Skaven technologies
56 technologies from the game's research tree for Skaven, 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 40,100 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.
Scavenging RunsScavenging Runs400 research points · 1,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Armour: +10 for Clanrats unitsRequires: Strength in NumbersThere is always value in a lightning strike to harvest useful items, whatever they may be.
Cadre of Hench-RatsCadre of Hench-Rats400 research points · 1,700 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Hero recruit rank: +2 for Chieftains
Leadership: +5 for Clanrats unitsRequires: Scavenging RunsA Warlord’s rule will only ever be as effective as his enforcers allow it to be.
Monstrous PlansMonstrous Plans100 research points · 1,800 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Adds an extra Clanrat unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City building
Food capacity: +30
Food generated: 1Requires: The Menace BelowResearch the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to another level altogether.
Monstrous AbominationsMonstrous Abominations800 research points · 2,600 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Charge bonus: +15 for Rat Ogres, Mutant Rat Ogre and Stormfiend units
Weapon strength: +5% for Rat Ogres, Mutant Rat Ogre and Stormfiend unitsRequires: Monstrous PlansBorn from the fusion of Skaven with a range of horrific creatures, Rat Ogres are bereft of reason and almost devoid of sanity.
Twisted Beyond RecognitionTwisted Beyond Recognition800 research points · 3,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Melee attack: +5 for Hell Pit Abomination unitsWeapon strength: +10% for Hell Pit Abomination unitsRequires: Monstrous AbominationsA misshapen mountain of flesh and muscle, with mechanical parts grafted on. Very nasty.
Unfathomable HorrorsUnfathomable Horrors800 research points · 4,200 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds a Hell Pit Abomination unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City buildingRecruit rank: +2 for Rat Ogres, Mutant Rat Ogre, Hell Pit Abomination and Stormfiend unitsRequires: Twisted Beyond RecognitionA host of holy horrors to direct our aimless dance.
Ferocious PlansFerocious Plans100 research points
Local recruitment capacity: +1 (all provinces)Research the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to another level altogether.
Driven by HungerDriven by Hunger400 research points · 500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruit rank: +2 for Clanrats units
Income from post-battle loot: +5%Requires: Ferocious PlansLack of food can be a great motivator.
Strength in NumbersStrength in Numbers400 research points · 900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Attribute: Expendable for Clanrats unitsCharge bonus: +5 for Clanrats unitsMelee attack: +5 for Clanrats unitsRequires: Driven by HungerLarge numbers of ill-trained, ill-equipped warriors can still perform a useful function.
Take Everything!Take Everything!400 research points · 1,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Magic item drop chance from battle: +3%Income from sacking settlements: +5%Requires: Strength in NumbersYes-yes, take all of it! Yes, all - we can split-divide the spoils later- trust me, yes-yes!
The Menace BelowThe Menace Below400 research points · 1,700 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Missile resistance: 10% during siege battles (all armies)Leadership: +10 when laying siege or encirclingRequires: Take Everything!We are the Children of the Horned Rat, survivors all and as we were here before you, so shall we be present to see you fall.
Practiced GoadersPracticed Goaders400 research points · 2,200 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Hero recruit rank: +2 for PackmastersLeadership: +5 for Rat Ogre and Stormfiend unitsRequires: Monstrous Plans"Treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em keen!"
Freaks off the LeashFreaks off the Leash400 research points · 2,600 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Bonus vs Infantry: +5 for Wolf Rat and Brood Horror unitsWeapon strength: +10% for Wolf Rat and Brood Horror unitsRequires: Practiced GoadersDevouring their way to domination over their lesser littermates, the freaks of the brood are always a Packmaster’s preferred choice.
Brood BreedersBrood Breeders400 research points · 3,000 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruit rank: +2 for Wolf Rat and Brood Horror units
Upkeep: -5% for Wolf Rats and Brood Horror unitsRequires: Freaks off the LeashThe more the clan knows about breeding the nastiest traits into the most vicious rat-beasts, the better!
