These are "specialist" branches that most AI empires ignore, but a human player can exploit ruthlessly.
The AI will adapt. If you build only missile ships, the AI will research Point-Defense to Level 30 and laugh at you. You must maintain a balanced fleet or spy on their research labs to see what they are defending against. space empires v tech tree
Use a hybrid: tiered branching core with lateral cross-links for late-game synergies. These are "specialist" branches that most AI empires
Space Empires V vanilla has a flawed AI. It researches randomly and never uses Temporal or Psychic tech effectively. You must maintain a balanced fleet or spy
Every veteran will tell you to install the Captain Kwok’s Balance Mod (or the newer Ragnarok Mod). These mods completely rework the tech tree, add 200+ new components, and crucially, teach the AI how to conduct interlocking research strategies. In the modded game, the AI will rush Point-Defense if you use missiles. It will pursue Temporal tech if it finds a ruin. The modded tech tree is the definitive SE5 experience.