science Tech Comparison
Research Labs vs Xenobiology Studies
Comparing the Research Labs (Tier 1) and Xenobiology Studies (Tier 2), both science 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 | Research Labs | Xenobiology Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T1 | T2 |
| Research time | 3▼ | 10 |
| metal cost | 2,000▼ | 10,000 |
| crystal cost | 1,500▼ | 8,000 |
| Effect | +10% -research time | unlocks xeno modules: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Research Labs
Establishes a research infrastructure. All tech research times -10%.
Unlocks buildings: research lab
Xenobiology Studies
Study alien lifeforms to unlock unique biological weapon and support modules.
Unlocks buildings: xenobiology lab
Requires: science 1
Which Should You Research First?
The Research Labs is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the science branch, opening the path toward Xenobiology Studies.