propulsion Tech Comparison
Hyperspace Drive vs Hyperdrive Cores
Comparing the Hyperspace Drive (Tier 2) and Hyperdrive Cores (Tier 3), both propulsion 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 | Hyperspace Drive | Hyperdrive Cores |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 12▼ | 24 |
| metal cost | 15,000▼ | 45,000 |
| crystal cost | 8,000▼ | 22,000 |
| gas cost | 3,000▼ | 6,000 |
| antimatter cost | — | 200▼ |
| Effect | unlocks hyperspace: true | unlocks self jump: true; +40% -jump charge time |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Hyperspace Drive
Unlocks hyperspace jumps — skip adjacent sectors.
Unlocks buildings: hyperspace gate
Requires: propulsion 1
Hyperdrive Cores
Compact hyperdrive cores let any vessel open its own hyperspace window, removing the need to start jumps from a Hyperspace Gate.
Unlocks buildings: hyperdrive foundry
Requires: propulsion 2, propulsion 4
Which Should You Research First?
The Hyperspace Drive is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the propulsion branch, opening the path toward Hyperdrive Cores.