colonization Tech Comparison
Terraforming Protocols vs Megacity Planning
Comparing the Terraforming Protocols (Tier 3) 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 | Terraforming Protocols | Megacity Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 20▼ | 25 |
| metal cost | 45,000▼ | 50,000 |
| crystal cost | 22,000▼ | 25,000 |
| gas cost | 6,000▼ | — |
| Effect | colonize hostile worlds: true; +40% terraforming speed | +40% max planet population |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Terraforming Protocols
Advanced atmospheric processors enable colonization of hostile desert, arctic, and volcanic worlds.
Unlocks buildings: terraforming station
Requires: colonization 7
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?
Both sit at the same tier. The Terraforming Protocols is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.