Editing Guide:Relay Research and Transmutation

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== Research and local upgrades differ ==

[[Research]] opens Network-wide mechanics. [[Bay Upgrades]] improve the specific Bay where you buy them. A Research node may only unlock an upgrade for purchase; read both steps and their costs. Use the tree or list view to inspect prerequisites before saving for a distant node.

Useful early choices include <strong>Bay Telemetry</strong> for numerical readouts, <strong>[[Overflow Cutoff]]</strong> for input protection, <strong>[[Batch Operations]]</strong> for bulk controls, and capacity improvements that fit how often you check. Thermal, fuel, efficiency, and storage investments have different benefits.

== More automation within the game ==

<strong>[[Auto-Deposit]]</strong> uses a configured [[Refinery]] supply basket to commit new runs when old ones finish. <strong>[[Vault Routing]]</strong> directs a chosen share of realized [[Mint]] BC to your faction's Mint buffer or your own solo [[Vault]]. A faction member with the required permission can move the faction buffer into the Vault.

Check destinations, reserves, and drain before turning on ongoing spending. These are built-in game controls, so you do not need an external script to maintain the loop.

== Refinery Overdrive ==

[[Overdrive]] is a separate opt-in [[Refinery]] system unlocked through [[Research]] and upgrades. It spends substantially more input value for a smaller increase in [[Salvage]] production and adds heat. It can help when time matters more than cost, but is not automatically the most economical choice.

== Transmutation ==

[[Transmutation]] converts committed items into other items through timed recipes. Recipe groups include [[Gemerald|gemerald]] upscaling and downscaling, high-tier action boost conversions, cross-action boost conversions, and pet or farm boost upgrades. Conversions can be lossy; inspect inputs, outputs, and time.

The [[Transmutation Queue]] unlocks back-to-back recipes and can use earlier outputs in later steps. It needs the appropriate [[Research]] and queue upgrade. Keep ingredient commitments in mind when planning ordinary crafting or selling. Pluperfect [[Gemeralds]] are useful in these conversions as well as late progression.

== Network Store and long term goals ==

The [[Network Store]] spends <strong>[[Salvage]]</strong>, not BC, on [[Relay]] components and [[DX Coolant]]. Sale choices change daily, Coolant has a daily limit, and stock allowances grow with Network development. Compare store spending with [[Research]] and fuel needs.

Advanced Research includes apex goals, titles, and cosmetic presets. Read their full requirements before treating them as a short-term purchase. Top Refiner daily and weekly competitions can also award prizes, but the cost of competing is real and rewards depend on placement.

<small>Screenshots on this page: [[Guide:Relay Research and Transmutation#figure_18|Figure 18]]</small>

<span id="figure_18"></span>
[[File:Bconomy-guide-18-the-network-store.png|thumb|center|680px|alt=The Network Store|Figure 18  The Network Store. The Store offers DX Coolant, a rotating daily sale and Catalog trades using Salvage. These spend a resource also needed elsewhere in Relay; compare the trade with your next upgrade.]]

== Related pages ==
* [[Guide:Relay Network|Relay Network]]
* [[Guide:Relay Heat and Cooling|Relay Heat and Cooling]]
* [[Guide:Gemerald Augments and Rare Ingredients|Gemerald Augments and Rare Ingredients]]

<small>Adapted from Shadybliss's illustrated new-user guide, 24 October 2026. Game mechanics may change; check the current in-game Manual and previews.</small>

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Relay Network]]