Dredge: How to Complete the Research Assistant Quest

If you\’re playing the game Dredge, the Research Assistant quest is one you won\’t want to miss. In this guide, we\’ll walk you through everything you need to know about catching all the specimens, obtaining Abyssal and Hadal rods, mounting the Repulsion Machine, and fishing in the central part of the Stellar Basin region.

To start the Research Assistant pursuit, you\’ll need to make your way to Stellar Basin. In this guide, we\’ll explain how to catch the fish species marked by the Researcher, how to unlock fishing rods for Hadal and Abyssal, how to obtain Prototype Parts, how to install the Repulsion Machine, and how to use it to access fishing in the central Stellar Basin.

• Unlocking the quest
• Catching 3 specimens in Stellar Basin
• Prototype Parts sourcing
• Obtaining Abyssal and Hadal rods
• Installing and using the Repulsion Machine
• Catch 4 more specimens in Stellar Basin
• Completing the quest

Unlocking the Quest

Related map marker: Research Assistant @ Dredge Map

To start the Research Assistant quest, head to the Old Fortress in Stellar Basin, located in the southwestern part of the world map. Speak to the Researcher and their first task will be to catch three different specimens.

When exploring Stellar Basin, be sure to avoid the central area at first, as you can be attacked by a monster regardless of the time of day. You\’ll learn how to distract it later on.

Catching 3 Specimens in Stellar Basin

To catch the Glowing Octopus, you\’ll need a Shallow fishing rod. Look for fishing spots in Stellar Basin at night.

For the Firefly Squid, you\’ll need a Coastal fishing rod. Look for fishing spots in Stellar Basin at night.

The Aurora Jellyfish is more difficult to catch because jellyfish are not caught in the traditional way. You\’ll need to purchase and install a Basic Trawl Net.

Wait until nighttime, set sail, and select Trawl Net from the drop-down menu. Press the interaction button to dip the net into the water. Sail the boat until you receive a notification that you\’ve caught your first Aurora Jellyfish. For more details on how to catch the Aurora Jellyfish, see our separate guide.

Return the caught specimens to the Old Fortress (not necessarily all three at once) and move them to the left slots in the chat window.

Prototype Parts Sourcing

Related map marker: Prototype Parts @ Dredge Map

Make your way to the Research Outpost in Stellar Basin and choose to explore the Laboratory. From the list of interactions, select Inspect the equipment on the table. You should find Prototype Parts. Move them to the ship\’s hold, which requires two free slots, and return to the Researcher.

Getting Abyssal and Hadal Fishing Rods

To catch 4 new specimens in Stellar Basin, you\’ll need fishing rods that are suitable for Abyssal and Hadal fishing.

You\’ll get a Sampling Device for Abyssal fishing for free, but it requires 3 free fishing rod slots in the hold.

To get a Hadal fishing rod, you have to research it. The first one is the Bottomless Lines, which you can buy for $450 and 1x Research Part.

For more information on Hadal fishing, check out the FAQ page \”How to get a Hadal fishing rod?\” You can also learn about different types of rods, including one for both Abyssal and Hadal locations, on the All rods page.

Installing and Using the Repulsion Machine

The researcher will provide you with the Repulsion Machine, which requires 4 free slots in the hold.

Go back to the Research Outpost and examine the Generator there.

Move the Repulsion Machine from your ship\’s hold to the left generator slots. Confirm that you want to activate the machine – it can distract the huge underwater monster for several hours.

With the generator activated, you can now safely sail to the middle of Stellar Basin to catch 2 specimens in Hadal fisheries.

It\’s also a good time to get the Jewel Encrusted Brand relic from The Collector Pursuit, which can be obtained in the middle of Stellar Basin.

Catching 4 More Specimens in Stellar Basin

You\’ll need an Abyssal fishing rod to catch Anglerfish. Look for fishing spots in Stellar Basin at night.

You\’ll need an Abyssal fishing rod to catch Loosejaw. Look for fishing spots in Stellar Basin during the day.

You\’ll need a Hadal fishing rod to catch the Giant Amphipod. Make sure the generator in the Research Outpost is active and look for a fishery in the central Stellar Basin.

You\’ll need a Hadal fishing rod to catch Snailfish. Make sure the generator in the Research Outpost is active and look for a fishery in the central Stellar Basin.

Completing the Quest

As before, take the caught specimens to the left slots of the Researcher chat window at the Old Fortress.

After delivering all 4 specimens, you\’ll receive a thank you note and the book \”A Plan for the Future.\”

FAQ

What is a dredge?

A dredge is a device that is used to excavate and remove sediment or debris from the bottom of a body of water. It typically consists of a large scoop or bucket that is attached to a long arm or boom. Dredges can be operated by hand, by hydraulic power, or by a combination of both. They are commonly used for a variety of purposes, including mining, construction, and environmental remediation.

What is a research assistant?

A research assistant is a person who is employed to assist a researcher in carrying out their work. Depending on the nature of the research project, the duties of a research assistant may include conducting literature searches, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports and presentations, and helping to manage the logistics of the research project. Research assistants are typically highly organized, detail-oriented, and have strong analytical and communication skills.

How does a dredge help with research?

A dredge can be a valuable tool for researchers who are studying aquatic environments. By collecting sediment samples from the bottom of a body of water, researchers can analyze the composition of the sediment to gain insights into the history of the ecosystem and the processes that are currently shaping it. Dredges can also be used to collect samples of organisms that live on or in the sediment, which can provide important information about the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Additionally, dredges can be used to remove debris or other materials that may be interfering with research activities.

What skills are needed to be a successful dredge research assistant?

To be a successful dredge research assistant, one must have a strong understanding of aquatic environments and the processes that shape them. Additionally, strong analytical and communication skills are essential, as the data collected by a dredge must be carefully analyzed and presented in a clear and concise manner. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are also important, as the logistics of a research project can be complex and require careful planning and coordination. Finally, physical fitness and the ability to operate machinery and equipment safely are essential, as dredging can be a physically demanding and potentially hazardous activity.