Overview
The research system in Crimson Desert allows players to invest Silver into projects at research institutes scattered across the continent of Pywel. Completing research projects unlocks powerful equipment blueprints, permanent stat boosts such as raised health, stamina, and spirit caps, new dispatch missions for Greymane companions, and map markers for valuable resource deposits.
There are six research institutes in total: three are located in the Hernand region and are accessible during the earlier chapters of the story, while the remaining three are found in the Delesyia region and become available later in the game. Each institute has its own research tree with a unique set of projects focused on different gameplay systems.
How Research Works
Each research institute is tied to a specific town or settlement. To unlock an institute's project menu, you must first visit the lead researcher and deliver a specific item they request. For example, Scholastone requires one Honey Tea, while Urdavah requires three Bloodstones. Once you have provided the entry item, the full research tree becomes available.
Research projects cost Silver and require a set number of in-game hours to complete. You do not need to remain at the institute while a project runs. The timer counts down as in-game time passes, so you can advance time by sleeping, using the wait mechanic, or simply continuing to explore and complete quests. When a project finishes, you must return to the institute to collect your rewards.
You can monitor active research remotely without traveling back to the institute. Press Y (Xbox) or Triangle (PlayStation) while hovering over a village on the map, then tab over to the research panel from the diorama screen. This lets you check completion status from anywhere in the world.
Research Tree Structure
Every institute organizes its projects into a grid with rows and columns. Each institute has an initial project that must be completed first, followed by three rows of progressively more advanced projects. The structure follows these rules:
Initial project: A low-cost introductory project (usually around 1 Silver, 2 hours) that unlocks the full grid and grants a starter blueprint.
Row independence: Projects within the same row are independent of each other. You can start any project in a row without completing the others in that row.
Column prerequisites: Projects in a later row require the project directly above them in the same column to be finished first. For example, finishing project 1A is required before starting 2A, but 1A has no effect on whether you can start 1B or 1C.
Cost scaling: Earlier rows tend to cost less Silver and take fewer hours. Later rows can cost upward of 100 to 500 Silver and require 18 to 28 hours of in-game time.
Priority Projects
Three research projects stand out as the most impactful upgrades available through the system. These permanently raise the caps on your core stats, allowing you to level them far beyond their initial limits. Prioritize these above all other projects:
Project | Institute | Effect | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Abyssal Energy Research | Raises Health cap from level 11 to level 18 | 130 Silver | 20 hours | |
Red Seaweed Research | Raises Stamina cap beyond the initial threshold | 12 Silver | 18 hours | |
Mysterious Energy of Wild Ginseng Research | Raises Spirit level cap beyond the initial threshold | 130 Silver | 22 hours |
Raising your health past level 11 through the Abyssal Energy Research at Scholastone is especially impactful. The difference between an 11 and 18 health cap makes a dramatic difference in boss fights and challenging combat encounters throughout the late game.
All Research Projects by Institute
Pororin
Pororin is a hidden Shai village located southeast of Hernand. To access it, you must complete the "Unreachable Village" quest and retrieve the Relic of Pororin. The lead researcher requires 5x Lavender to open the project tree. Research here focuses on herbalism, alchemy, and gathering efficiency.
Position | Project Name | Cost | Time | 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 increase |
2A | Palmar Leaf Research | 9 Silver | 6 hours | Map markers for Palmar Leaf 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 |
3B | Reachwood Ruins Dispatch Plan | 80 Silver | 14 hours | Reachwood Ruins dispatch mission |
Scholastone
The Scholastone Institute is located in the mountains of Hernand and is the first research institute most 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, purchased from merchants, or looted from enemies. Research here covers Abyss energy, health upgrades, and cloudcart improvements.
Position | Project Name | Cost | Time | 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 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 | N/A | N/A | 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 analysis |
The Faded Abyss Artifact Blueprint from project 1A is one of the most useful unlocks in the game. It allows you to craft your own Faded Abyss Artifacts at any Witch cauldron, providing a reliable way to respec your skill tree without having to hunt for them in random chests across the Abyss.
Urdavah
Urdavah is an archway city located 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 here focuses on stamina upgrades, wind-powered weapons, and mineral deposits.
Position | Project Name | Cost | Time | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial | Desert Lifestyle Research | 1.10 Silver | 2 hours | Varnian Equipment Blueprint |
1A | Bioenergy Amplification Research | 11 Silver | 9 hours | Increased cooking energy gains |
1B | Red Seaweed Research | 12 Silver | 18 hours | Stamina cap increase |
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 map markers |
3B | Circulating Energy Research | 100 Silver | 20 hours | Accessories of the World Vol. IV Blueprint |
Gorthak Ironworks
Gorthak Ironworks is the first of three Delesyia region institutes, located in the northwestern part of the territory bordering Demeniss. It becomes accessible during the later chapters of the story. The lead researcher requires 5x Gunpowder to open the project tree. Research here covers smelting, advanced ATAG weaponry, and mining efficiency.
Position | Project Name | Cost | Time | 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's 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 mining minerals; increased Cannon Shell supplies |
Delesyia Castle
The Delesyia Castle institute is located inside the main fortress of the Delesyia region. The lead researcher requires 3x Copper to open the project tree. Research here focuses on mechanical enemies, mobility upgrades, and advanced weapon systems.
Position | Project Name | Cost | Time | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial | Delesyian Institute - Basic Science Research | 1 Silver | 2 hours | Propeller Spear Blueprint |
1A | Mechanical Anatomy Research | 10 Silver | 8 hours | Increased mechanical enemy component drops |
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 map markers |
3B | Future Protective Material Study | 100 Silver | 18 hours | Plate Armors of the World Vol. IV Blueprint |
Dewhaven Keep
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.
Position | Project Name | Cost | Time | 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 Sustained Supply 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 |
Knowledge Requirements
Some research nodes remain locked until you have discovered the relevant prerequisite Knowledge. Knowledge is gained through exploration, completing quests, and talking to NPCs throughout the world. If a project appears locked even though the project above it in the column is complete, check the Knowledge requirements listed on that node. You may need to observe specific locations in the environment or speak with research assistants near the institute to fulfill the prerequisite.
After completing the initial project at any institute, short local quests appear in the surrounding area. These quests involve observing environmental features and speaking with research assistants nearby. Completing them provides the Knowledge required to unlock the next tier of research projects.
Tips and Strategy
Chase stat cap projects first. The health, stamina, and spirit cap raises from Scholastone, Urdavah, and Pororin are the single most impactful upgrades in the research system. Prioritize them before anything else.
Start multiple projects simultaneously. Since projects in the same row are independent, you can begin projects at different institutes and let them run in parallel while you explore.
Use sleeping to advance time. Research timers count in-game hours. Sleep at a bed, camp, or inn to advance the clock quickly and finish projects without waiting.
Collect unlock items early. 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 return trip.
Check progress remotely. Open the world map, hover over the institute's town, and tab to the research panel from the diorama view. You do not need to travel back just to check timers.
Grab the Faded Abyss Artifact blueprint early. The 1A project at Scholastone costs only 12 Silver and 8 hours and lets you craft respec items at any Witch cauldron. This is invaluable if you want to experiment with different skill builds.
Late-game projects take a full in-game day. Projects costing 100 or more Silver often require 18 to 28 hours. Plan accordingly by starting them before a long exploration session or before going to sleep at camp.