Overview
The project costs listed below are stated in silver because they were recorded before patch 1.18.00 (August 15, 2026), which changed the research resource to Camp Funds. These old amounts are not independently verified current Camp Fund prices or a one-for-one conversion formula. Patch 2.01.00 on September 4, 2026 increased Camp Funds gained from donating Silver by 10x; the donation-yield change does not establish the current numeric price of each project. Check the institute before funding research.
Research projects are the primary way to unlock permanent upgrades, new crafting blueprints, dispatch missions, and stat cap increases in Crimson Desert. Six research institutes are spread across the continent of Pywel, each with a unique set of projects organized into a tiered grid. This page lists every research project in the game along with its cost, duration, and reward.
For an explanation of how the research system works, including tree structure, knowledge requirements, and how to track progress remotely, see the Research System article. For institute locations and how to reach them, see the Research Institutes page.
How Research Works
Each institute has a lead researcher who requires a one-time item delivery before opening the project tree. Earlier funding used Silver; Patch 1.18.00 changed it to Camp Funds. Earlier notes interpreted each listed timer as in-game hours advancing while playing, sleeping or waiting, without remaining at the institute. That clock interpretation is not independently reconciled for every project; the historical timer totals do not prove a current sleep-speed or real-time conversion.
Projects are arranged in a grid with an initial project at the top, followed by rows of increasingly powerful (and expensive) research. Projects in the same row are independent of each other, but any project in a later row requires the one directly above it in the same column to be completed first.
Institute Summary
Institute | Region | Unlock Item | Number of Projects | Key Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5x Lavender | 8 | Spirit cap increase | ||
1x Honey Tea | 8 | Health cap raised to level 18 | ||
3x Bloodstone | 7 | Stamina cap increase | ||
5x Gunpowder | 7 | ATAG Cannon, Laser, Pincers | ||
Delesyia Castle | 3x Copper | 7 | ATAG Boots Mk. II and III | |
Dewhaven Keep | 1x Diamond | 7 | ATAG Fist, Machine Gun, Flamespitter, Welder |
Pororin Projects
Pororin is a hidden Shai village located southeast of Hernand. You gain access by completing the "Unreachable Village" quest. The lead researcher requires 5x Lavender to open the project tree. Research at Pororin focuses on herbalism, alchemy formulas, and gathering efficiency. The most important project here is the spirit cap increase from the Mysterious Energy of Wild Ginseng Research.
Tier | Project Name | Cost | Duration | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial | Getting Closer to Nature | 1.10 Silver | 2 hours | |
1A | Pharmacological Research on Medicinal Herbs | 7 Silver | 9 hours | Palmar Pill Alchemy Formula |
1B | Mysterious Energy of Wild Ginseng Research | 130 Silver | 22 hours | Spirit level cap raised past initial threshold |
2A | Palmar Leaf Research | 9 Silver | 6 hours | Map markers for Palmar Leaf gathering locations |
2B | Plant Combination Research | 120 Silver | 18 hours | |
2C | Secret Tools of Life - Pororin Research | 500 Silver | 28 hours | |
3A | Efficient Gathering Research | 70 Silver | 20 hours | Bonus plant collection chance while gathering |
3B | Reachwood Ruins Dispatch Plan | 80 Silver | 14 hours | Reachwood Ruins dispatch mission unlocked |
The Secret Tools of Life project was listed at 500 Silver in the earlier cost record, which called it the most expensive single research project in the Hernand region. Current research uses Camp Funds; earlier funding advice recommended income from vendors and Gold Bars. Confirm the current Camp Fund price before investing. The Palmar Pill Alchemy Formula from project 1A was a cheap early unlock in that record and gives access to a useful healing consumable.
Scholastone Projects
The Scholastone Institute is typically the first research location players encounter. You visit it during the main campaign, and the researcher Grunvar requires 1x Honey Tea to open the project tree. Honey Tea can be crafted at a cauldron by mixing Honey with Water. Research here covers Abyss energy, health upgrades, and cloudcart improvements.
