logistics Tech Comparison
Interstellar Exchange vs Quantum Courier Network
Comparing the Interstellar Exchange (Tier 3) and Quantum Courier Network (Tier 4), 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 | Interstellar Exchange | Quantum Courier Network |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T4 |
| Research time | 20▼ | 40 |
| metal cost | 30,000▼ | 80,000 |
| crystal cost | 15,000▼ | 40,000 |
| credits cost | 50,000▼ | 100,000 |
| dark matter cost | — | 1,000▼ |
| Effect | unlocks neutral market: true | empire wide instant orders: true; +2% -market fee |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Interstellar Exchange
Opens cross-faction neutral market. Trade any resource with neutral NPC merchants.
Unlocks buildings: interstellar exchange
Requires: logistics 2, logistics 3
Quantum Courier Network
Quantum-entangled data relays enable instant trade and orders across the entire empire.
Unlocks buildings: quantum relay
Requires: logistics 4
Which Should You Research First?
The Interstellar Exchange is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the logistics branch, opening the path toward Quantum Courier Network.