propulsion Tech Comparison
Fold Space Drives vs Hyperdrive Cores
Comparing the Fold Space Drives (Tier 4) 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 | Fold Space Drives | Hyperdrive Cores |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T4 | T3 |
| Research time | 48 | 24▼ |
| metal cost | 120,000 | 45,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 60,000 | 22,000▼ |
| antimatter cost | 800 | 200▼ |
| dark matter cost | 500▼ | — |
| gas cost | — | 6,000▼ |
| Effect | intra cluster instant travel: 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.
Fold Space Drives
Fold space between two points for near-zero travel time within same star cluster.
Unlocks buildings: fold space node
Requires: propulsion 3, propulsion 5
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 Hyperdrive Cores is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the propulsion branch, opening the path toward Fold Space Drives.