weapons Tech Comparison
Energy Cannons vs Plasma Warheads
Comparing the Energy Cannons (Tier 2) and Plasma Warheads (Tier 3), both weapons 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 | Energy Cannons | Plasma Warheads |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 8▼ | 16 |
| metal cost | 10,000▼ | 30,000 |
| crystal cost | 5,000▼ | 15,000 |
| gas cost | — | 5,000▼ |
| Effect | +20% energy damage | plasma aoe: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Energy Cannons
Unlocks energy weapon modules. +20% energy damage.
Unlocks ships: fighter mk1
Requires: weapons 1
Plasma Warheads
Plasma weaponry AoE effect. Unlocks Heavy Cruiser.
Unlocks ships: cruiser mk1
Requires: weapons 2
Which Should You Research First?
The Energy Cannons is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the weapons branch, opening the path toward Plasma Warheads.