science Tech Comparison
AI-Assisted Research vs Xenobiology Studies
Comparing the AI-Assisted Research (Tier 2) 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 | AI-Assisted Research | Xenobiology Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T2 |
| Research time | 12 | 10▼ |
| metal cost | 15,000 | 10,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 10,000 | 8,000▼ |
| Effect | +20% -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.
AI-Assisted Research
Neural AI systems accelerate discoveries. Tech research times -20% additional.
Unlocks buildings: ai research core
Requires: science 1
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?
Both sit at the same tier. The Xenobiology Studies is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.