propulsion Tech Comparison
Slipstream Navigation vs Hyperdrive Cores
Comparing the Slipstream Navigation (Tier 3) 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 | Slipstream Navigation | Hyperdrive Cores |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 15▼ | 24 |
| metal cost | 25,000▼ | 45,000 |
| crystal cost | 12,000▼ | 22,000 |
| gas cost | 5,000▼ | 6,000 |
| antimatter cost | — | 200▼ |
| Effect | +30% travel speed | 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.
Slipstream Navigation
Pilots trained to ride gravitational slipstreams cut interstellar travel time by 30%.
Unlocks buildings: navigation academy
Requires: propulsion 2
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?
Both sit at the same tier. The Slipstream Navigation is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.