Promoted on MeritPromoted on Merit1,200 research points · 4,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Hero recruit rank: +2 for Warlock Engineers
Ammunition: +20% for Doomwheel, Plagueclaw Catapult, Warp Lightning Cannon and Warp-Doom Magma-Cannon units
Reload time reduction: +10% for Doomwheel, Plagueclaw Catapult, Warp Lightning Cannon and Warp-Doom Magma-Cannon unitsLord recruit rank: +2Requires: Ingenious PlansThose who display a willingness to betray their own, and just the right amount of vicious savagery, find themselves progressing within the Skaven hierarchy.
They Can't Blame Their ToolsThey Can't Blame Their Tools1,200 research points · 5,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Armour: +10 for Plagueclaw Catapult, Doom-Flayers, Warp Lightning Cannon, Warp-Doom Magma-Cannon and Doomwheel units
Missile strength: +10% for Plague Claw Catapults, Warp Lightning Cannons, Warp-Doom Magma-Cannon and Doomwheel unitsWeapon strength: +10% for Doomwheel and Doom-Flayers unitsRequires: Requisition Protective GearBad workmen are the same the world over…
Always More BesidesAlways More Besides400 research points · 900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Casualty replenishment rate: +5%Requires: Driven by HungerCasualties mean little when your population literally breed like rats.
Numbers Beyond CountingNumbers Beyond Counting400 research points · 1,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Charge bonus: +5 for Skavenslaves and Pusbags units
Melee defence: +5 for Skavenslaves and Pusbags unitsUpkeep: -20% for Skavenslaves and Pusbags unitsRequires: Always More BesidesThe tide of monstrous rats flowed over them one by one, dragging them down to be torn apart…
Volatile PlansVolatile Plans100 research points · 1,800 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds an extra Clanrat unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City buildingFood capacity: +30Food generated: 1Requires: The Menace BelowResearch the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to another level altogether.
Ensure Product QualityEnsure Product Quality1,200 research points · 3,000 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Missile strength: +10% for Warpfire Thrower, Warplock Jezzails, Ratling Gun, Poisoned Wind Globadiers, Poisoned Wind Mortars, Death Globe Bombardiers and Ranged Stormfiend units
Range: +10% for Warpfire Thrower, Warplock Jezzails, Ratling Gun, Poisoned Wind Globadiers, Poisoned Wind Mortars, Death Globe Bombardiers and Ranged Stormfiend unitsRequires: Volatile PlansIt's always best to test a new concoction before unleashing it on the enemy.
Ingenious PlansIngenious Plans100 research points · 3,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds an extra Clanrat unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City buildingFood capacity: +30Food generated: 1Requires: Ensure Product QualityResearch the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to another level altogether.
Requisition Protective GearRequisition Protective Gear1,200 research points · 4,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Armour: +10 for Warpfire Thrower, Ratling Gun, Poisoned Wind Globadiers, Poisoned Wind Mortars and Death Globe Bombardiers unitsArmour: +5 for Stormvermin and Stormfiend unitsRequires: Ingenious PlansMasks and armoured suits are useful, not just for protecting Skaven from the enemy, but also from their own crazy contraptions...
Murder DissentersMurder Dissenters400 research points · 1,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Control: +1Requires: Set ExamplesWoe betide any who raise their voices to decry, or even question, the decisions of their betters.
Carve UndertunnelsCarve Undertunnels400 research points · 2,600 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Campaign movement range: +10%Requires: Take Everything!, Set ExamplesTheir vast network of underground tunnels enable the Skaven to move around the world largely undetected.
Enormous CachesEnormous Caches1,200 research points · 3,000 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds an extra Plagueclaw Catapult unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City buildingUpkeep: -5% for Warpfire Thrower, Ratling Gun, Warplock Jezzails, Poisoned Wind Globadiers, Poisoned Wind Mortars and Death Globe Bombardiers unitsAmmunition: +25% for Missile Infantry unitsRequires: Volatile PlansA wise warlord stockpiles ammunition long before it is needed.
Reject Poor RecruitsReject Poor Recruits1,200 research points · 4,200 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruit rank: +2 for Warpfire Thrower, Ratling Gun, Warplock Jezzails, Poisoned Wind Globadiers, Poisoned Wind Mortars and Death Globe Bombardiers unitsRequires: Ensure Product QualityIt’s hard to imagine, but there are some among this most venal, treacherous race who don't quite make the grade or indeed live much longer…
Ruthless PlansRuthless Plans100 research pointsFood generated: 1Research the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to another level altogether.
