science Tech Comparison
AI-Assisted Research vs Precursor Archaeology
Comparing the AI-Assisted Research (Tier 2) and Precursor Archaeology (Tier 3), both science 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 | AI-Assisted Research | Precursor Archaeology |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T2 | T3 |
| Research time | 12▼ | 18 |
| metal cost | 15,000▼ | 25,000 |
| crystal cost | 10,000▼ | 15,000 |
| Effect | +20% -research time | unlocks archaeology: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
AI-Assisted Research
Neural AI systems accelerate discoveries. Tech research times -20% additional.
Unlocks buildings: ai research core
Requires: science 1
Precursor Archaeology
Excavate ancient alien ruins for random tech breakthroughs and artefact bonuses.
Unlocks buildings: archaeology site
Requires: science 1
Which Should You Research First?
The AI-Assisted Research is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the science branch, opening the path toward Precursor Archaeology.