shipbuilding Tech Comparison
Graviton Cargo Expander vs Modular Design
Comparing the Graviton Cargo Expander (Tier 2) and Modular Design (Tier 2), both shipbuilding 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 | Graviton Cargo Expander | Modular Design |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T2 |
| Research time | 4▼ | 8 |
| metal cost | 3,000▼ | 10,000 |
| crystal cost | 1,800▼ | 5,000 |
| Effect | unlock ship: nebula-drifter | +100% utility slot |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Graviton Cargo Expander
Unlocks construction of the nebula-drifter (corvette class).
Unlocks ships: nebula drifter
Modular Design
Unlocks module slot expansion. Ships gain +1 utility slot.
Unlocks buildings: shipyard mk2
Unlocks ships: corvette mk1, miner mk1
Requires: shipbuilding 1
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Graviton Cargo Expander is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.