Reactor
What does the Reactor do in Old Light?
The Reactor is the power plant of a star system, and every other structure draws from it. It sets the system's energy ceiling. As long as the total load of your operating structures stays under that cap, the system runs at full speed.
The Reactor is the power plant of a star system. Every other structure draws on its energy, and when demand outruns supply the whole system slows down.
What it does
The Reactor sets the system's energy ceiling. Other structures consume a slice of that ceiling while they operate. As long as the total stays under the cap, the system runs at full speed.
What happens if you run out
When demand pushes past supply, the system enters a deficit. It's not a hard stop, but it's a quiet tax on everything you're doing here.
See the Energy page for the full picture of deficits and how to recover.
Why it matters
It's an easy thing to forget. The system doesn't break, it just gets gradually less productive, and you might not notice until you're hours behind where you should be.
Strategy
The cleanest rule: keep your Reactor one step ahead of demand. A Reactor that always has a little headroom means you can queue the next upgrade without doing any math first.
If you do find yourself in deficit, prioritise the Reactor in the queue over the structure that pushed you over. A short period of deficit is fine.
I'm giving her all she's got.
Common questions
What happens if my system runs out of energy?
When demand pushes past supply the system enters a deficit. It's not a hard stop, more a quiet tax that makes everything gradually less productive. You might not notice until you're hours behind where you should be.
How high should I keep my Reactor?
Keep it one step ahead of demand, so a little headroom always lets you queue the next upgrade without doing math first. If you slip into deficit, prioritise the Reactor over the structure that pushed you over.
