Inventor

The Inventor is the most basic science building in Timberborn, available to both factions from the very start of the game with no Science Point cost to unlock. It employs 1 to 2 beaver workers who generate Science Points at a rate of 1 SP per hour per worker. While this output is modest compared to advanced science buildings like the Observatory or Numbercruncher, the Inventor is essential in the early game when no other research options are available. It requires no power, making it completely self-sufficient and ideal for new colonies that have not yet established a power grid.

Science Points generated by the Inventor (and other science buildings) are used to unlock new buildings, upgrades, and technologies from the faction's research tree. Early research priorities typically include water infrastructure, food production, and power generation buildings. Because the Inventor produces SP slowly, players often build multiple Inventors in the opening stages of a colony to accelerate research before transitioning to more efficient alternatives. Keeping Inventor workers happy with access to food, water, housing, and Well-Being buildings like the Campfire ensures they work at peak efficiency.

As a colony matures, the Inventor is usually supplemented or replaced by the Observatory (for Folktails) or the Numbercruncher (for Iron Teeth), both of which produce Science Points much faster but require power to operate. However, the Inventor never becomes entirely obsolete; it can serve as a low-cost, power-independent research station in remote districts or new outposts where power infrastructure has not yet reached. Its simplicity and zero unlock cost make it a reliable workhorse for science production throughout the game.