Energy Weapon Damage

Energy Weapon Damage is a combat research term that increases the damage of energy-based weapons. It is an infinite research, so it can be upgraded repeatedly after the initial finite levels.

This research affects Laser Turret, Mecha Turret (Laser), the Plasma Capsule line, and combat drones such as planetary combat units and space combat units. The Plasma Capsule line also covers Plasma Turret, SR Plasma Turret, and Icarus when equipped with that weapon. Because it applies to a wider set of weapons than physical or explosive weapon damage, its research cost becomes heavier at higher levels.

The research progression is:

• Initial value: 100%
• Level 1: +10% damage, total 110%, cost x100, prerequisite: Weapon System
• Level 2: +10% damage, total 120%, cost x200 x200
• Level 3: +20% damage, total 140%, cost x400 x400 x400
• Level 4: +30% damage, total 170%, cost x800 x800 x800 x800
• Level 5: +30% damage, total 200%, cost x2000 x2000 x2000 x2000 x2000
• Level 6 and beyond: +20% damage per level, cost x6000 and higher

Because it boosts multiple energy weapon systems at once, Energy Weapon Damage is a broad efficiency upgrade for any factory or combat setup built around lasers or plasma. Its value is especially high once energy weapons become a primary defense or offense option, since each level improves several weapon classes at the same time. At higher levels, however, its research cost rises faster than the comparable physical and explosive damage research lines, so it becomes a more expensive investment after Level 4.