colonization Tech Comparison
Hostile World Adaptation vs Orbital Habitats
Comparing the Hostile World Adaptation (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 | Hostile World Adaptation | Orbital Habitats |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 30 | 28▼ |
| metal cost | 50,000▼ | 60,000 |
| crystal cost | 25,000▼ | 30,000 |
| gas cost | 8,000▼ | — |
| Effect | +3 colonize tier | enables orbital colony: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Hostile World Adaptation
Life support domes allow thriving colonies on toxic and irradiated worlds.
Unlocks buildings: life support dome
Requires: colonization 2
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 Hostile World Adaptation is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.