logistics Tech Comparison
Dark Matter Freight Lanes vs Protected Trade Convoys
Comparing the Dark Matter Freight Lanes (Tier 4) and Protected Trade Convoys (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 | Protected Trade Convoys |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T3 |
| Research time | 80 | 15▼ |
| metal cost | 130,000 | 36,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 65,000 | 22,000▼ |
| dark matter cost | 3,000▼ | — |
| credits cost | 250,000▼ | — |
| gas cost | — | 9,000▼ |
| Effect | +5 freight speed multiplier | +30% cargo capacity; +40% convoy defense; +10% trade profit |
▼ 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
Protected Trade Convoys
Escort-and-haul doctrine that adds point-defense turrets and reinforced cargo holds to civilian hulls, cutting convoy losses on contested routes. Unlocks the Caravan Trader.
Unlocks ships: caravan trader
Requires: logistics 2, logistics 3
Which Should You Research First?
The Protected Trade Convoys is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the logistics branch, opening the path toward Dark Matter Freight Lanes.