logistics Tech Comparison
Interstellar Exchange vs Automated Shipyards
Comparing the Interstellar Exchange (Tier 3) and Automated Shipyards (Tier 3), 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 | Automated Shipyards |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 20▼ | 28 |
| metal cost | 30,000▼ | 55,000 |
| crystal cost | 15,000▼ | 28,000 |
| credits cost | 50,000▼ | 80,000 |
| Effect | unlocks neutral market: true | +3 parallel build queues |
▼ 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
Automated Shipyards
Fully automated construction arms enable parallel build queues, allowing up to 3 ships to be built simultaneously per shipyard.
Unlocks buildings: automated shipyard
Requires: logistics 7
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Interstellar Exchange is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.