colonization Tech Comparison
Hostile World Adaptation vs Terraforming Protocols
Comparing the Hostile World Adaptation (Tier 3) 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 | Hostile World Adaptation | Terraforming Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 30 | 20▼ |
| metal cost | 50,000 | 45,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 25,000 | 22,000▼ |
| gas cost | 8,000 | 6,000▼ |
| Effect | +3 colonize tier | 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.
Hostile World Adaptation
Life support domes allow thriving colonies on toxic and irradiated worlds.
Unlocks buildings: life support dome
Requires: colonization 2
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?
Both sit at the same tier. The Terraforming Protocols is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.