Research Points (RP) are crucial for unlocking new items in the Shop, expanding your Palico Gadget options, and contributing to the Research Commission's efforts. Accumulating RP efficiently is key to accessing valuable upgrades and tools throughout your journey in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne.
Completing Quests and Investigations
Every quest and investigation you complete awards Research Points. The amount awarded scales with the difficulty and rank of the quest. Master Rank quests and investigations, especially those involving multiple monsters or challenging Elder Dragons, will provide the largest RP gains. Prioritize completing these for maximum efficiency.
Capturing Monsters
Capturing monsters instead of slaying them often yields more Research Points. This is because the research data gathered from a live specimen is considered more valuable. Ensure you have the necessary capture equipment (Tranq Bombs and Pitfall Traps or Shock Traps) and learn the capture thresholds for different monsters.
Gathering and Carving
While not the primary source, gathering from mining outcrops, bonepiles, and carving monster carcasses does contribute to your RP total. Completing gathering quests or focusing on expeditions in areas with abundant gathering nodes can provide a steady, albeit slower, stream of RP.
Monster Weaknesses and Biology
Successfully exploiting monster weaknesses and observing their behavior during hunts also grants small amounts of RP. This encourages players to learn monster patterns and elemental weaknesses, rewarding them for skillful play. Using the Scoutflies to track monsters and gather ecological information also contributes to RP accumulation.
Bounties and Event Quests
Similar to Zenny farming, Bounties often reward Research Points upon completion. Always check your available Bounties before setting out on a hunt and aim to complete as many as possible. Certain event quests are specifically designed to offer large RP bonuses, making them prime targets for RP farming.
Delivering Research Items
Occasionally, you'll encounter opportunities to deliver specific research items found in the environment. These deliveries often grant a significant boost to your Research Points, so keep an eye out for these optional objectives during your hunts.