Chasm wrote:This is actually related to the weapon type mismatch.
Dreadstars use:
Hardpoint 'MaskedBeamMounts' {
part_id={12,13},
mtype = "SuperHeavy",
},
vs
{mtype="Siege", n=5, mlocation=1,space=30},
for all other siege weapon users (Super Dreadnought, Orthin Dreadnought, Orthin gunship).
I have a feeling that perhaps dreadstars are only supposed to have 2 siege weapons, but only the devs can say that for sure. Since no quantity is listed per mount, I am fairly certain it is supposed to be 1 per.
The metal difference is due to the fact that dreadstars have a double metal cost, while they have a half hammers cost, meaning they cost more metal to make for all systems, but produce in 1/2 the time.
Yeah, I’ve noticed that the dread star and all its systems are twice as expensive as they should be.
I think this makes them completely useless, as metal are significantly more precious then labour, and 2 + 0.5 is greater then 1 + 1.
At late game, a planet with 10 factory can produce 400 labour and use 450 metal each turn (nearly 2000 when building dread star), while a planet with 10 mines can only produce about 120 metal (240 on mineral rich worlds). Therefore one point of metal is 3-4 times as precious as one point labour, as the production rate of mine is only 1/4 to 1/3 as high as those of labour, and for each ship construction planet, it takes 3-4 mining planet to support it.
Assume that each dread star cost 5000 labour and 18000 metal, then its original cost is 10000 labour and 9000 metal. Assume one point of metal is as precious as three points of labour, then the current cost of dread star is 59000 labour, and it’s original cost is 37000 labour. Having doubled metal cost and halved labour cost means a total cost increase of more then 60%.
Therefore, the cost efficiency of dread star is ridiculously low, especially considering the fact that it needs one of the most advanced and expensive research in the game. I see no point in researching dread star, as other late game technology like race mind and star gate are just so useful. If the dread star is going to be as useful as other late game technology, it need doubled firepower and toughness.