Tier | Project Name | Cost | Duration | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial | Abyssal Environment Research | 1 Silver | 2 hours | Beekeeper's Gear Blueprint |
1A | Abyss Energy Restoration Phenomenon | 12 Silver | 8 hours | Faded Abyss Artifact Blueprint |
1B | Abyssal Energy Research | 130 Silver | 20 hours | Health cap raised from level 11 to level 18 |
2A | Enhanced Cloudcart Efficiency | 9 Silver | 6 hours | Cloudcruiser crafting unlocked |
2B | Enhanced Cloudcart Altitude | 100 Silver | 18 hours | Skystreaker crafting unlocked |
2C | Abyss Energy Applicable Device Research | 500 Silver | Not confirmed | ATAG Thrusterpack Mk. II and III; Skystep ability for Damiane's shields |
3A | Skyroot Research | 7 Silver | 6 hours | Foundation herb research |
3B | Skyroot Cultivation Research | 90 Silver | 14 hours | Skyroot growth conditions analysis |
The Faded Abyss Artifact Blueprint from project 1A was listed at 12 Silver and 8 hours in the earlier record. Current funding uses Camp Funds. It lets you craft respec items at any Witch cauldron, giving you a reliable way to reset your skill tree without hunting for artifacts in random Abyss chests. This is one of the most valuable early research investments in the game.
The earlier Abyssal Energy Research record lists 130 Silver and 20 hours. It is an impactful project in Crimson Desert. Pushing your Health cap from 11 to 18 makes an enormous difference in boss fights and tough combat encounters throughout the mid and late game.
Urdavah Projects
Urdavah is an archway city in the Crimson Desert sand region. You pass through it during the main quest. The lead researcher is found at the bottom of the elevator shaft inside the city. Bring 3x Bloodstone to unlock the project tree. Research at Urdavah focuses on stamina upgrades, cooking energy boosts, wind-powered weapons, and mineral deposits.
Tier | Project Name | Cost | Duration | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial | Desert Lifestyle Research | 1.10 Silver | 2 hours | |
1A | Bioenergy Amplification Research | 11 Silver | 9 hours | Significantly increased energy gain from cooking |
1B | Red Seaweed Research | 12 Silver | 18 hours | Stamina cap raised past initial threshold |
2A | Wind Energy Fusion Device Research | 7 Silver | 6 hours | |
2B | High-Capacity Energy Power Device Research | 70 Silver | 22 hours | ATAG Plating Mk. II and III dispatch missions |
3A | Gold Vein Research | 130 Silver | 8 hours | Gold Ore cave locations revealed on map |
3B | Circulating Energy Research | 100 Silver | 20 hours | Accessories of the World Vol. IV Blueprint |
Red Seaweed Research was listed at 12 Silver for a permanent stamina cap increase. Check its current Camp Fund price and prioritize it alongside the health cap project at Scholastone. The earlier Gold Vein Research (3A) record lists 130 Silver; confirm its current Camp Fund price when deciding whether to farm Gold Ore efficiently, since it marks cave locations containing deposits directly on your map.
Gorthak Ironworks Projects
Gorthak Ironworks sits in the northwestern part of the Delesyia region near the Demeniss border. It becomes accessible during the later chapters of the main story. The lead researcher requires 5x Gunpowder to open the project tree. Research here covers smelting, advanced ATAG weaponry, and mining efficiency.
Tier | Project Name | Cost | Duration | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial | Gorthak Ironworks - Basic Smelting | 1.30 Silver | 2 hours | Flame Spear Blueprint; Sustained Supply Cannon Shell |
1A | 11 Silver | 9 hours | Reduced crafting material waste | |
1B | Taro Research | 90 Silver | 18 hours | Large-scale mission dispatch capability |
2A | 12 Silver | 7 hours | Flame Spear, Electromagnetic Flame Spitter, Shotgun Shield dispatch missions | |
2B | Machine Parts Research | 130 Silver | 23 hours | ATAG Cannon, Laser, Pincers dispatch missions; Oongka Rocket Pack Vertical Flight upgrade |
3A | 9 Silver | 6 hours | Increased Sustained Supply Cannon Shell quantities | |
3B | 120 Silver | 20 hours | Additional minerals while mining; increased Cannon Shell supplies |
If you use Oongka as a companion frequently, Machine Parts Research (2B) is essential. It grants access to the ATAG Cannon, Laser, and Pincers through dispatch missions and adds the Vertical Flight ability to Oongka's Rocket Pack, making him significantly more versatile in combat. Skilled Workflow Optimization Research (1A) is a cheap investment that pays off across all future crafting sessions by reducing material waste.
