Chrono Boost is the free ability from Nexus, just to clarify that in case of any confusion. This discussion is aimed in particular at the merit and benefit of Chrono Boost Mastery available to Artanis, Vorazun, Karax, Alarak, and Fenix.
Okay, so what is it exactly?
- In-game description puts Chrono Boost at 22.5% faster.
- My tests: 15/17sec on probe (88%), 23/28sec supplicant (82%), 32/38sec centurion (84%), etc. ==> actual reduction ranges 12%-18% ~15% without mastery
- In-game description with mastery increases to 52.5% faster.
- My tests: 12/17sec on probe (70%), 19/28sec supplicant (68%), 27/38sec centurion (71%), etc. ==> actual reduction ranges 29%-32% ~30% with mastery
- Overall, clearly with my very human eye-hand coordination, as well as in-game timer being second by second, the estimation of mastery benefit is 15% (30-15).
An interesting case for saturation
- So when I tested the full saturation by Vorazun, here’s the results:
- Energy Mastery: 21/21 probes at 2:08 with 840mineral banked, 1 Dark Pylon used.
- Chrono Mastery: 21/21 probes at 2:01 with 630mineral banked, 1 Pylon built (the delay mostly occurred at waiting on pylon, 15/15 supply block.)
- This kind of delay would similarly apply to Alarak and Fenix. However, it will not apply to Artanis and Karax due to their talent benefit. So the timing is 12sec probe x 9 (9 + 12initial to reach full saturation at 21) = 108sec or 1min48sec with similar banked mineral.
Despite the "increased speed" to Chrono Boost, the actual practical application of it doesn't point towards any real benefit in early economical start up, as many believes (or rather as it misleads people to believe).
An interesting case for research timings
- The total level 1, 2, and 3 upgrades takes 129, 154, and 179sec respectively, a total of 462sec. The difference gained here is 15% x 462sec = 69sec over all 3 upgrades. This is only 1min faster than without chrono assuming both start at the same time.
- Citadel for Artanis has 4 researches, 60, 90, 60, 90sec, a total of 300sec, saved timed 45sec. Most other research-like structures for many other commanders holds a similar pattern, so one can infer here that each saves 45-60sec. Keep in mind this is in the course of the game. So generally, saving at most 2-3min in total in terms of relevant research obtained.
There is a clear indication that, on paper, Chrono Boost provides an upwards of 2-3min overall faster research time. However, Artanis's Orbital Strike expansion method
(see Artanis Expansion Approach Discussion), Vorazun's similar Dark Pylon via Energy Mastery, Karax's Energy Mastery fast expansion, Alarak's Overcharge fast expansion, and Fenix's Staring Supply all boast a far far greater benefit. That is in the form of saved resources and/or much faster 2-base full saturation.
Coop is a mode where much of a player’s progression is gated behind the lack of resources during the first 5-6min of the game. Generally, once past this point, most (if not all) commanders have fully saturated on 2 base. Tech and army can therefore flourish from there onward.
The conclusion should not come as a surprise that Chrono Boost is not very useful. Perhaps even calling it wasteful is more appropriate on many occasions. One final note, I personally play without them by casting it on allies. Honestly, it hasn't really affected any key points in any mission's progression.
I am not here to tell you that you should or shouldn’t play with this mastery invested. Or even that of playing chrono’ing your ally versus yourself. Merely sharing this information to make more clear case on the actual numbers observed in my tests. You, as always, make that decision to enjoy the game.