colonization Tech Comparison
Terraforming II vs Terraforming Protocols
Comparing the Terraforming II (Tier 2) and Terraforming Protocols (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 | Terraforming II | Terraforming Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 18▼ | 20 |
| metal cost | 25,000▼ | 45,000 |
| crystal cost | 12,000▼ | 22,000 |
| gas cost | — | 6,000▼ |
| Effect | +2 colonize tier; +100% building slots | colonize hostile worlds: true; +40% terraforming speed |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Terraforming II
Extreme-condition planets become colonizable. +1 building slot per planet.
Requires: colonization 1
Terraforming Protocols
Advanced atmospheric processors enable colonization of hostile desert, arctic, and volcanic worlds.
Unlocks buildings: terraforming station
Requires: colonization 7
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 Terraforming Protocols.