propulsion Tech Comparison
Fold Space Drives vs Jump Gate Network
Comparing the Fold Space Drives (Tier 4) and Jump Gate Network (Tier 4), 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 | Fold Space Drives | Jump Gate Network |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T4 |
| Research time | 48▼ | 64 |
| metal cost | 120,000▼ | 160,000 |
| crystal cost | 60,000▼ | 80,000 |
| antimatter cost | 800▼ | 1,000 |
| dark matter cost | 500▼ | 800 |
| Effect | intra cluster instant travel: true | unlocks jump gates: true; fixed lane instant travel: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Fold Space Drives
Fold space between two points for near-zero travel time within same star cluster.
Unlocks buildings: fold space node
Requires: propulsion 3, propulsion 5
Jump Gate Network
Paired stargates create permanent fixed-link jump corridors between distant sectors, enabling instant fleet transit along established lanes.
Unlocks buildings: jump gate
Requires: propulsion 7, propulsion 3
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Fold Space Drives is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.