colonization Tech Comparison
Terraforming I vs Population Cloning Vats
Comparing the Terraforming I (Tier 1) and Population Cloning Vats (Tier 2), both colonization technologies in Starforge MMO. Use this to decide which to queue first when your research lab can only run one project at a time.
Research Comparison
| Attribute | Terraforming I | Population Cloning Vats |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T1 | T2 |
| Research time | 6▼ | 14 |
| metal cost | 5,000▼ | 20,000 |
| crystal cost | 3,000▼ | 10,000 |
| Effect | +100% colonize tier | +20% population growth |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Terraforming I
Allows colonizing planets with mild conditions.
Unlocks buildings: colony hub
Unlocks ships: colony ship mk1
Population Cloning Vats
Accelerate population growth rate by 20% on all colonies.
Unlocks buildings: cloning vat
Requires: colonization 1
Which Should You Research First?
The Terraforming I is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the colonization branch, opening the path toward Population Cloning Vats.