Tech Tree Upgrades | Rogue Photon

Table of Contents

This update marks a big step for the “Die Commander”: the foundation of the tech tree is finally in place. Research, fusion and upgrades are now connected, the strategic layer of the game is starting to take shape.

Fusion

A new fusion system lets you combine dice into more specialized units. By fusing a D4 and D6, you can create a D5 Researcher, a new type of unit that can unlock small set of upgrades.

Research

Researcher units now perform a looping “dance” animation based on a rhodonea (rose) curve while researching. It’s a small mathematical flourish — part aesthetic, part personality — that visually marks the process of discovery. It’s even possible to match the die face number with rhodonea petal number: D5 “dance” has 5 petals, etc.

Full Upgrade Cycle

With fusion and research in place, the full upgrade loop is now functional:

Fuse a D5 Researcher (from a D4 and D6).
Perform the researcher’s dance.
Unlock an upgrade.

As a first demonstration, I’ve added the Shield Upgrade, which introduces a defensive layer to the combat system.

Shields

Shielded units now absorb incoming damage before their health is affected. The shields fade visually as they take hits, eventually disappearing when depleted — giving a clear, satisfying sense of protection and impact. Visually it’s not yet perfect as with small units the difference between a full shield and almost depleted shield is net very apparent but the most important element - functionality - is in place.

Tech Tree Progression

Tier 1 – Basic Research

D5 Researcher (D4 + D6): +1 Attack, +1 Defence
D7 Researcher (D6 + D8): +1 Speed, +1 Range
D10 Researcher (D8 + D12): Shields I, AoE Skill I
D16 Researcher (D12 + D20): Two powerful upgrades (WIP)

Tier 1 Upgrades (+2 / +3):

Merge two identical Tier 1 researchers to create higher-level versions:

D5 → D5 II → D5 III for +2 / +3 Attack & Defence
Same logic for other researchers (+2 Speed, +2 Range, Shields II, etc.)

Tier 2 – Advanced Research

D6 Researcher = D5 + D7 → unlocks a new upgrade set
D9 Researcher = D7 + D10 → unlocks a different upgrade set
D13 Researcher = D10 + D16 → unlocks another upgrade set

Tier 2 Upgrades (+2 / +3):

Merging higher-level Tier 2 researchers increases upgrade strength (same logic as Tier 1).

Tier 3 – High-Tier Research

D15 Researcher = D6 + D9
D19 Researcher = D6 + D13
D22 Researcher = D9 + D13

These top-tier researchers grant access to the most advanced upgrades currently planned.

Scaling & Scope

The system is infinitely extensible through continued fusion, but for the vertical slice/demo, the plan is to:

Limit upgrades to +1 per tier
Cap progression at Tier 3

Core Game Loop

The tech tree was the last essential RTS feature. With having it operational I can officially announce that the game is in playable state. I’m now shifting into the polish phase: refining visuals, effects, and feedback loops to make everything feel tight and readable.