Tech tree clarification please?

[Dottikance]

I've come across the same problem a lot recently: As I'm making my way down the tech tree, the next tech in line often doesn't come up as "what to research next". For example, I was trying to be first to get cavalry, so I researched the alphabet, then literature, and then music, but then military tradition wasn't a choice.
So... I feel like I'm missing something really simple here, but this happens to me all the time (with different techs). Maybe it has something to do with all these "alternate routes"?

[Lord Avalon]

Check the Civilopeida for prerequisites - other techs which aren't "in line," but which you need for that next tech.

And welcome to Apolyton.

[Modo44]

Simply click the tech you want in the tech tree. The shortest (i.e. cheapest in terms of research cost) path will be chosen, including prerequisites you might not be aware of. This will show you if the tech has multiple prerequisites. If you need other techs researched first, use shift+click to select them, and then shift+click to set the beeline.

[LDiCesare]

Techs in the tree show prerequisites two ways: Arrows for 'or' prerequisites (you need only one of them to get the tech), and an icon in the upper right corner showing additional required mandatory techs.

[snoopy369]

To see the screen they're talking about, hit F6...

Techs require two things:
1. ONE of the techs that shows an arrow towards the tech (if any).
2. ALL of the techs with little icons in the upper right (if any).

Military Tradition, for example, requires, iirc, Nationalism and Music.

[Dottikance]

Thanks all! I've still been relying on the very worn, poster-sized hard copy that came in the game box. The in-game one apparently has a lot more info... I think it's time to switch over.

[Supr49er]

Welcome Dottikance.