espionage Tech Comparison
Deep Cover Agents vs Counter-Intelligence Bureau
Comparing the Deep Cover Agents (Tier 2) and Counter-Intelligence Bureau (Tier 2), 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 | Deep Cover Agents | Counter-Intelligence Bureau |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T2 |
| Research time | 12 | 10▼ |
| metal cost | 15,000 | 12,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 8,000 | 6,000▼ |
| Effect | unlocks sabotage: true; +25% agent concealment | +30% spy detection |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Deep Cover Agents
Sabotage missions available. Agents 25% harder to detect.
Requires: espionage 1
Counter-Intelligence Bureau
Identify and neutralise enemy spies. +30% chance to catch incoming spies.
Unlocks buildings: counter intel bureau
Requires: espionage 1
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Counter-Intelligence Bureau is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.