Starbase modules? What are they, how do I build them?

Starbase modules add functionality to the starbase. Many modules are common to all types of starbases, others are only available depending on the type of starbase. To add a new module, build a constructor and fly it onto the starbase.

As an example, for your economic starbase, you'll be able to add modules that help defend the starbase, and assist planets within its sphere of influence or give additional value to trade routes that pass near it.

There are also mining starbases, with which you are able to add modules to "mine" a resource. The resources increase your influence, economy, morale, weapons, or research, and are very valuable if used well.

Ah, thank you, so simply fly another constructor into the starbase and choose what it's going to be as a module. Great, I would never have thought to do that.

Much appreciated.

One other thing ... in TA, if you make a fleet of constructors and fly the fleet onto a starbase, sometimes it will pop up the window to prompt you for what module to add, but then not do it. I've taken to disbanding my fleets right next to the starbase and then flying one constructor onto the starbase. That works better, and if you have a stack of constructors next to a starbase and fly one onto the starbase, it will continue prompting you and move the whole rest of the stack for you.

Yes, and no. Yes, because this is what it takes to add a module; no, because you can't just choose which module to install. You first have to research the tech that unlocks that module. Some of them are easy to find. There are offensive and defensive modules that have their own branches in the tech trees. Some (the most useful ones IMO) are less obvious. If you want to get more output from your bases, (no matter what type) you'll find that in the industrial branch. To garner more influence via your starbases, research the influence branch.

Some of them are pretty obvious. Some are not. You'll just have to learn the tree of your chosen civ to know what gives you what.

There is a tool to which you can refer that can help you out. It is called the "Galactopedia". You can find it here: WWW Link

It is a little stand alone proggy that will tell you what every item in each tech tree does. Great tool for learning the game.

Hope this has been of some small help. Good luck.

the question now is, is it worth the time and money to build and upgrade starbases?  they seem awfully fragile to me.