Delesyia Castle Projects
The Delesyia Castle institute is housed within the main fortress of the Delesyia region. The lead researcher requires 3x Copper to open the project tree. Research here covers mechanical enemies, mobility gear, and advanced weapon systems.
Tier | Project Name | Cost | Duration | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial | Delesyian Institute - Basic Science Research | 1 Silver | 2 hours | |
1A | 10 Silver | 8 hours | Increased component drops from mechanical enemies | |
1B | Prickly Pear Research | 80 Silver | 16 hours | Laser Cannon Spear dispatch mission |
2A | Environmental Adaptive Weapon System Research | 12 Silver | 9 hours | Disruptor Spear, Electromagnetic Frostspitter dispatch missions |
2B | 120 Silver | 21 hours | ATAG Boots Mk. II and III dispatch missions | |
3A | 7 Silver | 6 hours | Mercury deposit locations revealed on map | |
3B | Future Protective Material Study | 100 Silver | 18 hours | Plate Armors of the World Vol. IV Blueprint |
Mechanical Anatomy Research (1A) is a strong early pick at this institute. Increasing component drops from mechanical enemies feeds directly into late-game crafting recipes that require those parts. The ATAG Boots from project 2B provide substantial mobility improvements during combat, and the Plate Armors of the World Vol. IV Blueprint from project 3B unlocks some of the best late-game armor options.
Dewhaven Keep Projects
Dewhaven Keep is located in the southwestern part of the Delesyia region. The lead researcher requires 1x Diamond to open the project tree. Research here covers electrical weapons, mechanical engineering, and the most powerful ATAG combat equipment in the game.
Tier | Project Name | Cost | Duration | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial | Dewhaven Keep Facility Research | 1.10 Silver | 2 hours | |
1A | Electricity - Movement Conversion Mechanism Research | 9 Silver | 6 hours | Lightning Saw dispatch mission; increased Timber gathering |
1B | Chaya Research | 90 Silver | 16 hours | Machine Workers dispatch mission |
2A | 13 Silver | 9 hours | Lightning Spear, Electromagnetic Boltspitter, Quarry Drill dispatch missions; increased bullet quantities | |
2B | Power Joints System Research | 130 Silver | 20 hours | ATAG Fist, Machine Gun, Flamespitter, Welder dispatch missions |
3A | 7 Silver | 6 hours | Foundation Razor Clam research | |
3B | 100 Silver | 18 hours | Weapons of the World Vol. IV Blueprint |
Power Joints System Research (2B) is the crown jewel of Dewhaven Keep, unlocking four of the most devastating ATAG weapons in the game through dispatch missions: the ATAG Fist for close-range devastation, the Machine Gun for sustained fire, the Flamespitter for area damage, and the Welder for precision cutting. The Weapons of the World Vol. IV Blueprint from project 3B is also a top-tier late-game unlock for weapon crafting.
Recommended Research Order
Research projects can run in parallel across different institutes, so the order below reflects priority rather than a strict sequence. Start the highest-priority projects first, then fill in the gaps while waiting for timers to complete.
Top Priority: Stat Cap Increases
These three projects permanently raise your core stat caps. They provide the largest power increase available through the research system and should be started as soon as each institute is unlocked.
Priority | Project | Institute | Effect | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Abyssal Energy Research | Health cap raised to level 18 | 130 Silver | 20 hours | |
2 | Red Seaweed Research | Stamina cap increase | 12 Silver | 18 hours | |
3 | Mysterious Energy of Wild Ginseng Research | Spirit cap increase | 130 Silver | 22 hours |
High Priority: Essential Unlocks
Abyss Energy Restoration Phenomenon (Scholastone 1A): Earlier record of 12 Silver and 8 hours for the Faded Abyss Artifact Blueprint. Lets you craft respec items freely.
Bioenergy Amplification Research (Urdavah 1A): Boosts energy gain from cooking; earlier cost record of 11 Silver.
