Are Research Agreements Worth it?

[SlayViorZ]

some info on the mechanics of RA's would be greatly appreciated

[Theutus]

Yes

[airmikee99]

Absolutely, yes. Sometimes when I've been in a space race with another civ I'll fund the entire research agreement with one of the weaker civs, gift them the gold then make the RA.

[Matthew]

Ehh, not so much anymore. They used to be very strong, but have been nerfed several times now. They can still be decent, but now they are all or nothing. If you want to get them useful, you will want Porcelain/Rationalism and sign as many as possible. If you don't have those or only sign a few here and there, it doesn't really impact much in the big picture.

[arhat]

Yes. Playing on deity you need every hand up with science you can get. However don't do them with any civ that has porcelain tower and or completed rationalism. iI you have its especially worth doing. Also don't do with a civ thats way in front with tech. Goes without saying don't do with a civ that you expect will soon declare war or one thats about to be rolled by another civ and you've blown all that gold. The ideal research agreement partner is a low to mid ranked civ not a great threat to you or likely to win the game but will go the distance.