Question about Starbases

If I build a Military Starbase with 1 constructor, and don't add anything else to it, what does it do for me?

I assume that in this case, the only benefit I get from the starbase is extended ship range, correct? There are no other bonuses applied until I build modules, right?

Thanks for any help.
3,806 views 9 replies
Reply #1 Top
As far as I know yes, and there is one additional benefit, there is a limit of 4 starbases in a sector, you have one, so in the later game you cannot be too late
Reply #2 Top
I believe that all starbases also produce a small influence effect, but nothing very impressive.
Reply #3 Top
Was going through forum posts but couldn't find a good answer. When I send in constructors, they only offer the Military/Economic/Influence upgrades.

>How do I upgrade Starbases with the defensive and offensive upgrades? Do I just research them on the tech tree or do I have to install components?
>What effect will installing guns, armor etc on the base constructor ship have on the starbase?



Thanks,
AV
Reply #4 Top
If you want the starbase to be able to defend itself, research 'Starbase Fortification' and toss constructors at it.
For military starbase power to lend to nearby ships, the starbase conquest strategy line is what you want.
Reply #5 Top
>How do I upgrade Starbases with the defensive and offensive upgrades? Do I just research them on the tech tree or do I have to install components?


there are two types of weapons you can install on the millitary SB's the first kind is the base weapons themselves, shields, armor, PD, missles, beam weapons and mass drivers, those are the arms that allow the SB to attack and defend itself.

there is a second tier that you can add to the SBs that give bonusus to any ships in the SB range, things that can add attack and defence to your ships/fleets.

add micro fighters for instiance give you a +1 to your ships laser attack, for all ships in the SB range (including those in planets orbits) so that gimp +1 laser fighter your churning out would become a +2 laser ship as long as it stuck close to your SB. a nice edge early game.

all these upgrades are researched. read the techs and it will tell you what new moduls (if any) you will get for the tech.

What effect will installing guns, armor etc on the base constructor ship have on the starbase?


nothing. more engines are nice because it speeds up build times, but a basic hull, a build module, and all the engines you can pack on are about the best your gunna get. anything else is wasted cash and time
Reply #6 Top
Your constructors are too weak to be good in a fight even with the best weapons and defences you can give them, your best bet with them is engines and life support. you want them going fast and far, especially with the bases inside enemy territory. Module ships are fire and forget anyway, so you really want them able to get far and move fast to bypass hostile forces.

For any starbase though, you've got a set of generic modules, these are its sensors, weapons and defences to spot and defend against hostile forces, then each type of base has several unique modules. Military bases have a load of weapon and defence up modules which you get going through techs like Starbase Projection. Those can turn a 1/1 beam ship into a 5/10 beam ship with 10 to mass and missile defence as well, if you put the right modules on it.

Economy bases have two base modules, trade boosts, which give you up to about 60% extra from trade routes on nearby worlds, and economy boosters that push out puts up by about 25% or more. Miners get out more of the resource with their unique modules and Influence bases add to influence with things like Bazaars and embassies in space.
Reply #7 Top
Does the 4 starbase limit apply to all starbases or just on per civilization basis? In other words, can I have 4 in a sector that has 4 from another civilization?
Reply #8 Top
Does the 4 starbase limit apply to all starbases or just on per civilization basis? In other words, can I have 4 in a sector that has 4 from another civilization?


the last i knew , no, there is a 4 SB limit per sector, no matter who owns them (that info could be out of date though, try it in game and find out for sure)
Reply #9 Top
It's a change in 1.1, I'm currently playing with 1.0X, so my starbases are limited to one every three parsecs because of 'navigational issues.' Frankly when I manage to get 1.1 up, I'll probably like things better, because realistically your own ships and those of allies or even neutrals should be able to mover through areas occupied by starbases easily enough.