espionage Tech Comparison
Dark Zone Infiltration vs Shadow Fleet Protocol
Comparing the Dark Zone Infiltration (Tier 4) and Shadow Fleet Protocol (Tier 4), both espionage 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 | Dark Zone Infiltration | Shadow Fleet Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T4 |
| Research time | 24▼ | 36 |
| metal cost | 60,000▼ | 70,000 |
| crystal cost | 34,000▼ | 35,000 |
| dark matter cost | 900 | 600▼ |
| Effect | +50% dark zone survival; +30% passive scan range; +25% detection evade | unlocks stealth fleet: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Dark Zone Infiltration
Hardened scout doctrine for operating inside dark zones and nebula interference, combining signal-masking with passive deep-scan filters. Unlocks the Umbra Scout.
Unlocks ships: umbra scout
Requires: espionage 6, void phase lattice iii
Shadow Fleet Protocol
A covert fleet invisible to enemy scanners until it fires. Enables stealth fleet doctrine.
Unlocks ships: stealth frigate mk1
Requires: espionage 3
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Dark Zone Infiltration is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.