Which is priority build? Research lab or manufacturing facility

[KBz]

A little bit of context here. Previous X-COM player. 1st run on phoenix point. I build several research lab because I want to have tech advantages, a big thing in XCOM. Which is actually not really a thing in Phoenix point (in my opinion). So I am guessing that I should have invested more on manufaturing facility to increase my production speed? Or is there other priority bild aside from the obvious radar in new bases.

[Whatever100500]

Keep roughly equal amount of labs and fabs. There aren't that many techs that give straight benefit without having to build anything.

In fact, there are some techs that harm you be being researched (by you or factions), because they trigger spawning of more advanced pandas - Piercing weapons tech (use the better ancient sniper rifle instead) and Harrower shotgun (don't rush it).

[Artek [General]]

I believe Labs are a priority.
Manufacture plants often stay idle, either because there is nothing to craft or you don't have the resources.
Research, however, never stops. There is always something to research. Always.

That doesn't mean you get to ignore fabricators, they are just not as universally active.
Generally something like 5+ of both is the healthy number. That's because they stack addictively.
1 facility = 100% output
2 facilities = 200% (doubled)
3 = 300% (+50%)
4 = +33%
5 = +25%
6 = +20%

[zo_blade]

I only really build 1 lab in my games. From there when you are able to take new bases, I do that instead and they come with labs and fabs that need repair. That is usually enough to get 8/8 labs and fabs. From there the synedron and NJ researches that reduce resarch and fab time are the way to go.