Ionic engine
In brief:Ionic engine — an Xterium research: gives ionic engine speed +250% at maximum, up to 50 upgrade levels, cost 400–111 000 000 science.
(data current as of 2026-05-22, game version 2.13.1)
Description
Along with ionic weapons, ion engines consume a huge amount of energy, so installing these types of engines always requires additional equipment in the form of super-power generators, which can only be realized on medium and heavy vessels.
What it gives
Levels: effect and price
| Level | Ionic engine speed | Science (price) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5% | 400 |
| 8 | +40% | 12 000 |
| 15 | +75% | 62 000 |
| 22 | +110% | 300 000 |
| 29 | +145% | 6 000 000 |
| 36 | +180% | 41 000 000 |
| 43 | +215% | 76 000 000 |
| 50 | +250% | 111 000 000 |
Reference levels are shown. The study price is in Science points (values, they grow with the level). It can be instantly sped up with Dark Matter.
What else strengthens these bonuses
Research 1
The empire's permanent research. Leveled up in the Laboratory and Technopolis, giving a global bonus to production, construction, or combat.
Science price and calculator
How much science each level needs:
Calculator: time and instant speed-up
Enter your science and choose a level — we'll show how long the research takes and how much dark matter is needed to finish it instantly.
Formulas verified: time = science price ÷ your science per hour (but no less than price ÷ 5), divided by research speed. Instant completion is calculated by the dark matter for the remaining time. Overlock multiplies the science price (and thus the time and dark matter): each overlock level is pricier.
Overclock (honing)
After the maximum level, the research can be “honed” with star ore — this gives a super-bonus.
Ionic engine speed · first reset 150 star ore
Each reset adds the bonus on top of the max level; the star-ore price grows with every reset.
Requirements
To unlock this research, you need to raise the following to the required level:
Research is upgraded in the Laboratory and the Technopolis.