Harsh Production QuotasHarsh Production Quotas400 research points · 500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Recruitment cost: -5% for Skavenslaves, Pusbags and Clanrats units
Growth: +10Requires: Ruthless PlansIt means nothing if Skavenslaves die meeting a quota, there will always be more - many more - where they came from.
Set ExamplesSet Examples400 research points · 900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Leadership: +3Requires: Harsh Production QuotasIf you want something done right, it's best to publicly kill the one who did it wrong so the others learn.
Horned One's ApprovalHorned One's Approval400 research points · 3,000 research points to reach it (cheapest route)After using the Dominating Scheme rite, a Verminlord will become available for recruitmentRequires: Carve UndertunnelsVerminlords herald the Horned One’s approval as the legions of verminkind swell to an abominable tide.
Rat-DaemonsRat-Daemons400 research points · 3,400 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Campaign movement range: +10% for VerminlordsExperience gain: +25% for VerminlordsRequires: Horned One's ApprovalVerminlords appear in greater number with the influx of Chaos – insinuating themselves into Skaven plans and manipulating deeds to their own nefarious ends.
Record Effective RecipesRecord Effective Recipes1,200 research points · 8,000 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Hero recruit rank: +2 for Plague PriestsRequires: Carve Undertunnels, HallucinogenicsAll the screams, the contortions, the howls of agony don't mean much unless the end result is useable and, more importantly, repeatable.
Plans Within PlansPlans Within Plans100 research points · 9,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds an extra Clanrat unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City buildingFood capacity: +30Food generated: 1Requires: Record Effective Recipes, Ingenious PlansResearch the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to its ultimate conclusion.
Ultimate ExperimentsUltimate Experiments1,600 research points · 11,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Replaces all Clanrat units spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City building with StormverminIncome from all buildings: +5%Growth: +25Requires: Plans Within PlansSelective breeding and genetic manipulation will breed the strongest Skaven yet.
Know Your Place!Know Your Place!400 research points · 1,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Loyalty: +2 for new recruitsRequires: Set ExamplesNeedless to say, any Clanrats with ideas above their stations are quickly, and permanently, silenced.
HallucinogenicsHallucinogenics1,200 research points · 4,200 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Leadership: +10 for Plague Monk unitsMelee attack: +5 for Plague Monks unitsRequires: Distil PoisonsTo make the foe see, hear and smell something else entirely, and then exploit their confusion - that's war taken to the next level.
Masters of InfiltrationMasters of Infiltration1,600 research points · 12,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Diplomatic relations: +10 with all factionsRequires: Oppressive PlansIt's easier to influence matters when many above ground don't believe you exist...
New Warpstone UsesNew Warpstone Uses1,600 research points · 11,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Casualty replenishment rate: +10%Local recruitment capacity: +1 (all provinces)Requires: Plans Within PlansSkaven covet Warpstone above all else; the ability to mutate weeds out the weak and strengthens those who are already strong.
Hit & RunHit & Run800 research points · 1,700 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Speed: +10% for Infantry unitsRequires: Fight Dirty!We-us get in there and kill-slay until they're mostly all dead, then we get out again - let second wave mop up, yes-yes!
Eyes EverywhereEyes Everywhere800 research points · 2,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Ambush success chance: +5%Requires: Abduct Promising CandidatesThere is nowhere to hide, nowhere safe to conspire, that isn't watched by agents of the Council.
Virulent PlansVirulent Plans100 research points · 1,800 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds an extra Clanrat unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City buildingFood capacity: +30Food generated: 1Requires: Abduct Promising CandidatesResearch the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to another level altogether.
Distil PoisonsDistil Poisons1,200 research points · 3,000 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Weapon strength: +10% for Plague Monks unitsRequires: Virulent PlansA little more nightshade, a little less mandrake… good-perfect, Lizard-things won't stand a chance, yes-yes!
Spread Rot & DecaySpread Rot & Decay1,200 research points · 4,200 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds an extra Plague Monk unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City building
Skaven corruption in adjacent provinces: +1 (all provinces)Requires: Distil PoisonsNo corruption too great, no disease too foul; if the Skaven want territory above-ground they will stop at nothing to acquire it.
