UNSC reactor

"UNSC Reactors provide the energy needed to access the advanced buildings, units and technology upgrades."

- In-game description The Reactor is a United Nations Space Command structure. It appears in Halo Wars.

Overview
A UNSC station is powered by a small hydrogen reactor which allows it to operate some pretty sophisticated systems. In order to set up a base quickly, it is very small, but these power plants are modular. As you expand your base of operations and field more complicated weapon systems you are going to need more power. Base sockets can facilitate the addition of larger hydrogen reactor units which provide the electricity to allow you to field more and more sophisticated weaponry. These additional reactors built into your base sockets are even modular and can be upgraded, by using some in-game credits, to double their output.

Protect your base reactors. They are prime targets for enemy raids. When they are destroyed, you will no longer be able to field your heavy hitting Scorpions, Vultures or other vehicles and aircraft. Without these Reactors, the Covenant can finish you quickly.

Function
In game, reactors increase the technological (amount of energy units) level of the UNSC, which allows them to field heavier and more advanced units. To explain, for each unit, building and upgrade of the UNSC, a certain number of energy units is required to make use of it. Typically the most advanced of units/upgrades require more energy units than less advanced ones. Each reactor constantly provides at least one energy unit, and will continue to do so until it is destroyed. At an expensive price of 1200 resource units, a default reactor can be upgraded to an advanced reactor, which provides the an output of power equal to two default reactors, or two energy units. Needless to say, Reactors are an invaluable element for the UNSC in Halo Wars; without them, they are limited to basic infantry and Warthogs.

Upgrades
Basic Reactor: 250 supply points, then 500, then 750. Increases tech level.

Advanced Reactor: 1,200.

Trivia

 * When even slightly damaged from enemy fire, Reactors can be seen venting a blue cloud.
 * In certain campaign missions, abandoned ONI reactors can be captured and garrisoned to provide free tech.