Plasma Technology
Plasma improves metal, crystal and deuterium production and shortens building construction.
Quick stats
| Effect at standard level-1 setting | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Resource production | +10% |
| Building-time reduction | −10% |
The starting bonus is a galaxy setting; use the Research preview if it differs from 10%. Further levels follow tier progression, with building-time reduction capped at 99%. Plasma does not shorten ship or research timers; Plasma Turret construction requires Shipyard 8, not Plasma research.
Cost and access
Available from level 0 without a lab or research prerequisite. Level 1 costs 38 base RP; later levels grow exponentially before any other-domain tier surcharge. The Research screen shows the current quote and saved funding.
Purchase a completed level immediately with RP, or use automatic investment. Metal, crystal and deuterium are not research payments in 3.0. Physical Research Labs increase RP income, not purchase speed.
Each fifth level adds another initial amount before compounding the bonus itself by 1%. See tier progression.
When to invest
Prioritize it when several developed stations can use the production increase. Avoid buying production solely for an already-full store; improve storage or move supplies first.