In Backpack Hero, Research is the process of exchanging Dungeon loot and materials for various rewards, from improved Dungeon items to new Quests and playable characters. In this guide, I'll walk you through each Research building and what you can get from it.
Every Research Building in Backpack Hero
As you progress through the story of Backpack Hero and rebuild your hometown of Haversack Hill, you'll unlock many different buildings and NPCs. Of the buildings that can be created, 13 of them are used for Research. As you complete Research and story objectives, the amount of Research available to you will increase.
In this list, they are described in the order that I came upon them during my playthrough of the game. However, how quickly you unlock each one will vary depending on your actions while playing.
The Schoolhouse
To unlock the Schoolhouse's blueprint, you need to rebuild enough of Haversack Hill to attract the first new residents. Among them will be Miss Borrough. In your first conversation with her, she will request that you rebuild the town's Schoolhouse.
Building it provides you with a new Quest, as well as some advice from Miss Burrough.
The Library
The librarian Vivienne is also among the first set of new residents in Haversack Hill. After speaking with her, she'll ask you to build a new Library for the town.
The Library's Research focuses on the Relics that are used to complete certain Quests. Completing those Quests and giving the Relics to the Library will allow you to discover improved versions of them after defeating area bosses.
The Tavern
After unlocking the Library and Schoolhouse buildings, growing the town further will attract Quillswish. His first task is to get you to appoint him as Mayor. His second task is to get you to construct three new buildings, the first of which is the Tavern. To unlock its blueprint, you need to give Quillswish a consumable item.
The Tavern's rewards are a variety of consumables, including plants, fish, and food.
The Blacksmith
After giving Quillswish the position of Mayor, he'll give you a Quest that rewards you with the blueprints for the Blacksmith. To receive the blueprints, simply give Quillswish one piece of armor.
The Blacksmith's Research rewards include shields and armor.
The Barracks
Alongside the Blacksmith and the Tavern, the Barracks is the final building proposed by Quillswish after giving him the title of Mayor. Give him one weapon in order to unlock the ability to construct it.
As the name suggests, Research at the Barracks rewards you with stronger weapons, improving everything from swords to shurikens. It will not include archery or magic tools since those are covered by two other buildings.
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The Magical Mycelium
The Magical Mycelium can be unlocked by finding the Proto Manastone in the Dungeon and bringing it back to town with you.
Bringing it to Haversack Hill will initiate the arrival of Nora. She will introduce you to the concept of magic, providing a new quest and requesting the building of the Magical Mycelium.
The Magical Mycelium's Research rewards you with improved magical gear for the Dungeon as well as a few Quests.
The Bulletin Board
Pasha's arrival to Haversack Hill brings the blueprints for a Bounty Board.
Completing Research tasks on the Bulletin Board rewards you with new Quests. Furthermore, some of the Relics you have to carry in these Quests can be brought to the Library to complete its Research tasks.
The Fletcher
Once you come across the Master Archer resting in the Dungeon, you can invite him to come to Haversack Hill. After finishing your Dungeon run, he will leave the Dungeon and give you an Archery-based Quest. Completing that Quest will unlock the blueprints for the Fletcher building.
Completing the Research available in the Fletcher will unlock archery-related items including a new Quest, bows, arrows, and themed decorations for your town.
The Carpenter
Interact with Doug when he first moves into town, and he will eventually ask you to build him a workshop.
Completing the Carpenter workshop's Research rewards you with new buildings and decorations for your town.
The Jeweler
In the first conversation with Sir Wartsley, he declares the town to be too shabby. In order to spruce it up, he'll give you the blueprints for both an item pedestal and the Jeweler building!
Completing Research at the Jeweler rewards you with better accessory items in the Dungeon.
The Temple
After being cursed within the Dungeon, you will find the religious Edith pacing in front of its entrance. She'll discuss how curses can be cleansed, and ask that you build a Temple in exchange for the knowledge.
Doing the Temple's Research will reward you with a variety of Holy Items, which grant the player Blessings. These Blessings will give you new items to use during combat that disappear when the battle ends.
The Greenhouse
The Greenhouse blueprints can be acquired by completing one of the Carpenter building's Research tasks.
The Greenhouse offers plant-based decorations for Haversack Hill.
The Town Hall
The Town Hall is another building introduced by Quillswish after completing his previous requests for the Barracks, Blacksmith, and Tavern.
To use the Town Hall, you need to connect it to the Resource buildings using paths. After doing so, you'll be able to see the Research of every connected building just by clicking on the Town Hall! As a bonus, connecting the Town Hall to the Research Buildings increases their efficiency.
Backpack Hero Building Research Tips
While you could complete Research without knowing these tips, they sure make it a lot easier! Save yourself some time by keeping these things in mind while you play.
Item indicators for completing Research
When you go to donate Research, you can tell at a glance what has been donated, what hasn't, and which items you can currently donate.
Boxes in green have already been donated. Boxes with green only on the bottom are items that are in your backpack currently and can be donated. Items in boxes with no green at all will need to be found in the Dungeon and brought to Haversack Hill to be donated. Food, building materials, and treasure will always appear in boxes with no green, so just check the top right of your screen to see if you have enough for a donation.
Checking what Research items you need in the Dungeon
To check what items you need for Research, click on the book icon at the top of the screen.
This will open your Atlas. Click the chemistry icon on the bottom left to look through your available Research.
The Atlas also provides enemy descriptions, explanations for battle mechanics, and so much more. Make sure to give it a look when you're faced with an uncertain decision.
Looking for more town building action? Check out our guide on Mirth townsfolk to invite in Sea of Stars here on Pro Game Guides
Published: Nov 20, 2023 10:05 am