colonization Tech Comparison
Orbital Platforms vs Deep Space Colonisation
Comparing the Orbital Platforms (Tier 4) and Deep Space Colonisation (Tier 3), 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 | Orbital Platforms | Deep Space Colonisation |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T3 |
| Research time | 55 | 40▼ |
| metal cost | 100,000 | 80,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 50,000 | 40,000▼ |
| antimatter cost | 500 | 300▼ |
| gas cost | — | 10,000▼ |
| Effect | unlocks orbital platforms: true; +35% orbital defense strength | colonize outer ring: true; +50% colony ship range |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Orbital Platforms
Deploy permanent orbital platforms that provide mining, defense, and logistics support above any colonized world.
Unlocks buildings: orbital platform
Requires: colonization 8, colonization 9
Deep Space Colonisation
Long-range colony ships with self-sufficient life support colonise systems beyond the outer ring.
Unlocks buildings: deep space colony hub
Unlocks ships: colony ship mk3
Requires: colonization 8, propulsion 5
Which Should You Research First?
The Deep Space Colonisation is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the colonization branch, opening the path toward Orbital Platforms.