propulsion Tech Comparison
Hyperspace Drive vs Slipstream Navigation
Comparing the Hyperspace Drive (Tier 2) and Slipstream Navigation (Tier 3), both propulsion 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 | Hyperspace Drive | Slipstream Navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 12▼ | 15 |
| metal cost | 15,000▼ | 25,000 |
| crystal cost | 8,000▼ | 12,000 |
| gas cost | 3,000▼ | 5,000 |
| Effect | unlocks hyperspace: true | +30% travel speed |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Hyperspace Drive
Unlocks hyperspace jumps — skip adjacent sectors.
Unlocks buildings: hyperspace gate
Requires: propulsion 1
Slipstream Navigation
Pilots trained to ride gravitational slipstreams cut interstellar travel time by 30%.
Unlocks buildings: navigation academy
Requires: propulsion 2
Which Should You Research First?
The Hyperspace Drive is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the propulsion branch, opening the path toward Slipstream Navigation.