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Research System
April 17, 2026 at 02:21 AM
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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, alchemy recipes, and map markers for valuable resource deposits.
There are six research institutes in total: two are located in the Hernand region (Pororin and Scholastone), one is in the Crimson Desert region (Urdavah), and the remaining three are found in the Delesyia region (Gorthak Ironworks, Delesyia Castle, and Dewhaven Keep). Each institute has its own research tree with a unique set of projects focused on different gameplay systems.
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 in person to collect your rewards. You cannot collect remotely.
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 world map, then tab over to the research panel from the diorama screen. This lets you check completion status from anywhere in the world.
You can identify locations that have research capabilities by hovering over them on the world map and looking for the research tree symbol next to the settlement name.
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 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 or sustained supply item. You must physically return to the institute to turn in the initial project before the rest of the tree becomes purchasable.
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.
Knowledge gates: Some projects in later rows remain locked even after completing the prerequisite project above them. These nodes require specific Knowledge, which you gain by completing short local quests that appear around the institute after you turn in the initial project. See the Knowledge Requirements section below.
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.
Some research nodes remain locked until you have discovered the relevant prerequisite Knowledge. Knowledge is a type of progression unlock gained through exploration, completing quests, and interacting with 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.
After completing the initial project at any institute and returning in person to collect the reward, a set of short local quests will appear in the surrounding area. These side quest markers are shown on the map around the institute. The quests involve three types of activity:
Observing structures or machinery: Walk up to the highlighted object (often a piece of equipment, a natural formation, or a research apparatus) and interact with it. The game will note that you have gained new knowledge.
Speaking with research assistants: Talk to the marked NPCs near the institute. These researchers are studying specific topics, and hearing their findings provides the knowledge needed to unlock the corresponding research node.
Repairing equipment: In some cases, a research assistant has encountered a physical problem with their equipment. You must help fix or repair the machinery before the research can continue.
Gathering specimens: Some knowledge quests ask you to collect a specific plant or material from a nearby marked location and bring it back to a research assistant. For example, one quest at Scholastone tasks you with finding white false starwort flowers in the surrounding area and returning them to the assistant.
Completing all the local knowledge quests around an institute unlocks the remaining gated nodes in the tree. If your research seems stuck despite having the tier above it completed, check the area around the institute for any quest markers you may have missed.
At Scholastone, for instance, completing the initial project triggers several quest markers to appear around the institute. These include speaking with research assistants about abyss energy phenomena, observing machinery used in cloudcart experiments, and gathering white false starwort flowers from the surrounding hillside. Each completed task unlocks a new piece of knowledge that gates a specific research node in the tree. Similar patterns appear at every institute: Pororin quests involve studying local plant specimens and speaking with Shai herbalists, while Urdavah quests focus on examining desert minerals and wind-powered devices.
Not all six institutes are accessible from the beginning of the game. Each one opens up as the main story progresses or as you complete specific side quests. The table below shows when each institute becomes available:
Institute | Region | Availability | Unlock Item | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chapter 5 (visited during main campaign in Chapter 4) | 1x Honey Tea | |||
After completing the "Unreachable Village" quest | 5x Lavender | |||
During the main story (Chapter 10 progression) | 3x Bloodstone | |||
Chapter 11 (later story chapters) | 5x Gunpowder | Smelting, ATAG weapons, mining | ||
Delesyia Castle | Later story chapters (after reaching Delesyia) | 3x Copper | Mechanics, mobility, advanced weapons | |
Dewhaven Keep | Later story chapters (after reaching Delesyia) | 1x Diamond | Electrical weapons, ATAG combat gear |
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. Red Seaweed Research at Urdavah is also a bargain at only 12 Silver for a permanent stamina cap increase.
Pororin is a hidden Shai village located southeast of Hernand, just east of Emberwind Workshop. Unlike the other institutes, Pororin is not accessible from the start of the game. You must first discover the village by approaching it three times (and getting knocked out each time by the Shai defenders). After the third attempt, a Shai child named Arkin appears and tasks you with retrieving the Relic of Pororin from the top of a giant walking tree creature. Hand over the relic to complete the "Unreachable Village" quest and gain free entry to Pororin.
The lead researcher at Pororin requires 5x Lavender to open the project tree. Research here focuses on herbalism, alchemy formulas, and gathering efficiency. The most important project is the Mysterious Energy of Wild Ginseng Research (1B), which permanently raises your Spirit level cap. The initial project also grants a Sustained Supply Arrow, providing a reliable source of arrows for bow users. This arrow supply refills automatically over time, effectively granting infinite ammunition for ranged combat. Completing the Palmar Leaf Research (2A) later in the tree further increases the refill rate of this arrow supply.
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 | |
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 |
The Scholastone Institute sits high in the mountains of the Hernand region and is typically the first research institute players encounter. You visit Scholastone as part of the main campaign during Chapter 4 and unlock the research tree in Chapter 5. The lead researcher, Grunvar, is a grumpy old orc who will send you on a short quest before agreeing to help.
