colonization Tech Comparison
Deep Space Colonisation vs Orbital Habitats
Comparing the Deep Space Colonisation (Tier 3) and Orbital Habitats (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 | Deep Space Colonisation | Orbital Habitats |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 40 | 28▼ |
| metal cost | 80,000 | 60,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 40,000 | 30,000▼ |
| gas cost | 10,000▼ | — |
| antimatter cost | 300▼ | — |
| Effect | colonize outer ring: true; +50% colony ship range | enables orbital colony: true |
▼ 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
Orbital Habitats
Build space stations as habitable colonies independent of planetary surfaces.
Unlocks buildings: orbital habitat
Requires: colonization 2
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Orbital Habitats is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.