PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Afterburner is the better choice for quick, repeatable overtakes; Ramjet is better when you need a longer, harder surge or a chance to knock a rival off course. Ramjet builds heat and can destroy your speeder if you overuse it, so the right choice depends on the opening, your heat level, and track conditions—not a universal winner.
How the two boosts differ
| Boost | Strength and duration | Recharge and risk | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afterburner | A modest, brief speed burst. | Recharges during the race and does not carry Ramjet’s described overheating risk. | Short overtakes, defending a lead, or making a small speed correction. |
| Ramjet | A stronger, longer surge. | Heat rises while it is active; too much heat risks an explosion. Releasing it early means waiting for it to recharge fully before using it again. | A high-value speed gain or an attack that could knock a rival off track. |
These descriptions come from the reported game mechanics, not a controlled lap-time comparison. The sources do not publish exact boost durations, recharge times, or a numerical heat threshold. PlayStation’s hands-on report describes Ramjet as the stronger, longer surge and warns of the heat risk; Xbox Wire’s hands-on report describes Afterburner’s in-race recharge and Ramjet’s offensive use.
When to use Afterburner
Use Afterburner when the opportunity is brief and you want a boost you can use again after it recharges. It is the more forgiving option for passing a rival, extending a lead, or correcting a small loss of speed without taking on Ramjet’s overheating risk. PC Gamer also characterizes it as a modest boost on cooldown in its review.
Recommended Free Tools
When Ramjet is worth the risk
Choose Ramjet when the longer, stronger surge could materially improve your position, or when a rival is close enough that its shove could help knock them off track. Watch the heat while it is engaged and release it before the risk becomes unacceptable. Releasing early still has a cost: the Ramjet must recharge fully before you can use it again.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPETE IN HIGH-STAKES RACES - Slam, shunt, and takedown rivals across varied circuits as you pilot land speeders, speeder bikes, skim speeders, and pod racers. The greater the risk, the greater the reward.
- SURVIVE A DANGEROUS UNDERGROUND SPORT - Join The Galactic League - an unsanctioned racing circuit born in the lawless Outer Rim. Become Shade, a lone racer chasing revenge and glory.
- BUILD AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR CRAFT - Pilot different classes of repulsorcraft each with distinct physics and playstyles. Build a ride that showcases your style and gives you a competitive edge.
- BATTLE RIVALS IN MULTIPLE GAME MODES - Ride solo through a story-driven campaign of shifting alliances or brave strategic PvP grudge matches where reputation rides with you.
- CLIMB THE RANKS AND EARN REWARDS - Prove yourself through intense rivalries and escalating challenges. Every choice shapes your prospects as you build your status in The Galactic League.
How track conditions change the decision
Ramjet risk is not determined by its use alone. PC Gamer reports that the Cooled effect can occur at high speed or while cruising over water and lowers heat. Burning—caused by an opponent’s flame jets or racing over lava—raises it. A cooling opportunity can make a Ramjet burst more attractive; a heating effect is a reason to be more conservative. The available reporting does not quantify how much either effect changes heat.
Do upgrades make one boost better?
Afterburner and Ramjet are among the attributes that can be upgraded between races, according to Xbox Wire. The reviewed sources do not give comparative upgrade values or establish a best upgrade path. Treat the choice as a build decision shaped by how you race, rather than assuming one boost is always superior.
Rank #2
- COMPETE IN HIGH-STAKES RACES - Slam, shunt, and takedown rivals across varied circuits as you pilot land speeders, speeder bikes, skim speeders, and pod racers. The greater the risk, the greater the reward.
- SURVIVE A DANGEROUS UNDERGROUND SPORT - Join The Galactic League - an unsanctioned racing circuit born in the lawless Outer Rim. Become Shade, a lone racer chasing revenge and glory.
- BUILD AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR CRAFT - Pilot different classes of repulsorcraft each with distinct physics and playstyles. Build a ride that showcases your style and gives you a competitive edge.