Pharmacological Research on Medicinal Herbs (Pororin 1A): Unlocks the Palmar Pill Alchemy Formula; earlier cost record of 7 Silver.
All initial projects: Earlier records quote around 1 Silver and 2 hours. Current funding uses Camp Funds. Complete initial projects to unlock each institute's grid.
Medium Priority: Equipment and Dispatches
Machine Parts Research (Gorthak 2B): ATAG Cannon, Laser, Pincers, and Oongka's Vertical Flight. Earlier cost record: 130 Silver; check the current Camp Fund price.
Power Joints System Research (Dewhaven 2B): ATAG Fist, Machine Gun, Flamespitter, Welder. Earlier cost record: 130 Silver; check the current Camp Fund price.
Enhanced Cloudcart Efficiency (Scholastone 2A): Unlocks the Cloudcruiser for improved fast travel. Earlier cost record: 9 Silver; check the current Camp Fund price.
Skilled Workflow Optimization Research (Gorthak 1A): Reduces crafting waste globally. Earlier cost record: 11 Silver; check the current Camp Fund price.
Gold Vein Research (Urdavah 3A): Reveals Gold Ore cave locations on the map. Earlier cost record: 130 Silver; compare the current Camp Fund price with your gathering needs.
Lower Priority: Late-Game Investments
Secret Tools of Life - Pororin Research (Pororin 2C): The Magic Scythe and Pororin Fishing Rod are listed in the earlier record at 500 Silver and 28 hours; confirm the current Camp Fund price.
Enhanced Cloudcart Altitude (Scholastone 2B): The Skystreaker was listed at 100 Silver and remains a later priority after the Cloudcruiser; check its current Camp Fund price.
Blueprint collection projects (Vol. IV Blueprints): The Accessories, Plate Armors, and Weapons of the World Vol. IV Blueprints from the Row 3 projects at Urdavah, Delesyia Castle, and Dewhaven Keep are late-game crafting unlocks to consider when your Camp Funds can support them.
Mineral and Mercury Research: Map marker projects are nice quality-of-life upgrades but not essential for progression.
Total Cost Summary
The table below preserves the earlier Silver cost record per institute. Current research is funded with Camp Funds; the old numbers are not verified current prices.
Institute | Recorded Silver cost (historical) | Total Research Hours |
|---|---|---|
917 Silver | 119 hours | |
849 Silver | 74+ hours | |
331 Silver | 85 hours | |
373 Silver | 85 hours | |
Delesyia Castle | 330 Silver | 80 hours |
Dewhaven Keep | 350 Silver | 77 hours |
Adding the recorded entries gives approximately 3,150 Silver in historical costs and 520+ hours of listed research time; the unconfirmed Scholastone 2C duration is excluded. These recorded totals do not independently verify the timers or convert costs to current Camp Fund prices. Parallel research means this sum is not a single sequential wait.
Tips
Start multiple projects at once. Since each institute runs its own timer independently, begin projects at several locations and let them all run in parallel while you explore and quest.
Sleep to advance timers. Research timers count in-game hours. Sleeping at a bed, camp, or inn advances the clock quickly, letting you finish projects without waiting around.
Collect unlock items before you need them. Keep Honey Tea, Lavender, Bloodstones, Gunpowder, Copper, and Diamonds in your inventory as you explore. Having these ready when you discover a new institute saves a backtracking trip.
Check progress remotely. Open the world map, hover over the institute's town, press Y (Xbox) or Triangle (PlayStation), and tab to the research panel from the diorama screen. You can track completion status without traveling back.
Complete initial projects immediately. Earlier records quote initial projects around 1 Silver and 2 hours. Current funding uses Camp Funds. These projects unlock the full grid and grant a starter blueprint.
Knowledge requirements can gate progress. If a project appears locked despite having the prerequisite project above it completed, check the Knowledge requirements. You may need to observe specific environmental features or talk to research assistants near the institute.
Late-game projects need patience. Earlier records list some projects at 100 Silver or more and 18 to 28 hours. Check current Camp Fund prices and timers, and start long projects before an exploration session or before going to sleep at camp to make the most of the wait time.