: Upgrade IIt is often necessary to execute a few - publicly of course - to quench the fires of revolt in all the others.
Purge the WeakPurge the Weak800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Income from Province Capital/Settlement buildings: +10%Requires: Tempered in BloodThere is no place in the Druchii's empire of cruelty for those of a mild disposition.
Consumed by RivalryConsumed by Rivalry800 research points · 900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Loyalty: +2 for new recruits
Control: +1Requires: Upgrade IIWhen hatred consumes the soul, what other reason can there be to carry on living?
Divide & ConquerDivide & Conquer1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Diplomatic relations: +10 with Dark ElvesDiplomatic relations: +10 with High ElvesRequires: Consumed by RivalryThis aeons-old maxim never stops being true, and a most effective stratagem.
A Life of DreadA Life of Dread1,000 research points · 1,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Income from slaves: +3%
Ambush success chance: +5%Requires: Upgrade IIIEveryone, be they of high or low birth, have good cause to be fearful of who is watching and what they might tell the authorities.
Blood & DeathBlood & Death1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Corruption: -1 (all provinces)Income from Province Capital/Settlement buildings: +15%Requires: A Life of DreadFor what would the interminable millennia mean, if not for savage cruelty, blood and death?
Exploit FeudsExploit Feuds600 research points · 1,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Control: +1Requires: Founded on TyrannyA whisper here, a murmur there; winning is often most satisfying when others don't know you're playing.
Festivals of KhaineFestivals of Khaine800 research points · 1,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Ward save: +5% for Witch Elves and Sisters of Slaughter unitsCorruption: -1 (all provinces)Requires: Tempered in BloodPraise him, for he is the God of Murder and the Lord of War. Khaela Mensha Khaine, the Bloody-handed, above all others!
Masters of MurderMasters of Murder1,000 research points · 1,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Melee attack: +5 for Doomfire Warlocks units
Assassinate action: Additional 5% success chance (all Heroes)Melee attack: +5 for Lords and embedded HeroesRequires: Consumed by RivalryIn the Elven world, there are none more adept in the ignoble art of stealthy killing.
Study the Chaos WastesStudy the Chaos Wastes1,200 research points · 2,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Ward save: +10% for Doomfire Warlocks and Bloodwrack Medusa unitsRecruit rank: +2 for Doomfire Warlocks and Bloodwrack Medusa units
Hero recruit rank: +2 for SorceressesRequires: A Life of Dread