colonization Tech Comparison
Deep Space Colonisation vs Megastructure Foundations
Comparing the Deep Space Colonisation (Tier 3) and Megastructure Foundations (Tier 4), 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 | Deep Space Colonisation | Megastructure Foundations |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T4 |
| Research time | 40▼ | 72 |
| metal cost | 80,000▼ | 200,000 |
| crystal cost | 40,000▼ | 100,000 |
| gas cost | 10,000▼ | — |
| antimatter cost | 300▼ | — |
| dark matter cost | — | 3,000▼ |
| Effect | colonize outer ring: true; +50% colony ship range | +50% max population cap |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
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
Megastructure Foundations
Engineering principles enabling ring-worlds and ecumenopoleis. Adds +50% max pop cap.
Unlocks buildings: megastructure core
Requires: colonization 3, colonization 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 Megastructure Foundations.