If you’re jumping into Warborne: Above Ashes and wondering how to get started, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re choosing your first Drifter, gearing up for faction wars, or planning the perfect PvP build, we’ve put together everything you need to hit the ground running.
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Research in Warborne: Above Ashes is a real-time system that controls your long-term progression. From unlocking stronger gear to expanding your Warband’s potential, your research queue dictates everything — and one bad delay can set you back for days. This guide breaks down what to prioritize, when to level your Driftmaster, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that stall PvP and endgame growth.
Why Research Matters
Progression in Warborne: Above Ashes hinges on one thing: your research queue. Time-based and real-world-dependent, every tech choice matters — and poor planning will catch up with you fast. Above all else, the most important rule is simple:
Always Keep Your Driftmaster Leveling
Never leave downtime between Driftmaster level upgrades. As soon as you’re allowed to research a higher tier, start it. This determines everything — from what you can craft and upgrade, to how much Exergy you mine. It’s the core of your account’s progression and should always be your top priority. Save resources specifically to never delay Driftmaster leveling.
Time-Based Progression – No Pauses
Research in Warborne doesn’t run on in-game time — it progresses in real-world hours. That makes priority planning essential. If you forget a key tech or delay a milestone, it could cost you days of progress. This guide helps you avoid that trap.
Exergy Bottlenecks
While Exergy might seem plentiful early on, late-game research becomes exponentially more expensive. Final upgrades will be gated more by how much Exergy you have than by time alone. Manage your income wisely.
Development Research – What to Focus On
- Drifter Upgrade: Increases max Drifter level. Rush to level 4 as early as possible.
- Trade – Advanced Equipment: Unlocks higher-tier weapons and armor in the shop. Aim for level 3+ as soon as you can.
- Second/Third Drifter: Optional early. Two Drifters are enough for weeks of play.
- Trade Toolkits: Level 4 is enough early on. Upgrade to max only when crafting demands it.
Research center Development
Combat Research – Personalize for Your Build
Focus on the attribute and skill trees that match your playstyle. If you’re building around one stat, commit to it fully for weeks. Once your main Drifter and gear are upgraded, consider filling in the rest.
Research Center Combat
Resource Research – Priority Picks
- Exergy Mining Bot: Absolute priority. Get it to level 6 early or lose huge mining potential.
- Gathering Skills: Critical for potion crafting and PvP prep. Level 6 required for maps IX+. Start with level 3.
- Mount HP: Max it out if you like. Level 3 is sufficient for casual play.
- Inventory Expansion: Level 6–8 is practical. Higher only if you’re grinding harvest nodes.
- Mount Sprint Speed: Level 3 matches NPC “taxi” mount speed. Level 5 gives a noticeable advantage.
- Nomad Post: Level 1 unlocks a second mini-base — very useful for travel efficiency.
- Support Station: Level 2 is fine unless you’re maximizing passive bonuses. Max out only if you’re stacking inactive Drifters for utility buffs.
Research Center Resources
Warfare Research – Mostly Useful If You’re PvPing in Groups
This section is mostly for ZvZ and Warband fights. If you’re playing solo, it’s less important — with a few key exceptions:
- Drugs & Food: Minimum level 2 to craft potions, especially the mandatory Frost Potion.
- Siege Device: Level 4 lets you contribute to Harvester sieges.
Most warfare techs are instant to research in later stages of the game, so if you have surplus Starfall and Exergy, feel free to fill them out.
Research Center Warfare
Note on Defense Upgrades
The entire top row of Warfare research can remain at level 1. If someone wants to destroy your Driftmaster, they will — regardless of your defense level. Invest elsewhere first.
Essential Research Checklist
- Driftmaster Level – never delay this
- Drifter Upgrade – always max this when available
- Advanced Equipment – higher-tier shop gear is mandatory for PvP and Power rating (lower power means that you can be kicked off the map in the middle of the fight)
- Exergy Mining Bot – maximize early to avoid long-term bottlenecks
- Gathering Skills – level 3 minimum early, level 6+ later
- Drugs & Food – level 2 unlocks essential combat potions
- Story and tutorial-based research – complete these as prompted to unlock basic systems
- Everything else – prioritize based on your Warband’s focus and the content you want to play
Final Tips
Warborne’s research system rewards foresight and punishes forgetfulness. Prioritize Driftmaster upgrades, unlock combat readiness early, and never assume you have enough Exergy — you don’t. Set long-term goals, log in daily to update your queue, and stay ahead of the curve.
