colonization Tech Comparison
Deep Space Colonisation vs Terraforming II
Comparing the Deep Space Colonisation (Tier 3) and Terraforming II (Tier 2), 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 | Deep Space Colonisation | Terraforming II |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T2 |
| Research time | 40 | 18▼ |
| metal cost | 80,000 | 25,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 40,000 | 12,000▼ |
| gas cost | 10,000▼ | — |
| antimatter cost | 300▼ | — |
| Effect | colonize outer ring: true; +50% colony ship range | +2 colonize tier; +100% building slots |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Deep Space Colonisation
Long-range colony ships with self-sufficient life support colonise systems beyond the outer ring.
Unlocks buildings: deep space colony hub
Unlocks ships: colony ship mk3
Requires: colonization 8, propulsion 5
Terraforming II
Extreme-condition planets become colonizable. +1 building slot per planet.
Requires: colonization 1
Which Should You Research First?
The Terraforming II is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the colonization branch, opening the path toward Deep Space Colonisation.