Gamma AI Cores in Starsector: Useless Find or Hidden Gem?

So, you've stumbled upon a Gamma AI Core in Starsector? Congratulations, Commander! But before you start dreaming of automated fleets dominating the sector, let's talk about what this little chip is actually good for, particularly in the early game. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Gamma Cores in Starsector, from their uses to whether or not they're worth holding onto.

The prompt comes from a Reddit thread where a player asks for advice after finding their first core.

What is a Gamma AI Core in Starsector?

AI Cores are essentially "brains" that can be installed into ships or structures to automate tasks and improve performance. There are three tiers: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, with Alpha being the most powerful and Gamma being the weakest.

Gamma Cores offer the smallest bonus when installed in ships, typically a reduction in crew requirements and a slight improvement to ship handling.

Gamma Core: Early Game Burden or Boon?

The original poster in the Reddit thread points to the central question, "is it worth hiding?".

In the early game, especially before you have a colony, Gamma Cores can feel like more trouble than they're worth. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Slight Ship Improvement: They offer a small bonus to ship performance.
• Can sometimes be sold for a small profit.

Cons:

• Cargo Space: They take up valuable cargo space.
• Risk: Carrying AI Cores increases your risk of attracting unwanted attention from Luddic Path zealots, who will stop at nothing to destroy AI technology.
• Limited Utility: Their bonuses are minimal compared to Beta and Alpha Cores.

Should You Hide or Sell Your Gamma Core?

Considering the above points, here's what you should do with your Gamma Core in the early game.

If you have no colony:

• Sell it: The most straightforward solution is to sell the Gamma Core at a market. This will give you some much-needed credits to upgrade your ship or buy supplies.
• Hiding Considerations: If you're determined to keep it, hiding it in a derelict station or remote cache is an option. However, this is usually not worth the effort.

If you have a colony:

• Store it: Hide the core in a storage facility on your colony. You might find a use for it later or use it in industry.

Where to Hide a Gamma Core in Starsector

If you decide to hide your core instead of selling it, consider these places.

• Derelict Stations: Abandoned stations often have storage containers where you can stash items. Just be wary of any potential hostiles lurking nearby.
• Remote Caches: Look for hidden storage caches on planets or in asteroid fields. These are often unmarked and require careful exploration to find.

Utilizing Gamma Cores Later in the Game

While Gamma Cores might seem underwhelming in the early game, they can still have some use later on.

• Colony Administration: They can be used to administer smaller colonies, providing a small boost to production and stability.
• Industry: Installing Gamma Cores into certain industries such as light industry can provide an additional production bonus and benefit to accessibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a Gamma AI Core might not be the most exciting find in Starsector, it's not entirely useless. Weigh the pros and cons based on your current situation and decide whether to sell it for quick cash or store it for potential later use.