colonization Tech Comparison
Orbital Platforms vs Hostile World Adaptation
Comparing the Orbital Platforms (Tier 4) and Hostile World Adaptation (Tier 3), both colonization 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 | Orbital Platforms | Hostile World Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T3 |
| Research time | 55 | 30▼ |
| metal cost | 100,000 | 50,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 50,000 | 25,000▼ |
| antimatter cost | 500▼ | — |
| gas cost | — | 8,000▼ |
| Effect | unlocks orbital platforms: true; +35% orbital defense strength | +3 colonize tier |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Orbital Platforms
Deploy permanent orbital platforms that provide mining, defense, and logistics support above any colonized world.
Unlocks buildings: orbital platform
Requires: colonization 8, colonization 9
Hostile World Adaptation
Life support domes allow thriving colonies on toxic and irradiated worlds.
Unlocks buildings: life support dome
Requires: colonization 2
Which Should You Research First?
The Hostile World Adaptation is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the colonization branch, opening the path toward Orbital Platforms.