Research & Development (R&D) missions in Control Ultimate Edition are a vital source of new crafting recipes and lore, offering players tangible rewards for venturing off the beaten path. These side quests often involve investigating strange phenomena or retrieving specific items for the Bureau's R&D department.
The Purpose of R&D Missions
The Research & Development department of the Federal Bureau of Control is dedicated to studying and understanding the Objects of Power and other paranormal occurrences. Their missions are desed to gather data, test theories, and acquire resources. For Jesse, completing these missions provides access to powerful new crafting options and deeper insights into the Bureau's work.
How to Find R&D Missions
R&D missions are typically assed by Ahti, the Bureau's janitor, or found as optional objectives within various sectors. They often appear as side quests on your map or are triggered by interacting with specific terminals or personnel.
Types of R&D Missions
R&D missions can vary in their objectives, but they generally fall into a few categories:
- Item Retrieval: You might be tasked with finding a specific Altered Item or Object of Power that the R&D department needs for study.
- Investigation: These missions often involve exploring a particular area to document strange occurrences, gather environmental samples, or observe Hiss behavior.
- Testing and Experimentation: Sometimes, you'll be asked to use specific abilities or weapons in a controlled environment to test their effectiveness against certain phenomena.
Rewards from R&D Missions
The primary reward for completing R&D missions is access to new crafting recipes. These recipes allow you to craft:
- New Service Weapon Mods: These can offer unique effects or sificantly boost existing stats.
- New Personal Mods: These provide powerful passive buffs to Jesse's health, energy, abilities, and more.
- Crafting Materials: Some missions also reward you with valuable crafting components.
Beyond crafting, R&D missions also contribute to the game's lore, often providing detailed reports and insights into the nature of the paranormal entities and objects within the Oldest House.
Strategic Importance
Prioritizing R&D missions is highly recommended, especially in the early to mid-game. The new crafting recipes they unlock can sificantly enhance Jesse's combat effectiveness and survivability, making future challenges more manageable. For instance, unlocking a powerful damage mod for your preferred Service Weapon form can make a huge difference.
Example R&D Mission: "Ahti's Lost Tools"
In this mission, Ahti might ask you to retrieve his misplaced cleaning tools, which have been scattered by the Hiss. This would involve navigating a specific sector, fighting off Hiss, and locating the tools. Upon completion, you might unlock a recipe for a mod that increases the effectiveness of your Launch ability.
Engaging with Research & Development missions is a key part of mastering the systems in Control Ultimate Edition and ensuring Jesse is well-equipped for her role as Director.