Shields
In brief:Shields — an Xterium research: gives shields +120% at maximum, up to 80 upgrade levels, cost 1–81 000 000 science.
(data current as of 2026-05-22, game version 2.12.7)
Description
Powerful shield systems of both ships and extraterrestrial defense (ETD) make up first line of defense in any, potential conflict. Depending on how much progress your scientists deliver in studying deflector shields and force fields, the success of your military campaign will vary.
What it gives
Levels: effect and price
| Level | Shields | Science (price) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +1.5% | 1 |
| 11 | +15.5% | 550 |
| 21 | +31.5% | 10 850 |
| 31 | +46.5% | 59 000 |
| 41 | +61.5% | 800 000 |
| 51 | +76.5% | 23 000 000 |
| 61 | +91.5% | 43 000 000 |
| 71 | +106.5% | 63 000 000 |
| 80 | +120% | 81 000 000 |
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
Alliance Skills 3
Permanent alliance skills. Leveled up by the alliance using shared points and applied to all members.
Senators 1
The colony's permanent command staff. Each senator has a specialization and, once assigned, gives the colony a set of permanent bonuses that grow with their level.
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.
Requirements
To unlock this research, you need to raise the following to the required level:
Research is upgraded in the Laboratory and the Technopolis.
