logistics Tech Comparison
Deep Survey Expeditions vs Protected Trade Convoys
Comparing the Deep Survey Expeditions (Tier 3) and Protected Trade Convoys (Tier 3), both logistics 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 | Deep Survey Expeditions | Protected Trade Convoys |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 16 | 15▼ |
| metal cost | 38,000 | 36,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 26,000 | 22,000▼ |
| gas cost | 8,000▼ | 9,000 |
| Effect | +40% expedition range; +30% anomaly detection; +15% expedition event quality | +30% cargo capacity; +40% convoy defense; +10% trade profit |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Deep Survey Expeditions
Long-range survey doctrine that fits scouts with extended life support and wide-band sensor sweeps for multi-jump expeditions into uncharted space. Unlocks the Horizon Explorer.
Unlocks ships: horizon explorer
Requires: logistics 3
Protected Trade Convoys
Escort-and-haul doctrine that adds point-defense turrets and reinforced cargo holds to civilian hulls, cutting convoy losses on contested routes. Unlocks the Caravan Trader.
Unlocks ships: caravan trader
Requires: logistics 2, logistics 3
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Protected Trade Convoys is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.