energy Tech Comparison
Dark Matter Tap vs Geothermal Taps
Comparing the Dark Matter Tap (Tier 3) and Geothermal Taps (Tier 2), both energy 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 | Dark Matter Tap | Geothermal Taps |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T2 |
| Research time | 24 | 7▼ |
| metal cost | 50,000 | 9,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 25,000 | 5,000▼ |
| dark matter cost | 1,000▼ | — |
| Effect | removes energy cap: true | +25% energy output terrestrial |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Dark Matter Tap
Harnesses dark matter for unlimited energy. Removes energy caps.
Unlocks buildings: dark matter reactor
Requires: energy 2
Geothermal Taps
Drill deep into planetary cores to tap geothermal vents. +25% energy on terrestrial worlds.
Unlocks buildings: geothermal plant
Requires: energy 1
Which Should You Research First?
The Geothermal Taps is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the energy branch, opening the path toward Dark Matter Tap.