Mad Doc also jettisoned the unwieldy tech tree system of the original game in favor of a new "crown" system. The newly simplified research and development system dispenses with dependencies and arcane research in favor of a simplified system of "tech points" that are produced like any other resource from university buildings. These tech points can then be spent on any development available within that particular epoch.

Technologies are developed along three different tracks: military, economic, and political. These technologies, however, are not required in order to advance an epoch -- a set number of resources and tech points are all that's required. Rather, technology allows players to react to the fluid strategic situation by tailoring their research to whatever particular tech bonus meets their immediate strategic needs.