espionage Tech Comparison
Cyber Warfare Division vs Shadow Fleet Protocol
Comparing the Cyber Warfare Division (Tier 3) and Shadow Fleet Protocol (Tier 4), both espionage 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 | Cyber Warfare Division | Shadow Fleet Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T4 |
| Research time | 20▼ | 36 |
| metal cost | 30,000▼ | 70,000 |
| crystal cost | 15,000▼ | 35,000 |
| dark matter cost | — | 600▼ |
| Effect | unlocks cyber sabotage: true; +15% -enemy production debuff | unlocks stealth fleet: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Cyber Warfare Division
Hack enemy production facilities to reduce their output by 15% for 24 hours.
Unlocks buildings: cyber ops center
Requires: espionage 2
Shadow Fleet Protocol
A covert fleet invisible to enemy scanners until it fires. Enables stealth fleet doctrine.
Unlocks ships: stealth frigate mk1
Requires: espionage 3
Which Should You Research First?
The Cyber Warfare Division is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the espionage branch, opening the path toward Shadow Fleet Protocol.