colonization Tech Comparison
Stellar Engineering vs Hostile World Adaptation
Comparing the Stellar Engineering (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 | Stellar Engineering | Hostile World Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T3 |
| Research time | 80 | 30▼ |
| metal cost | 150,000 | 50,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 75,000 | 25,000▼ |
| dark matter cost | 2,000▼ | — |
| gas cost | — | 8,000▼ |
| Effect | +2 building slots stellar; colonize rogue stars: true | +3 colonize tier |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Stellar Engineering
Manipulate stellar physics to stabilise rogue star systems for colonisation. Unlocks 2 additional building slots on any star-adjacent colony.
Unlocks buildings: stellar regulator
Requires: colonization 12, science 5
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 Stellar Engineering.