Vehicle Tiers
Vehicle Tiers refer to the type of vehicle and their respective benefits (either buffs and de-buffs). Certain tiers can only be obtained via the tech tree, while others require a Field Modification Center in order to obtain them. Certain vehicles can not be upgraded to higher tiers, or have prototype versions of them.
Tiered vehicles, other than T1, or basic vehicles, can not be stored in a Seaport or a Storage Depot.
Tier 1
Tier 1 is the "standard" version of the vehicle, which is available once the technology for that vehicle is fully unlocked. It is distinguished by its flat color paintjob, with no camouflage on it.
In order to obtain a Tier 1 vehicle, it must be produce either in a Garage or Shipyard, or made in vehicle crates at a Mass Production Factory. Tier 1 variant vehicles (such as the H-8 “Kranesca”) modifies its base chassis in order to produce it.
Prototype (Tier 0)
Prototype refers to vehicles that are currently being researched in the Tech Tree. They are produced using Prototype Kits in the same building that produce the Tier 1 versions (either a Garage or Shipyard). All vehicles, regardless of type, will cost 100 Basic Materials instead of the normal vehicle cost.
Unlike other tiers, Prototype vehicles receive 25% more damage than normal version (giving it 80% of its effective health compared to a standard vehicle). While they can be repaired with a Hammer and Basic Materials, the repair cost is twice the amount of a normal vehicle.
If they have armor, prototype vehicles have a much lower chance of deflecting hits than the standard vehicle version.
Prototype vehicles can be distinguished from standard version by their lack of paint and metallic look.
Tier 2 & 3
Tier 2 and 3 vehicles have increased durability compared to 1 versions. Incoming damage (after Damage Resistance effect) is reduced by 10% for Tier 2 and 20% for Tier 3. This is equivalent to Tier 2 having 11% more health, and Tier 3 25%.
They are distinguished by their unique camouflage visuals. Colonial vehicles use green and black or yellow camouflage paint, while Warden vehicles use white and grey camouflage paint.
Tier 2 & Tier 3 vehicles can only be created in a Field Modification Center, with the facility containing the necessary materials to upgrade it to the next tier. NOTE: While most vehicles can be upgraded, generally speaking, the price is way too high for the (relatively) small bonuses. It usually costs twice the construction price to upgrade to tier 2 and 6 times for Tier 3.
Storage
Only Tier 1 vehicles can be stored in a Storage Depot or Seaport.
One way to reserve the other tiers is to package them and pick them with a Crane, and place them on a Small Assembly Station or a Large Assembly Station reserved to one of your Squads. This prevents non-members from entering them for up to 52 hours. You can also keep your vehicles lifted by a reserved Facility Crane with no Power Line connected.
Tips
- All prototype combat vehicles should be used in more aggressive tactics, as their cheap cost and large repair cost essentially makes them resource-intensive in prolonged engagements. As such, crews of prototype vehicles should not expect their vehicle to survive, and should always make the most out of their construction.
- Additionally, these prototypes should be made at midline Garages, as it is more logi-efficient to do so (reduces the need to transport them en-mass via driving).
Trivia
- Originally, the only way to get Tier 2 & Tier 3 vehicles was to not tech them on the first "pass" on the tech tree, essentially ignoring them when their tier is unlocked in order to get them "vetted" (a process that could take weeks).
- While combat vehicles used to be the only vehicles that could be available for Tier 2 & 3 upgrades, this was changed in 1.50 Inferno), which allowed almost any vehicle to be upgraded to a higher tier.
- During the initial vetting overhaul, the IST was unique in that its upgrade cost was comparatively low compared to other armored vehicles (only costing Construction Materials). Due to the squishy nature of the vehicle, upgrading it makes it somewhat viable in combat.
- This was changed in 1.54 Naval Warfare, when its base chassis, the Ballista, was buffed. This buff gave it the stats of a proper late-game vehicle, where its previous stats (as well as its old tech placement) was more in line with mid-game vehicles. After the buff, the vetting cost was akin to other late-game combat vehicles.
- Prototype versions of researchable shippable structures can also be produced with Prototype Kits.
Gallery
King Gallant MK-II prototype next to a Tier 1 version.
HC-2 “Scorpion” at Tier 1, 2, and 3.
Mulloy LPC at Tier 1, 2, and 3.
Showcase of the vehicle tier system in the devstream for Update 0.37
