defense Tech Comparison
Reactive Plating vs Point Defense Arrays
Comparing the Reactive Plating (Tier 2) and Point Defense Arrays (Tier 3), both defense technologies in Starforge MMO. Use this to decide which to queue first when your research lab can only run one project at a time.
Research Comparison
| Attribute | Reactive Plating | Point Defense Arrays |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 8▼ | 16 |
| metal cost | 10,000▼ | 30,000 |
| crystal cost | 5,500▼ | 15,000 |
| Effect | +20% -kinetic penetration taken | +35% missile intercept rate |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Reactive Plating
Explosive reactive panels detonate on impact, reducing kinetic penetration by 20%.
Requires: defense 1
Point Defense Arrays
Automated turrets intercept incoming missiles and drones. +35% missile intercept rate.
Unlocks buildings: point defense array
Requires: defense 2
Which Should You Research First?
The Reactive Plating is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the defense branch, opening the path toward Point Defense Arrays.