logistics Tech Comparison
Dark Matter Freight Lanes vs Hyperlane Charting
Comparing the Dark Matter Freight Lanes (Tier 4) and Hyperlane Charting (Tier 3), both logistics 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 Freight Lanes | Hyperlane Charting |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T3 |
| Research time | 80 | 18▼ |
| metal cost | 130,000 | 40,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 65,000 | 20,000▼ |
| dark matter cost | 3,000▼ | — |
| credits cost | 250,000▼ | — |
| gas cost | — | 5,000▼ |
| Effect | +5 freight speed multiplier | +25% fleet travel speed |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Dark Matter Freight Lanes
Dark-matter-threaded freight corridors allow bulk resource transfers at 5× normal speed empire-wide.
Unlocks buildings: dark matter freight hub
Requires: logistics 10, energy 3
Hyperlane Charting
Comprehensive stellar cartography maps optimal hyperlane routes, increasing fleet movement speed by 25%.
Unlocks buildings: cartography center
Requires: logistics 7
Which Should You Research First?
The Hyperlane Charting is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the logistics branch, opening the path toward Dark Matter Freight Lanes.