Recycler Upgrades
Recycler Upgrades are an Intelligence focus research that unlocks Reaper-class salvage ships without changing Recycler construction cost.
Effects
Level 1 unlocks the Reaper in the shipyard. Once unlocked, new salvage construction uses Reapers instead of Recyclers.
Each level adds flat base combat stats to every Reaper:
| Reaper Stat | Bonus Per Level |
|---|---|
| Base Shield Strength | +25 |
| Base Attack Power | +50 |
These bonuses increase the Reaper's base values before normal combat research bonuses are applied.
Cost
Recycler Upgrades use the same research cost curve as Fusion:
| Resource | Level 1 Amount |
|---|---|
| Metal | 2,000 |
| Crystal | 1,000 |
| Deuterium | 1,000 |
Cost factor: 2x per level.
Requirements
| Requirement | Level |
|---|---|
| Research Lab | 4 |
What Does Not Change
- Recycler construction cost
- Reaper construction cost
- Reaper cargo capacity
- Reaper speed and drive upgrades
- Reaper debris harvest behavior
- Existing Recycler fleets