diff --git a/maps/pirates/balance.lua b/maps/pirates/balance.lua
index c18f6913..a7773647 100644
--- a/maps/pirates/balance.lua
+++ b/maps/pirates/balance.lua
@@ -342,8 +342,8 @@ function Public.quest_structure_entry_price_scale()
 end
 
 
-function Public.apply_crew_buffs_at_x(force)
-	force.laboratory_productivity_bonus = Math.max(0, 7/100 * (Common.overworldx()/40) - (10*(Common.difficulty_scale()) - 5)) --difficulty causes lab productivity boosts to start later
+function Public.apply_crew_buffs_per_league(force, leagues_travelled)
+	force.laboratory_productivity_bonus = force.laboratory_productivity_bonus + Math.max(0, 6/100 * leagues_travelled/40)
 end
 
 function Public.class_cost(at_dock)
diff --git a/maps/pirates/overworld.lua b/maps/pirates/overworld.lua
index ba4c5b5d..e926bed6 100644
--- a/maps/pirates/overworld.lua
+++ b/maps/pirates/overworld.lua
@@ -684,7 +684,7 @@ function Public.try_overworld_move_v2(vector) --islands stay, crowsnest moves
 				Common.give_items_to_crew(Balance.periodic_free_resources_per_x())
 			end
 
-			Balance.apply_crew_buffs_at_x(memory.force)
+			Balance.apply_crew_buffs_per_league(memory.force, vector.x)
 
 			-- add some evo: (this will get reset upon arriving at a destination anyway, so this is just relevant for sea monsters and the like:)
 			local extra_evo = Balance.base_evolution_leagues(memory.overworldx) - Balance.base_evolution_leagues(memory.overworldx - vector.x)