propulsion Tech Comparison
Ion Thrusters vs Slipstream Navigation
Comparing the Ion Thrusters (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 | Ion Thrusters | Slipstream Navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 7▼ | 15 |
| metal cost | 10,000▼ | 25,000 |
| crystal cost | 5,000▼ | 12,000 |
| gas cost | 2,000▼ | 5,000 |
| Effect | +25% -fuel consumption | +30% travel speed |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Ion Thrusters
High-efficiency ion drives reduce fuel consumption by 25% on all fleet movements.
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 Ion Thrusters is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the propulsion branch, opening the path toward Slipstream Navigation.