colonization Tech Comparison
Stellar Engineering vs Megastructure Foundations
Comparing the Stellar Engineering (Tier 4) and Megastructure Foundations (Tier 4), 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 | Megastructure Foundations |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T4 |
| Research time | 80 | 72▼ |
| metal cost | 150,000▼ | 200,000 |
| crystal cost | 75,000▼ | 100,000 |
| dark matter cost | 2,000▼ | 3,000 |
| Effect | +2 building slots stellar; colonize rogue stars: true | +50% max population cap |
▼ 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
Megastructure Foundations
Engineering principles enabling ring-worlds and ecumenopoleis. Adds +50% max pop cap.
Unlocks buildings: megastructure core
Requires: colonization 3, colonization 5
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Stellar Engineering is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.