colonization Tech Comparison
Basic Colonization vs Terraforming Protocols
Comparing the Basic Colonization (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 | Basic Colonization | Terraforming Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 8▼ | 20 |
| metal cost | 15,000▼ | 45,000 |
| crystal cost | 8,000▼ | 22,000 |
| gas cost | — | 6,000▼ |
| Effect | colonize standard worlds: true; +25% colony start population | 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.
Basic Colonization
Establishes standard planetary colonization protocols, enabling settlement of temperate worlds.
Unlocks buildings: pioneer camp
Unlocks ships: colony ship mk2
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 Basic Colonization is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the colonization branch, opening the path toward Terraforming Protocols.