Research Data

Research Data during scanning

Research Data, or RD, is the currency used to purchase upgrade blueprints for weapons, armor, the ND1 Nomad, and augmentations.

Overview

There are three different types of research data that match the three different technologies seen in the Research and Development screens.

• Milky Way - Data related to the colonists and their equipment.
• Heleus - Data related to the various species discovered in Andromeda (except for Remnant).
• Remnant - Data related to mysterious abandoned technology.

Acquisition

There are a number of ways to gain research data.

Scanning

Most research data is gained through use of the scanner. The scanner will beep and flash an icon in the bottom left corner on the screen if something nearby is scannable. (The exact icon depends upon the platform the game is being played on). But it's worth scanning everything in a new environment. Not everything will provide research data points, but unless Ryder is being attacked, it's worth trying. Even if the squad is engaged, Ryder might be able to get a quick scan of an enemy or other mobile before engaging.

Cryo pod perks

Research points are also available and affected by certain Science cryo pod perks. It should be noted that the Improved Development and Improved Development II perks do not affect research data points gained from Task: Unearthed, Task: Gone Dark, or from scanning mineral nodes.

If Ryder favors gear based on Heleus or Remnant technology, it is worth acquiring Improved Development and Improved Development II as soon as possible. These two research data types are almost exclusively found by scanning and these sources are limited.

Strike team rewards

Successful Strike Team APEX missions will be rewarded with 30 research data points.

Sources

There are many sources of research data throughout Heleus.

• Most items found in the wild (or in civilized spaces) will give research data. Objects such as shuttles, furniture, equipment, even cleaning supplies, may be scanned for +10 RD.
• Mineral nodes can provide RD, though, oddly, not the samples used for Task: Hitting Rocks For Science.
• Some plants may provide RD, but, again, not those used for Task: Cultivation.
• Creatures and enemies are an excellent source of RD, giving +50 RD for each new sample.
• Some planetary anomalies also provide +50 RD on scanning using the Tempest. For a complete list of anomalies that can be scanned, see Tempest Scanning Rewards.
• Cleverly hidden RD can be found venturing off the beaten path. These are known as orphan RD items because it is unlikely to come across these unless specifically exploring to find them. For a complete list of all orphan research data items, see Research Data Orphans.

There are four items found throughout Heleus which provide +100 RD when scanned.

Adapted Initiative Core Tech

Data

• Adapted apparatus
• Unique operation
• Action: Updating Initiative operational standards

Analysis

Recovery aside, this device is valuable for its non-standard adaptation of Initiative technologies for Heleus-specific operation. Field-improvised devices leap-frog development cycles and provide significant research potential.

Adaptive Remnant Core Device

Data

• Macro-adaptive core
• Self-repair evident
• Action: Cataloging Remnant capacities and tolerances

Analysis

The adaptability of this rare device suggests that it may actively bridge other Remnant systems in a way we can't yet emulate. It provides significant research potential for Initiative technologies.

Angaran Integrated Tech Node

Data

• Core system mode
• Interlink-expansion (practical)
• Aya coordination avail.

Analysis

Angaran technology demonstrates many key superiorities, from design efficiencies to material usage. With research coordination between the Initiative and the angara, these complicated nodes represent significant value.

Kett Core Encryption Tech

Data

• Intact bioneural core
• Primo-didactic relay
• Action: Immediate forensic system deconstruction

Analysis

A networking device of uncertain purpose, but clearly reinforcing a kett model of bio-modularity. It is of immediate value, and the potential for research insight is profound.

Explosive Canisters

There are four types of explosive canisters.

• Charged Element Zero Stasis
• Coolant Containment
• Dischargeable Supercapacitor
• Explosive Materials

Each of the canister types comes in one of four technology styles.

• Milky Way
• Angaran
• Kett
• Remnant

RD is awarded for each type of canister, but not for each style. Technology style determines which RD is awarded for scanning an explosive canister. If you scan a Milky Way Explosive Materials canister first, you get +10 Milky Way RD. Thereafter, all other styles of Explosive Materials appear as light-yellow scanned. Only the first scan of each canister type will award RD, for a total of +40 RD.

Each canister has a color or glow that make it easy to distinguish what it is without scanning. The images below show the four colors: purple, light blue, yellow, and red.

• Charged Element Zero Stasis
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• Coolant Containment
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• Dischargeable Supercapacitor
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• Explosive Materials
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Research Data Required

The RD total listed is the amount required to purchase every item/tier.

Refer to each individual item page for details on the specific research requirements.