colonization Tech Comparison
Basic Colonization vs Megacity Planning
Comparing the Basic Colonization (Tier 2) and Megacity Planning (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 | Megacity Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 8▼ | 25 |
| metal cost | 15,000▼ | 50,000 |
| crystal cost | 8,000▼ | 25,000 |
| Effect | colonize standard worlds: true; +25% colony start population | +40% max planet population |
▼ 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
Megacity Planning
Arcology design and urban stacking increases maximum planetary population capacity by 40%.
Unlocks buildings: arcology district
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 Megacity Planning.