Research guide: Binding, Distill, Scouting and Defense
Updated September 25, 2026. Figures come from the live game.
The short answer
Research Binding 1 first to unlock hunts and raise your horde cap, then Distill for serum, then Scouting for raid range. Defense matters once you're raided often. One research runs at a time and needs a lab at least that level.
Cost of each level
| Level | Serum | Scrap | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | 40 | 10 minutes |
| 2 | 25 | 120 | 1 hour |
| 3 | 60 | 320 | 4 hours |
Research is earned with a Serum Sort run, harder by the track's level. Research level n needs a level-n Serum Lab.
What each track does
| Track | Level 0 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binding | Cap 60 | Cap 72, tier-1 hunts | Cap 84, tier-2 hunts | Cap 96, tier-3 hunts |
| Distill | Serum × 1 | × 1.25 | × 1.5 | × 2 |
| Scouting | Range 8 | Range 12 | Range 16 | Range 20 |
| Defense | — | Tower and keep fire +15 % | +15 % per level | +15 % per level |
A good order
- Binding 1: hunting shamblers is the cheapest way to grow your horde.
- Distill 1: 25 % more serum, which pays back everything else.
- Scouting 1: range 12 puts more villages and hordes in reach.
- Binding 2 and Distill 2 once your lab reaches level 2.
- Defense when you get raided often.
Questions players ask
Can I research two tracks at once?
No. Only one research runs at a time. A Research Rush (12 gold) finishes the current one.
What is scouting range?
How far away you can raid and hunt: 8 cells, plus 4 per Scouting level, up to 20. The War Map booster adds 4 more for 24 hours.