Chapter 1: How to Find the Abandoned Lab
Welcome, Wanderer, to your first major objective in the sprawling world of Aida! Locating the Abandoned Lab is a critical step in progressing through the main story, and while the game provides some guidance, this detailed walkthrough will ensure a smooth and efficient journey. Prepare for some light combat and environmental puzzles along the way.
1. Initial Quest Acceptance & Navigation
- Accept the Quest: Ensure you have accepted the main story quest that tasks you with finding the Abandoned Lab. This typically becomes available after completing the initial tutorial and introductory missions in Astra.
- Check Your Map: Open your in-game map (default key: M on PC). You should see a yellow quest marker indicating the general direction of the Abandoned Lab. It's located in the central-western part of the Astra region, near the coastline.
- Set a Custom Marker: For easier navigation, place a custom marker directly on the quest objective. This will provide a clear path indicator on your mini-map.
2. Traversing the Astra Region
The journey to the Abandoned Lab will take you through varied terrain. Be prepared for encounters with local fauna and Hyena Pack members.
- Starting Point: Most players will begin this quest from the Astra Shelter. Head west from the shelter.
- Encountering Wild Creatures: You'll likely run into groups of Threshers and Wild Boars. These are generally low-threat enemies, but be mindful of their numbers. Utilize your elemental weapons for efficient crowd control (e.g., a Volt weapon for AoE damage).
- Hyena Outposts: As you get closer to the coastal area, you might spot small Hyena outposts. These can be bypassed if you wish to avoid combat, but clearing them often rewards you with valuable resources like Hyena Gachapon Coins or Supply Pods.
- Environmental Hazards: Keep an eye out for small cliffs or rocky areas. Your jetpack (default key: F on PC) will be invaluable for traversing these obstacles. Don't be afraid to use it to gain height and scout ahead.
3. Reaching the Lab's Exterior
The Abandoned Lab is situated on a slightly elevated plateau overlooking the sea. You'll recognize it by its dilapidated, industrial appearance.
- Landmark Identification: Look for a large, rusted metal structure with broken windows and overgrown vegetation. There's often a distinct, broken-down satellite dish nearby.
- Approaching the Entrance: The primary entrance is usually found on the ground level, often partially obscured by debris. You may need to clear a few more Hyena Grunts or a tougher Hyena Elite guarding the perimeter.
- Supply Pod Alert: Before entering, always do a quick scan of the immediate area for any hidden Supply Pods. These often contain vital upgrade materials like Weapon Batteries or Matrix Data Packs.
4. Gaining Entry to the Lab
The entrance isn't always straightforward. Expect a minor puzzle or obstacle.
- Blocked Doorway: The main entrance might be blocked by a pile of rubble or a locked door.
- Rubble: If it's rubble, look for a nearby interactive mechanism or a weak point you can attack to clear it. Sometimes, a simple melee attack will suffice.
- Locked Door: If the door is locked, search for a Terminal or a Power Source nearby. You might need to activate a switch or find a Keycard. The keycard is typically dropped by a specific enemy in the vicinity or found in a small, easily overlooked chest.
- Alternative Entry Points: In some instances, there might be a broken wall or a ventilation shaft that serves as an alternative entry. Use your jetpack to check higher ledges around the structure.
Once inside, prepare for further exploration and potential combat. The Abandoned Lab is a crucial location, so take your time, collect resources, and familiarize yourself with its layout. Good luck, Wanderer!