defense Tech Comparison
Phase Shielding vs Reactive Plating
Comparing the Phase Shielding (Tier 3) and Reactive Plating (Tier 2), 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 | Phase Shielding | Reactive Plating |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T2 |
| Research time | 20 | 8▼ |
| metal cost | 40,000 | 10,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 20,000 | 5,500▼ |
| Effect | +30% damage absorption | +20% -kinetic penetration taken |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Phase Shielding
Energy shields absorb 30% of all incoming damage.
Requires: defense 2
Reactive Plating
Explosive reactive panels detonate on impact, reducing kinetic penetration by 20%.
Requires: defense 1
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 Phase Shielding.