Grunvar requires 1x Honey Tea to become the research director. You can craft Honey Tea at a cauldron by mixing Honey with Water, purchase it from merchants, or loot it from enemies. If you already have Honey Tea in your inventory when you speak to Grunvar, the quest progresses automatically. Once provided, the full research tree opens. Scholastone's most valuable projects include the Abyssal Energy Research (1B), which raises your Health cap from level 11 all the way to level 18, and the Abyss Energy Restoration Phenomenon (1A), which grants the Faded Abyss Artifact Blueprint for crafting respec items at any Witch cauldron.
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 | 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 analysis; seed harvesting |
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. At only 12 Silver and 8 hours, this is one of the best early research investments in the game.
Note that the Cloudcart research projects (2A and 2B) may require completing a knowledge quest related to the Abyss Rocket Device before they become available. After turning in the initial project, look for a quest marker near the research area asking you to observe a structure and speak with a researcher about their findings.
The Abyss Energy Applicable Device Research (2C) is the most expensive project at Scholastone, costing 500 Silver. However, its rewards are significant: it unlocks dispatch missions to craft the ATAG Thrusterpack Mk. II and III for enhanced aerial mobility, and it enables the Skystep ability to be imbued into Damiene's shields. The Skystep shield imbue allows for powerful aerial dodge maneuvers in combat, making this a high-priority late-game investment for players who favor shield-based builds.
Urdavah is an archway city located in the Crimson Desert sand region. You pass through it during the main quest starting as early as Chapter 9, with the research institute becoming fully available around Chapter 10. The lead researcher, Valtus, is found on the middle floor of the Urdavah Research Institute, accessible via an elevator. If Valtus refuses to speak with you initially, head across the hallway and examine the golden statue, then return to him. 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 | |
1A | Bioenergy Amplification Research | 11 Silver | 9 hours | Significantly increased energy gains from cooking |
1B | Red Seaweed Research | 12 Silver | 18 hours | Stamina cap increase |
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 map markers |
3B | Circulating Energy Research | 100 Silver | 20 hours | Accessories of the World Vol. IV Blueprint |
Urdavah offers some of the most cost-effective research in the game. The Red Seaweed Research (1B) costs only 12 Silver for a permanent stamina cap increase, making it one of the best bargains in the entire research system. The Bioenergy Amplification Research (1A) is another strong early pickup, as it significantly boosts the energy restored by cooked food, which is especially valuable during long exploration sessions in the desert. The Wind Energy Fusion Device Research (2A) unlocks dispatch missions for three distinct weapons: the Propeller Spear for aerial combat, the Gale Shield for wind-based defense, and the Air Blaster for ranged crowd control.
Gorthak Ironworks is the first of three Delesyia region institutes, located in the northwestern part of the territory bordering Demeniss. It becomes accessible during Chapter 11 and the later chapters of the story. The area contains hostile enemies, so arriving underleveled is not recommended. The lead researcher requires 5x Gunpowder to open the project tree. Note that the research structure is located at a distance from the actual researcher on the map. 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 | 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's Rocket Pack Vertical Flight upgrade |
3A | 9 Silver | 6 hours | Increased Sustained Supply Cannon Shell quantities | |
3B | 120 Silver | 20 hours | Additional mining minerals; increased Cannon Shell supplies |
The Machine Parts Research (2B) at Gorthak Ironworks is particularly noteworthy because it unlocks the Vertical Flight upgrade for Oongka's Rocket Pack in addition to the ATAG Cannon, Laser, and Pincers dispatch missions. The Vertical Flight ability dramatically expands aerial exploration options and is one of the most impactful companion upgrades in the Delesyia region. The initial project here also provides the Sustained Supply Cannon Shell, which works similarly to Pororin's Sustained Supply Arrow by automatically refilling your cannon shell ammunition over time.
The Delesyia Castle institute is located inside the main fortress of the Delesyia region. The surrounding area is dangerous until you progress deeper into the story. 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 | |
1A | 10 Silver | 8 hours | Increased mechanical enemy component drops | |
1B | Prickly Pear Research | 80 Silver | 16 hours | |
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 map markers | |
3B | Future Protective Material Study | 100 Silver | 18 hours | Plate Armors of the World Vol. IV Blueprint |
The Mechanical Anatomy Research (1A) at Delesyia Castle is a strong early investment for the region because it increases component drops from mechanical enemies, making it easier to gather crafting materials for the advanced weapon dispatch missions in rows 2 and 3. The High-Mobility Power Device Research (2B) is the highlight of this institute, unlocking ATAG Boots Mk. II and III that provide enhanced movement speed and dodge capabilities in combat.
