Starfield: How to find research materials? Starfield guide, tips
Research materials are very useful resources with which you can produce many items in Starfield. On this page, you will learn how to search for them.
Last update: 31 August 2023
In Starfield, you will find many types of equipment, such as weapons, helmets, suits and much more. However, you do not have to wear what you will acquire during space expeditions, because there is an option to create your own items and improve those you already have. This, however, requires materials. You can acquire them in various ways, for example by searching containers in locations or buying them from merchants. However, there is one option where you need to use Research Station.
Where is Research Station?
By default, the Research Station can be found on the Frontier ship or in the basement of the Lodge. You will also find Research Stations randomly on various spacecraft. If you use the Shipbuilder, you can build a station (add a module) on one of your new spaceships. Approach the station and interact with it. Then you will see tabs with research, and in each of them you will find items that you can track. Select those that interest you and select Track Project using the R key on the keyboard or X on the controller.
Tracking
Once you start tracking specific research materials, an icon with a small blue magnifying glass will appear next to them. When exploring the world, use the scanner to see if the material you need is nearby. We do not recommend collecting literally everything you find - this way you will quickly exceed the carry limit. All you need to do is mark specific projects in the research panel to know exactly what you need to look for during the exploration.
Also remember that many merchants on planets have a variety of materials for research and crafting in their assortment - they are cheap and it's always worth checking if they happen to have the items you need. You can store research materials in the ship's cargo hold - you don't have to carry them with you to use them for research.