Research samples and items can be processed into Bytes, the resource used for research progression.
PC / Global, current version
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
Research locations such as surface wrecks, caves, and points of interest, followed by a powered Research Chamber at base.
Turn samples and research items found during exploration into Bytes at your base. The chamber is the processing step; the field activity is locating and collecting research finds from places such as surface wrecks, caves, and points of interest. Keep track of what you bring home so a valuable find is not left behind or confused with crafting ore.
Transport capacity for the finds you intend to return with.
Explore a reachable surface or cave area and watch for research samples or items.
Check that your oxygen route and return path remain usable before moving farther from safety.
Pick up the research find and carry it back rather than leaving it at an exposed location.
Sort the find at your base so it does not get mixed with crafting materials.
Place the sample or item in the Research Chamber and keep the chamber connected to power.
Collect the generated Bytes when processing completes.
Spend the Bytes on research unlocks that support your next progression goal.
Farming tips
Bring home finds in manageable loads so your return route stays safe.
Keep research items in a separate storage area until they are ready for the chamber.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat this exploration-and-processing loop whenever you find more research items. Individual samples and items are finite finds; new trips depend on locating additional research objects.
Common mistakes
Treating research finds as ordinary ore: route them to the Research Chamber when Bytes are the goal.
Leaving a find far from a safe return: collect it only when your oxygen plan supports bringing it home.
Forgetting to collect chamber output: retrieve Bytes before loading the next item.
When to stop or switch
Stop exploring when your cargo is full or your oxygen route is no longer comfortable. Stop processing when the Bytes cover the unlock you currently need, then resume collecting when another research unlock becomes a priority.
