energy Tech Comparison
Dark Matter Tap vs Dyson Swarm Segments
Comparing the Dark Matter Tap (Tier 3) and Dyson Swarm Segments (Tier 4), both energy 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 Matter Tap | Dyson Swarm Segments |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T4 |
| Research time | 24▼ | 48 |
| metal cost | 50,000▼ | 100,000 |
| crystal cost | 25,000▼ | 50,000 |
| dark matter cost | 1,000▼ | 2,000 |
| Effect | removes energy cap: true | +3 star energy multiplier |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Dark Matter Tap
Harnesses dark matter for unlimited energy. Removes energy caps.
Unlocks buildings: dark matter reactor
Requires: energy 2
Dyson Swarm Segments
Deploy orbital collectors around your home star for massive passive income.
Unlocks buildings: dyson segment
Requires: energy 3, energy 5
Which Should You Research First?
The Dark Matter Tap is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the energy branch, opening the path toward Dyson Swarm Segments.