T2 vs T3 starports - how many of each should i build?

[kepler68]

Hello all! I ran some math on when it's better to build a T2 over a T3 starport based on total slots consumed.
Due to large surface settlements rewarding 2 T3 points, early on T3 stations blow away T2s in terms of population, tech level, etc. In theory this should invert at some point due to T3s scaling WAY faster than T2s...
and it does!
at SEVEN T3 starports.

The math i did to get a general idea was to sum up Tech level, Wealth, SOL, and Dev Level. I then divided it by the number of infastructure slots you need (Slots going towards build points/installations).

This ends up as
t2/(1+3+2n)
t3/(1+6+6n)

Where n is your starport count minus 2, minimum of zero. T3s need only six slots - three T2 points and 3 surface large settlements to turn those 3 points into 6 T3 points. The extra +1 is the additional slot for actually placing your starport.

At base, you get an average of 2.75 system points per slot used on a T2, and 4.14285... per slot used on a T3.
On your third port, where point costs start to go up, you get 1.83333... and 2.2307... per slot used
Fourth you get 1.375... and 1.52631...
"Great" systems can generally only support three or four T3 ports in general, the efficiency only flips all the way at 7 ports present.
Though, if your system only has a few surface slots, the math jumps wildly in T2's favor. Using only orbital slots requires 12 infastructure slots per T3, giving them 2.23076... points per slot used when they only cost six. Once they cost 12 or more, T2s are slightly more efficient by about 0.67 points/slot!


For a normal system with similar surface and orbital slots, the efficiency bonus ends up becoming negligible for the fourth slot IMO compared to 4xing the tonnage you need to ship though, so I'll personally be making three T3s per system before just building whatever feels cool lol.

Here's a link to a desmos page with the equations set up for you to play with! t2 and t3 are defined at the bottom in order of tech level, wealth, SOL, development level. You can change those definitions to see how individual stats scale: https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ia5y9gnvwy
And remember that your starter port doesnt count towards scaling. If your a solo an outpost or coriolis is best, if your a group go for that orbis!

 

[kepler68]

Aaaand right after posting i realize i did the math wrong. Fixing now!

EDIT: Math fixed, conclusions did not change fortunately lol! I set T2 to cost 5 points baseline by accident.

 

[BluePilot]

Also worth noting that to get the most out of a system; starting with a T3 port is optimal, as the port used to claim the system doesn't count towards the ramping costs of port construction.

 

[kepler68]

Also worth noting that to get the most out of a system; starting with a T3 port is optimal, as the port used to claim the system doesn't count towards the ramping costs of port construction.

Yup! Though if your a solo you should go for a coriolis as your primary. T3s are VERY hard to build solo

 

[BluePilot]

Yup! Though if your a solo you should go for a coriolis as your primary. T3s are VERY hard to build solo

Hardly, you have four full weeks. Last one only took me 11 days. So I could have done two with plenty of time to spare. It is a lot of hauling to be sure, but managing 4% (about 9,500 tones) a day is only 12 round trips in a typical large pad hauler, and will finish the port within the time limit.

 

[Starsong]

Hardly, you have four full weeks. Last one only took me 11 days. So I could have done two with plenty of time to spare. It is a lot of hauling to be sure, but managing 4% (about 9,500 tones) a day is only 12 round trips in a typical large pad hauler, and will finish the port within the time limit.

Having to do 12 round trips (which is at least an hour of work) every single day for a month, with the looming threat of losing all your work if you can't keep up the pace, is a pretty brutal slog. It's quite possible for dedicated players, but for most it's just too much hauling.

 

[kepler68]

I've done the math based on my average rate, I can get it done in ten to twelve days solo, but it'll SUCK. This is with a cutter, carrier, and knowledge of where to source and return mats (Kehperagwe my beloved). Plus stuff playing in the other monitor and no life outside of a full time job. T3 is possible to solo yes, but it's just not worth the stress for a normal player lol!

Besides, with a good system you wont need the extra boost IMO. A T3 starter port only makes a huge difference in smaller systems, and you can always just claim a second when you finish your first! Main benefit is the large landing pad and custom economy, which a Coriolis already gives to you.

But hey! If your deadset on a T3 primary in your dream system and your a solo, build a coriolis first. Either help a friend or claim a tiny star system. If you can do it in under about a week and a half you CAN handle a T3 if you really want to go for it

 

[BluePilot]

Having to do 12 round trips (which is at least an hour of work) every single day for a month, with the looming threat of losing all your work if you can't keep up the pace, is a pretty brutal slog. It's quite possible for dedicated players, but for most it's just too much hauling.

Then it's in a good place. It should be reasonably achievable while also still being enough that it doesn't become commonplace.