energy Tech Comparison
Geothermal Taps vs Zero-Point Modules
Comparing the Geothermal Taps (Tier 2) and Zero-Point Modules (Tier 3), 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 | Geothermal Taps | Zero-Point Modules |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 7▼ | 18 |
| metal cost | 9,000▼ | 35,000 |
| crystal cost | 5,000▼ | 18,000 |
| dark matter cost | — | 500▼ |
| Effect | +25% energy output terrestrial | +5000 flat energy per planet |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Geothermal Taps
Drill deep into planetary cores to tap geothermal vents. +25% energy on terrestrial worlds.
Unlocks buildings: geothermal plant
Requires: energy 1
Zero-Point Modules
Extract vacuum energy at the quantum scale. Adds flat +5000 energy per planet.
Unlocks buildings: zpm array
Requires: energy 2
Which Should You Research First?
The Geothermal Taps is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the energy branch, opening the path toward Zero-Point Modules.