- BATTLE RIVALS IN MULTIPLE GAME MODES - Ride solo through a story-driven campaign of shifting alliances or brave strategic PvP grudge matches where reputation rides with you.
- CLIMB THE RANKS AND EARN REWARDS - Prove yourself through intense rivalries and escalating challenges. Every choice shapes your prospects as you build your status in The Galactic League.
Controls and what is not established
In its PS5 demo report, PlayStation.Blog reported that Afterburner activated with X and Ramjet with a press-and-hold of R3. Those are demo controls for PS5, not confirmed bindings for every platform or the final configuration. Check the current in-game control settings if your layout differs.
The published coverage does not specify an exact critical heat threshold, boost duration, recharge time, or optimal point to release Ramjet. It also does not establish a boost’s relative effect on lap times or win rates. Avoid treating a particular heat gauge position or timing as a proven universal rule.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXPAND THE GALACTIC BATTLE: Continue the conflict between the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire with new missions, units, and ships.
- ICONIC STAR WARS CHARACTERS: Add powerful cards featuring Yoda, Emperor Palpatine, R2-D2, Admiral Thrawn, and more to your deck.
- NEW GAME MODES & CAMPAIGN: Includes three new gameplay modes, featuring a five-part campaign where each game impacts the next.
- ENHANCED STRATEGY & REPLAYABILITY: Introduces fresh deckbuilding options, evolving tactics, and dynamic gameplay variety.
- REQUIRES BASE GAME: Not a standalone product; designed for use with Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game original edition.
Rank #4
- Official Disney Pixar Lightyear Licensed Product
- SAVE THE GALAXY WITH BUZZ LIGHTYEAR: Commence countdown to the battle of all battles. It’s Buzz Lightyear vs. Emperor Zurg in this epic card game where you’re on a quest to collect fuel cell crystals to achieve hyperspeed
- OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD CARD GAME: Galactic Attack can be played head-to-head or in teams of two. In this space-based card game, get ready to fuel your ship, duel your enemy, and save the galaxy. For adults and kids ages 6 and up
- BASED ON THE NEW DISNEY PIXAR MOVIE: This sci-fi adventure film presents the origin story of Buzz Lightyear. Experience your new favorite movie based on Disney Pixar’s iconic Toy Story with this simple card game that only takes about 10 minutes to play
- ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERYONE: When you are with friends, bring a Spin Master game, toy, or cards. For family game nights, birthdays, parties, travel, holiday gifts, and whenever you just want to have fun
Rank #3
- Embrace Your Inner Villain: Evil characters you love - Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, General Grievous, Asajj Ventress, and Moff Gideon, along with heroes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and the Mandalorian.
- Engaging Strategic Gameplay: Master the art of deception and connect with your inner villain as you navigate the Star Wars galaxy with cunning tactics to outsmart your opponents utilizing critical thinking, problem solving and memorization skills.
- Visually Stunning Experience: Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Star Wars with exquisite artwork and thematic components that enhance every game session. With more villains to choose from, exciting board and card game thrills abound.
- Easy to Learn: Each villain has unique objectives and abilities, providing a fresh & distinct challenge with every game! Experience the thrill of mastering different play styles as you navigate the diverse powers of your favorite Star Wars villains.
- Family-friendly Star Wars Multi-player game: Includes 5 Villain movers, 5 Villain sectors, Villain & Fate Cards and more. Excellent choice for family game nights, children's birthday or holiday parties, sleepovers, couples game nights, & gatherings.
A practical choice during a race
- For a short passing chance or a small correction: use Afterburner.
- For a longer surge or a potentially decisive hit on a nearby rival: consider Ramjet, while monitoring heat.
- If Burning is affecting your speeder: be more cautious with Ramjet; lava and opponent flame jets raise heat.
- If Cooled is active or available: the reduced heat may make a Ramjet burst more manageable, though no exact safe duration is established.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
