Unconventional resources have gained prominence after their potential to produce hydrocarbons has been proved. Production from these resources became economically feasible as a result of combining horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing reservoir stimulation along laterals targeting tight rocks with favorable petrophysical qualities. The extraction of hydrocarbons from these source rocks requires a step by step process starting with basin mapping, drilling coupled with geosteering, adequate cementing of the lateral in the wellbore and hydraulic fracturing completion. Each of these steps has key ingredients that need to be understood for a successful tight reservoir well.