Power Amplifiers in Entropia Universe

This article is intended to examine one aspect of the MMO game, Entropia Universe. Entropia is unique in that you can transfer in-game assets to an out-of-game paycheck if you wish. In Entropia, there are various professions that use in-game combat mechanics for a living. Often these professions are designed to be as inexpensive as humanly possible, in order to maximize profits. This article is intended to give a brief semi-academic look at this aspect of the game.

One of the essential parts of this group of combat professions is the use of Laser Weapons. These weapons are cheap from the start of the game, have traditionally higher ranges, and faster reload times, which is why they often become the weapon of choice for inexperienced hunters. However, few hunters seem to take this weapon or its amplification equipment seriously. The correct application of a Laser Amplifier is the mark of a professional in this subset of combat professions.

The specific amp I’ll be talking about is the A101, as it’s probably the best weapon amp in the entire game. The amp adds 3 damage to a laser carbine (usually the Sollomate Opalo), which is a significant increase to the Opalo’s capabilities, putting it solidly on the lower end of the mid-range weaponry field. However, it’s not the amount of damage it does that’s significant, it’s the fact that the A101 boasts an economy of 4,601 Damage per 1 pec spent.

This is notable considering that the Opal Sollomate is considered to be on the higher end of economy and has only an economic rating of 2.71 Damage per 1 PEC. However, once the amp is added, the economy jumps to 2.85 Damage per PEC spent. Add in the fact that the laser rifle can also dispatch enemies much faster (thus preventing them from damaging your avatar as much), the booster’s improved efficiency is dialed in.

Indeed, given what one expects of entropian economics, one might expect that for the ability to neutralize pray faster, one might be penalized with a less efficient amplifier. In some cases this is exactly what happens, but not in the case of the A101. The A101 greatly improves weapon economy, damage dealt per minute, etc.

However, there is a downside. The A101 has a markup of over 100 PED (10 USD). This makes the amp expensive and rare, and many people dismiss the A101 as an overpriced piece of ‘new ticket sales’.

However, this is far from the case. First of all, the A101 is unlimited, so it can be repaired and reused an infinite number of times, without ever losing the part. Also, the markup does not affect the condition of the item, or vice versa. So the price of the amp is actually your markup, plus what’s left of its condition value, which is subject to depreciation. This markup is not subject to depreciation, and for the last year I owned my Amp, I’ve only seen it go up.

So owning this UL amp is like owning shares in a house (albeit much smaller). I found out, during my first repair, that the increase in profit margin on this piece of equipment was 7 PED higher than the cost to repair. The item not only made me a more efficient hunter, not only allowed me to kill prey faster, but literally within the first month of use, the Amplifier had paid for itself to its own markup. I wouldn’t dare put that on any financial sheet, but the fact remains.

Therefore, if someone asks me my opinion on this subject, it depends on the person with whom I speak. If I like them, I tell them about my research and what I think. And let’s just say, if he’s hurt me in the past, I’m happy to ‘help him kill that stupid amp’; of course, being so stupid, I can’t pay the full surcharge, not even 80%, as I’m doing you a ‘favour’.