Best of the BestBest of the Best1,600 research points · 12,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds a Doomwheel unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City buildingRecruit rank: +2 for Stormvermin and Death Runners unitsRequires: Oppressive PlansThe small number who survive the vigorous selection process are well equipped and given a share of the spoils to ensure their future loyalty.
Refined Punching PowerRefined Punching Power400 research points · 11,900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Missile resistance: +10% for Stormfiend (Grinderfist, Doomflayer Gauntlets, Shock Gauntlets) unitsWeapon strength: +10% for Stormfiend (Grinderfist, Doomflayer Gauntlets, Shock Gauntlets) unitsRequires: New Warpstone UsesUnder the effects of Warpstone, flesh sloughs off and tissue undergoes severe, wracking mutations. Only the malevolent Skaven would think to weaponise, let alone gradually refine, such a substance.
Devious PlansDevious Plans100 research pointsUpkeep: -13% for Skavenslaves unitsRecruitment cost: -5%Research the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to another level altogether.
Fight Dirty!Fight Dirty!800 research points · 900 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Missile strength: +10% for Night Runners and Gutter Runners unitsWeapon strength: +10% for Night Runners and Gutter Runners unitsRequires: Devious PlansWhereby war's notional rulebook is tossed away in favour of unbridled, fiendish savagery.
Abduct Promising CandidatesAbduct Promising Candidates800 research points · 1,700 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruitment cost: -5% for Night Runners and Gutter Runners unitsUpkeep: -5% for Night Runners and Gutter Runners unitsRequires: Fight Dirty!What to do when the agent you require works for another clan, who clearly do not appreciate his talents?
Oppressive PlansOppressive Plans100 research points · 10,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Adds an extra Clanrat unit to the army spawned from "The Vermintide" Under-City buildingFood capacity: +30Food generated: 1Requires: Exploit Criminals, Record Effective RecipesResearch the following items to advance the Skaven's vicious, uncompromising agenda to another level altogether.
Rule Through FearRule Through Fear1,600 research points · 12,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Charge bonus: +10 for Death Runners unitsLeadership: +10 for Death Runners unitsWeapon strength: +10% for Death Runners unitsRequires: Oppressive PlansFear of being dragged away and killed is another great motivator.
Portable DestructionPortable Destruction400 research points · 12,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Missile strength: +10% for Stormfiend (Ratling Cannons, Warpfire Projectors, Windlaunchers) unitsRange: +10% for Stormfiend (Ratling Cannons, Warpfire Projectors, Windlaunchers) unitsRequires: Refined Punching PowerFrom globes of bilious vapour, to cones of green-black flame, to the vicious simplicty of a barrel – Warpstone knows no bounds in its ruinous potential.
Intensive TrainingIntensive Training800 research points · 1,700 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Recruit rank: +2 for Night Runners and Gutter Runners unitsRequires: Fight Dirty!Unsurprisingly, even more shouting, combined with terrible punishments, does tend to yield the desired results.
Exotic Martial ArtsExotic Martial Arts800 research points · 2,500 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Hero recruit rank: +2 for AssassinsRequires: Intensive TrainingThe advanced skills Skaven assassins learn in the Far East appear quite alien, but are no less effective when practised at home.
Exploit CriminalsExploit Criminals800 research points · 3,300 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Hero action cost: -20%Hero recruitment cost: -33%Requires: Exotic Martial ArtsIt's difficult to imagine the Skaven concept of malfeasance, but it must exist; ‘criminals’ are put to work, as an alternative to an agonising death.
Eliminate the CompetitionEliminate the Competition1,600 research points · 12,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)
Assassinate action: Additional 5% success chance (all Heroes)Requires: Oppressive PlansThere is always high demand for assassins willing to murder for someone who needs to keep their own hands clean.
Ensure Absolute LoyaltyEnsure Absolute Loyalty1,600 research points · 12,100 research points to reach it (cheapest route)Melee attack: +5 for Stormvermin unitsMelee defence: +5 for Stormvermin unitsControl: +1Requires: Oppressive PlansIf you wish to survive the turbulent, cutthroat world of Skaven politics you need loyal warriors on your side.