research Building Comparison
Research Laboratory vs Research Nexus
Comparing the Research Laboratory and Research Nexus, both research buildings in Starforge MMO. Base plots and energy upkeep are scarce, so use this to decide which structure earns its slot first.
Build & Output Comparison
| Attribute | Research Laboratory | Research Nexus |
|---|---|---|
| Max level | 15 | 15 |
| Base cost | 800 metal, 600 crystal | 2,500 metal, 3,000 crystal |
| Upkeep | 20 energy, 15 crystal | 45 energy, 30 crystal |
| research speed / level | +0.05 | +0.05 |
| tech queue slots / level | — | +0.1★ |
★ marks the higher per-level output. Compare against your base's current bottleneck before committing a plot.
Research Laboratory
Accelerates technology research. Higher level = faster research.
Research Nexus
An advanced multi-disciplinary research center housing quantum computing arrays and AI-assisted simulation chambers that accelerate all technology research across the empire.
Requires tech: advanced computing
Requires building: research lab
Which Should You Build First?
Both are research buildings, so the choice depends on your current bottleneck. Prioritise the structure whose highlighted per-level output addresses your scarcest resource, and weigh that against its energy upkeep — a high output that drains your power grid can stall the rest of your base.