The Upgrade Gem is a collectible unit that enhances the firepower of the player's ships and energy collection. Each Upgrade Gem collected adds 20% to the extra power, up to a maximum of 100%, after which collecting further gems does not improve the player's capabilities.

At 100%, energy production is increased by 50%. It goes linearly through the steps, so the bonus to energy % is half of what the gem acquired % on your screen. So if you've picked up two gems and it says 40%, it would be a 20% bonus to energy. Weapons/parts are a little more complicated and vary by the part, so see individual part pages for more detail.