Dredge: Research Assistant Dredge guide, tips
Research Assistant is a quest from the Stellar Basin region of the Dredge game. Our walkthrough explains how to catch all the specimens, how to obtain Abyssal and Hadal rods, how to mount the Repulsion Machine and how to fish in the central part of Stellar Basin.
Last update: 04 April 2023
Once you reach Stellar Basin in Dredge, you can start the Research Assistant Pursuit. In our guide, we describe how to catch the fish species indicated 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
You can start the Research Assistant Pursuit by visiting the Old Fortress in Stellar Basin in the southwestern part of the world map.
After reaching the fort, talk to the Researcher. The first task from her is to catch 3 different specimens.
When exploring Stellar Basin, stay away from the central area (the one with the possible red X on the world map) at first. Regardless of the time of day, you can be attacked by a monster and only later will you learn how to distract it.
Catching 3 specimens in Stellar Basin
Glowing Octopus requires a Shallow fishing rod. Look for fishing spots in Stellar Basin at night.
Firefly Squid requires a Coastal fishing rod. Look for fishing spots in Stellar Basin at night.
Aurora Jellyfish is more problematic because jellyfish are not caught in the traditional way, i.e. after reaching a specific fishing area.
You must purchase and install a Basic Trawl Net, i.e. a basic model of a fishing 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 have caught your first Aurora Jellyfish (see the picture above).
Obtaining jellyfish has been described in more detail on a separate page How to catch Aurora Jellyfish?.
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
Reach the Research Outpost in Stellar Basin. Once the boat is moored, choose the option 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 (requires 2 free slots) and go back to the Researcher.
Obtaining Abyssal and Hadal rods
The next task will be to catch 4 new specimens in Stellar Basin - you will need rods that you can use for fishing in Abyssal and Hadal for this.
You will receive a Sampling Device for Abyssal fisheries for free. This device requires 3 free fishing rod slots in the hold.
You need to research the Hadal rod, the first one will be Bottomless Lines - you will need 1x Research Part and $450 to buy it.
Fishing in Hadal has been described in more detail on the FAQ page How to get a Hadal fishing rod?. You can learn about better types of rods (including a common rod for both types of locations) on the All rods page.
Installing and using the Repulsion Machine
The researcher will also give you the Repulsion Machine - it requires 4 free slots in the hold.
Return 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.
You can now safely sail to the middle part of Stellar Basin to take care of catching 2 specimens in Hadal fisheries.
Activating the generator is also a perfect moment to get the Jewel Encrusted Brand relic from The Collector Pursuit. It can be obtained in the middle of Stellar Basin as well.
Catch 4 more specimens in Stellar Basin
Anglerfish requires an Abyssal rod. Look for fishing spots in Stellar Basin at night.
Loosejaw requires an Abyssal rod. Look for fishing spots in Stellar Basin during the day.
The Giant Amphipod requires a Hadal fishing rod. Also, make sure the generator in the Research Outpost is active, i.e. it is distracting the underwater monster. Look for a fishery in the central Stellar Basin.
Snailfish requires a Hadal fishing rod. Also, make sure the generator in the Research Outpost is active, i.e. it is distracting the underwater monster. Look for a fishery in the central Stellar Basin.
Completing the quest
As before, return to the Old Fortress and move the caught specimens to the left slots of the Researcher chat window.
After delivering all 4 specimens, you will receive a thank you note and the book A Plan for the Future.