Overview
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. Once unlocked, you fund individual projects using Silver. Every project runs for a fixed number of in-game hours. The timer ticks while you play, sleep, or wait. You do not need to stay at the institute while research is in progress.
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 | ||
Crimson Desert | 3x Bloodstone | 7 | Stamina cap increase | |
Gorthak Ironworks | 5x Gunpowder | 7 | ATAG Cannon, Laser, Pincers | |
Delesyia Castle | 3x Copper | 7 | ATAG Boots Mk. II and III | |
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 | Shadowleaf Disguise Blueprint; Sustained Supply Arrow |
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 | Alchemy Formulas: Freya's, Meliara's, and Haiden's Elixirs |
2C | Secret Tools of Life - Pororin Research | 500 Silver | 28 hours | Magic Scythe and Pororin Fishing Rod dispatch missions |
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 at 500 Silver is the most expensive single research project in the Hernand region. Save it until you have a solid income stream from vendors and Gold Bars. The Palmar Pill Alchemy Formula from project 1A is a cheap early unlock that gives you 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 costs only 12 Silver and 8 hours. 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 Abyssal Energy Research at 130 Silver and 20 hours is the single most impactful research 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 | Varnian Equipment Blueprint |
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 | Propeller Spear, Gale Shield, Air Blaster dispatch missions |
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 is a bargain at only 12 Silver for a permanent stamina cap increase. Prioritize this alongside the health cap project at Scholastone. The Gold Vein Research (3A) at 130 Silver is a worthwhile investment for players who want 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 | Skilled Workflow Optimization Research | 11 Silver | 9 hours | Reduced crafting material waste |
1B | Taro Research | 90 Silver | 18 hours | Large-scale mission dispatch capability |
2A | Weapon Heat-Treatment Research | 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 | Brimstone Research | 9 Silver | 6 hours | Increased Sustained Supply Cannon Shell quantities |
3B | Mineral Excavation Efficiency Research | 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 not only grants access to the ATAG Cannon, Laser, and Pincers through dispatch missions, but also 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 | Propeller Spear Blueprint |
1A | Mechanical Anatomy Research | 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 | High-Mobility Power Device Research | 120 Silver | 21 hours | ATAG Boots Mk. II and III dispatch missions |
3A | Mercury Research | 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 | Lightning Spear Blueprint |
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 | Electric Tool Design Research | 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 | Razor Clam Research | 7 Silver | 6 hours | Foundation Razor Clam research |
3B | Alloy Weapon Conductivity Study | 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): Only 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. Cheap at 11 Silver.
Pharmacological Research on Medicinal Herbs (Pororin 1A): Unlocks the Palmar Pill Alchemy Formula for 7 Silver.
All initial projects: Each costs around 1 Silver and 2 hours. Always complete the initial project at every institute immediately to unlock the full grid.
Medium Priority: Equipment and Dispatches
Machine Parts Research (Gorthak 2B): ATAG Cannon, Laser, Pincers, and Oongka's Vertical Flight. Costs 130 Silver.
Power Joints System Research (Dewhaven 2B): ATAG Fist, Machine Gun, Flamespitter, Welder. Costs 130 Silver.
Enhanced Cloudcart Efficiency (Scholastone 2A): Unlocks the Cloudcruiser for improved fast travel. Only 9 Silver.
Skilled Workflow Optimization Research (Gorthak 1A): Reduces crafting waste globally. Cheap at 11 Silver.
Gold Vein Research (Urdavah 3A): Reveals Gold Ore cave locations on the map. Costs 130 Silver but pays for itself quickly.
Lower Priority: Late-Game Investments
Secret Tools of Life - Pororin Research (Pororin 2C): The Magic Scythe and Pororin Fishing Rod are useful but cost 500 Silver and 28 hours.
Enhanced Cloudcart Altitude (Scholastone 2B): The Skystreaker for 100 Silver is a luxury upgrade after the Cloudcruiser.
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 worth completing when Silver is no longer scarce.
Mineral and Mercury Research: Map marker projects are nice quality-of-life upgrades but not essential for progression.
Total Cost Summary
Completing every research project across all six institutes requires a significant Silver investment. The table below shows the approximate total cost per institute.
Institute | Total Silver Cost | Total Research Hours |
|---|---|---|
917 Silver | 119 hours | |
849 Silver | 74+ hours | |
331 Silver | 85 hours | |
Gorthak Ironworks | 373 Silver | 85 hours |
Delesyia Castle | 330 Silver | 80 hours |
350 Silver | 77 hours |
The grand total across all institutes is approximately 3,150 Silver and 520+ hours of in-game research time (the Scholastone 2C project duration is not publicly confirmed). Since you can run projects at multiple institutes simultaneously, the actual calendar time to complete everything is much shorter than the combined hours would suggest.
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. Every initial project costs around 1 Silver and takes just 2 hours. These unlock the full grid and grant a starter blueprint, so there is no reason to delay them.
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. Projects costing 100 Silver or more often require 18 to 28 hours. Start these before a long exploration session or before going to sleep at camp to make the most of the wait time.