colonization Tech Comparison
Population Cloning Vats vs Terraforming Protocols
Comparing the Population Cloning Vats (Tier 2) and Terraforming Protocols (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 | Population Cloning Vats | Terraforming Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 14▼ | 20 |
| metal cost | 20,000▼ | 45,000 |
| crystal cost | 10,000▼ | 22,000 |
| gas cost | — | 6,000▼ |
| Effect | +20% population growth | colonize hostile worlds: true; +40% terraforming speed |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Population Cloning Vats
Accelerate population growth rate by 20% on all colonies.
Unlocks buildings: cloning vat
Requires: colonization 1
Terraforming Protocols
Advanced atmospheric processors enable colonization of hostile desert, arctic, and volcanic worlds.
Unlocks buildings: terraforming station
Requires: colonization 7
Which Should You Research First?
The Population Cloning Vats is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the colonization branch, opening the path toward Terraforming Protocols.