What does the Aggregation Refinery provide?

Exclusive source of Prototype Tech materials

Best source of Forbidden Tech materials

Exclusive way to upgrade the Recon Locus

Exclusive access to Aggregation Research (via Aggregation Smuggled Studies)

How does progression work?

Progression is tied to Recon Locus levels:

Level 1 (Ops 45): Unlocks Forbidden Tech materials & upgrades

Level 51: Unlocks Prototype Tech (Orion Syndicate Bomb) and Rare mats

Level 61: Unlocks Epic mats and PvP Prototype Tech (Romulan Mines, Counterplay Device, Self-Replicating Mines) plus the Harvester mining PT

Level 67: Unlocks Epic Prototype Tech Tier Up Catalysts

What is Prototype Tech (PT)?

Prototype Tech is the most powerful type of Forbidden Tech to date. It:

Uses the same slot as Forbidden Tech.

Uses Fusion Rods to switch.

Is fully upgradeable through the Aggregation loop (no Q’s Trials needed).

What kinds of Prototype Tech are available?

Romulan Mines (Interceptor PvP buffs)

Counterplay Device (Explorer PvP buffs)

Self-Replicating Mines (Battleship PvP buffs)

Harvester (Survey mining buffs)

Orion Syndicate Bomb (Warp range, XP, reputation, and loot buffs)

What are Hyperthermic Decay Hostiles?

They belong to the Aggregation faction and come in multiple rarities/grades (Common G4 → Epic High G6). Each grade adds more combat buffs, making them increasingly difficult.

Why are these hostiles important?

They carry Hyperthermic Decay, a powerful debuff countered by the Recon Locus’ Hyperthermic Stabilizer.

Hyperthermic Decay melts a percentage of your ship’s total maximum Hull Health at the start of each round.

Hyperthermic Stabilizer directly reduces an enemy’s Hyperthermic Decay:
25% Hyperthermic Decay - 10% Hyperthermic Stabilizer = 15% Net Hyperthermic Decay (or 15% Hull Health melted at the start of each round)

They drop loot refined into Aggregation Banners (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic) used to:

Upgrade the Recon Locus

Earn research dust for Aggregation Research

Key Takeaways

Recon Locus unlocks at Ops 45 and powers all Aggregation progression.

Hyperthermic Stabilizer is critical for countering Hyperthermic Decay.

Aggregation Research tree includes major PvE, PvP, and economic boosts.

Aggregation Refinery is the exclusive source for Prototype Tech and key upgrades.

Prototype Tech is the strongest form of Forbidden Tech, fully upgradeable without Q’s Trials.

Hyperthermic Decay Hostiles are central to progression, as their loot fuels upgrades and research.