logistics Tech Comparison
Trade Routes vs Automated Convoys
Comparing the Trade Routes (Tier 1) and Automated Convoys (Tier 2), both logistics 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 | Trade Routes | Automated Convoys |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T1 | T2 |
| Research time | 2▼ | 8 |
| metal cost | 1,000▼ | 8,000 |
| credits cost | 10,000▼ | — |
| crystal cost | — | 4,000▼ |
| Effect | +1% -market fee | auto convoy: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Trade Routes
Reduce market fee by 1% (from 5% to 4%).
Unlocks buildings: trade post
Automated Convoys
Haulers auto-repeat trade routes without manual resend.
Unlocks ships: hauler mk1
Requires: logistics 1
Which Should You Research First?
The Trade Routes is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the logistics branch, opening the path toward Automated Convoys.