Explosive Weapon Damage

Explosive Weapon Damage is a research term that increases the damage of explosive weapons. It is an infinite research line, so its bonus can continue to scale after the listed early levels.

It primarily improves the Missile Set line, which is used by Missile Turrets and by Icarus. It also boosts the Shell Set line, because part of its damage is explosive; these shells are used by the Implosion Cannon and by Icarus as well. In addition, throws made with Combustible Unit are affected, so the term contributes to multiple explosive ammunition types rather than only one weapon family.

The early levels are especially important in high-difficulty play. Unlocking level 1 early is enough to raise explosive weapon damage by 10%, which is enough for a level 1 upgrade path to let Icarus instantly destroy a level 10 Raider with 105 HP and 2.0 armor. This makes the term one of the most valuable early combat investments if explosive weapons are part of the current strategy.

Its progression begins at 100% base damage, then increases as follows:

• Level 1: +10% for a total of 110%
• Level 2: +10% for a total of 120%
• Level 3: +20% for a total of 140%
• Level 4: +30% for a total of 170%
• Level 5: +30% for a total of 200%
• Level 6 and beyond: +20% per level

Because it scales all explosive damage sources at once, this term is most efficient when the player is already investing in missile or shell production. The benefit is not limited to turrets; Icarus also gains from the bonus when using the supported explosive ammunition.