Where Lemon Labs sits in the 8-tier stack
Labs is tier 5 of 8: Stand → LemonDash → Depot → Trading → Labs → Robotics → Republic → LemonX. It multiplies everything below it. Neglecting Stand/Depot while buying Labs still leaves money on the table because Labs multiplies a weak base.
- Map: hill skyscraper research / financial floors.
- Unlock: after Lemon Trading core multipliers.
- Badge: Advanced Lemons — awards when Labs is purchased.
- Next: Lemon Robotics (tier 6).
Why Labs is special — permanent upgrades
Most building upgrades reset on void evolution. Labs is the first hill tier where many research purchases are marked permanent and survive the Purple Portal reset. That makes Labs the best place to park cash when your void bar is nearly full — permanent research compounds on every future fruit tier.
- Permanent / carry-over research → keep across void evolves.
- One-run Labs cash/speed rows → reset with buildings.
- Global research multipliers (e.g. LemonAI, Climate Control style globals) often live on Labs floors — confirm tooltips.
- Delay evolve to finish a permanent Labs buy if it is one purchase away.
Spend order inside Labs
Cash and speed rows on Labs multiply Labs output; permanent research multiplies long-term account power. Practical order:
- 1. Any upgrade labeled permanent / survives evolution.
- 2. High-ROI Labs cash multipliers (large × cash rows).
- 3. Labs speed rows once cash base is strong.
- 4. Cosmetic / exterior signs last.
- 5. Labs Manager after permanent + core rows.
Labs Manager timing
Hire Labs Manager only when permanent research is active and Labs cycles already pay well. A manager on empty research floors automates a weak loop. Same rule as Depot and Trading: multipliers before automation.
Labs vs void evolution timing
Void evolve at 100% progress resets buildings and investor powers but keeps permanent Labs research. If the bar is 90%+ and you can afford a permanent Labs upgrade, buy it first — then evolve. Do not dump flat cash deals into temporary Labs rows right before evolve.
Common Labs mistakes
Five errors that waste hill progress:
- Buying Labs while Depot decoration gates still hide buttons.
- Hiring Labs Manager before permanent research.
- Evolving with a permanent Labs buy one click away.
- Skipping elevator floors and missing hidden buttons.
- Ignoring lower tiers because Labs is unlocked.
Lemon Labs — quick reference
| Topic | Rule | Related guide |
|---|---|---|
| Tier order | 5 of 8 — after Trading, before Robotics | Income Sources |
| Unique value | Permanent research survives void evolve | Void Evolution |
| Manager | After permanent rows active | Managers Guide |
| Badge | Advanced Lemons on purchase | Badges |
| Evolve tip | Delay for permanent Labs if nearly affordable | Evolution Chart |
Lemon Labs FAQ
When do I unlock Lemon Labs in Sell Lemons?
After Lemon Trading core multipliers on the hill. It is income tier 5 of 8.
Do Lemon Labs upgrades survive evolution?
Permanent / carry-over research rows do. Normal one-run Labs cash and speed rows reset with buildings — read each tooltip.
When should I hire the Labs Manager?
After permanent research is active and Labs income is already strong — never as the first Labs purchase.
Should I evolve or buy more Labs first?
If void progress is near 100% and a permanent Labs upgrade is affordable, buy it first, then evolve.
Labs vs Robotics — which first?
Labs (tier 5) before Robotics (tier 6). Finish Labs permanent priorities before rushing Robotics unlock.