shipbuilding Tech Comparison
Graviton Cargo Expander vs Carrier Operations
Comparing the Graviton Cargo Expander (Tier 2) and Carrier Operations (Tier 3), 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 | Carrier Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 4▼ | 32 |
| metal cost | 3,000▼ | 85,000 |
| crystal cost | 1,800▼ | 42,000 |
| antimatter cost | — | 350▼ |
| Effect | unlock ship: nebula-drifter | enables carrier class: true; +2 carried squadron slots |
▼ 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
Carrier Operations
Flight-deck engineering and launch-catapult systems unlock the Carrier hull class and its embarked strike wings.
Unlocks buildings: carrier flight deck
Unlocks ships: dawn carrier, phoenix carrier
Requires: shipbuilding 3, drone warfare 1
Which Should You Research First?
The Graviton Cargo Expander is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the shipbuilding branch, opening the path toward Carrier Operations.