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 | |
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 Sustained Supply 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 |
Dewhaven Keep houses the most extensive ATAG combat equipment research in the game. The Power Joints System Research (2B) alone unlocks dispatch missions for four distinct weapons: the ATAG Fist for melee combat, the Machine Gun for sustained ranged fire, the Flamespitter for area-of-effect damage, and the Welder for close-range utility. The Electricity-Movement Conversion Mechanism Research (1A) is also a practical early choice since it grants both a Lightning Saw dispatch mission and increased Timber yields from logging, supporting your overall crafting economy.
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 Research Hours | Number of Projects | |
|---|---|---|---|
917 Silver | 119 hours | 8 | |
849 Silver | 74+ hours | 8 | |
331 Silver | 85 hours | 7 | |
373 Silver | 85 hours | 7 | |
Delesyia Castle | 330 Silver | 80 hours | 7 |
Dewhaven Keep | 350 Silver | 77 hours | 7 |
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.
If your research appears stuck or a project will not unlock, check the following:
Return in person to collect rewards. After a project's timer completes, you must physically travel back to the institute and speak with the lead researcher to turn in the project and receive your reward. The next tier of projects will not become purchasable until you have collected the previous tier's results.
Complete knowledge side quests. Some nodes require specific Knowledge that is gained through local quests. Look for quest markers around the institute. These appear after you turn in the initial project. If you skipped them, they will still be available.
Check for stalled researchers. In some cases, research halts because a scientist has encountered a physical problem at their workstation. The map will show a marker at the researcher's location. Travel there, help them resolve the issue (observing structures, repairing equipment), and the research will resume.
Verify the prerequisite project is complete. Remember that projects in later rows require the project directly above them in the same column. If the column prerequisite is unfinished, the lower node stays locked regardless of knowledge status.
Confirm story progression. Some institutes only become accessible during specific story chapters. If you cannot find the institute, you may need to progress further in the main campaign.
Certain character upgrades, including health and stamina level increases, are literally locked behind completing research projects. Players who neglect research will find their character growth stunted compared to where it should be at any given point in the story. Research projects take real in-game time to complete, similar to camp missions, so getting ahead early is critical to avoid bottlenecks later.
Research can be started as early as Chapter 4. Many players forget about research entirely until Chapter 8 or 9, by which point they have missed out on significant stat gains that would have made mid-game encounters considerably easier. Starting research in Chapter 4 and keeping projects running continuously is one of the most impactful things a player can do for long-term character progression.
The Scholastone Institute is one of the first research hubs available to the player. To begin research here, you need to bring a Honey Tea to the researcher. Once the initial gift is delivered, the full research tree at Scholastone becomes accessible. Prioritize completing the health and stamina upgrade research branches first, as they have the largest impact on survivability.
The Pororin Forest Guardians research line should also be started early. Like the Scholastone research, it unlocks stat bonuses and upgrades that compound over time. The earlier you begin, the more time the projects have to complete passively while you continue questing and exploring.
For a full list of available projects and their rewards, see the All Research Projects page.
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 and each institute runs its own timer, you can begin projects at different institutes and let them all 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 around.
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.
Do not skip cheap Row 1 projects. Several Row 1 projects cost under 15 Silver and complete in 6 to 9 hours. They act as column prerequisites for the high-value Row 2 and Row 3 rewards, so skipping them just delays your access to the more powerful unlocks.
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.
Late-game projects take a full in-game day. Projects costing 100 or more Silver 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.
Plan around sustained supply items. The initial projects at Pororin and Gorthak Ironworks grant Sustained Supply Arrow and Sustained Supply Cannon Shell respectively. These provide a continuous supply of ammunition that refills over time, reducing your reliance on purchasing or crafting arrows and cannon shells.
The Scholar's Stone Institute inside Skala Stone hosts one of the shortest research project chains in the game, and it doubles as the gating quest for an extremely lucrative Abyss Artifact pickpocket farm. The chain is structured around two named projects on the institute's research board.
Inside the Scholar's Stone Institute building, locate the scholar at the marked desk who is craving a Honey Tea. Hand over the tea, then talk to the same scholar a second time to start Abyssal Environment Research. This is the entry-level project that opens the institute's research tab inside the Journal.
Open the Journal and scroll to the Skala Stone Institute section. The prerequisite chain is a series of very short walk-up-and-talk quests, mostly inside the institute building itself, with one or two pointing just outside to a nearby NPC. They exist to feed research progress and clear in only a few minutes. Complete all available prerequisites to unlock the next project tier.
With the prerequisites cleared, Abyssal Energy Research becomes available on the project board. Start it and continue normal play; the quest progresses through the standard research-project loop. When the progress bar reaches 50%, the institute issues a marker reading Find Out Why the Research Has Stopped, which deploys Research Scholars to the marked investigation site.
The Research Scholars deployed by Abyssal Energy Research can be pickpocketed for Abyss Artifact drops at roughly a 1-in-3 hit rate per successful steal. The on-site Abyss Nexus NPC refreshes the spawn pool on demand, making this the headline farming loop documented in the Abyss Artifacts Farming Guide. A Mask is required because the steal counts as a crime.
