How to get Research Parts in Dredge

Research Parts are an essential resource in Dredge because, as a fisherman, you must constantly upgrade your boat to improve your fishing yield with upgrades like increased speed and new rod types. Here's how to get Research Parts in Dredge.

How to find Research Parts in Dredge

There are four main ways of getting your hands on Research Parts in Dredge, with some proving more successful than others. Though most of the time, it is down to luck.

• Exploring
• Dredging
• Completing Pursuits
• Travelling Merchant

Best ways to get Research Parts in Dredge

Exploring

As you explore the sea, you'll come across sparkles that you can interact with. Frequently, they're pieces of lore or a Pursuit, but sometimes, you'll get lucky and find a cache of Found Items amongst an old wreck. And, if you're extra lucky, this will include a Research Part or two.

Related: Is Dredge on Game Pass (Xbox or PC)?

Dredging

Once you unlock and begin Dredging, you may sometimes bring up a Research Part rather than a fish or some scrap. This method isn't too frequent, so don't make it your primary source.

Completing Pursuits

Some Pursuits, AKA side quests, can result in a Research Part as a reward upon completion. The Recording Rarities Pursuit, in particular, which tasks you with catching a Gulper Eel, Coelacanth, Oarfish, and a Goliath Tigerfish, will net you eight Research Parts.

Travelling Merchant

If you've got the coin to spare, the Travelling Merchant on Rusty Pontoon sometimes stocks Research Parts at $300 apiece. They restock every few days, so it's worth checking back often to see if they've put more up for sale.

How to use Research Parts in Dredge

Once you've got your hands on a Research Part, anchor your boat at any dock, and you'll see three icons pop up: Undock, Rest, and Research. Click on the latter, and you'll be taken to the Research Menu, where you can spend your Research Parts on boat upgrades for Rods, Engines, Pots, and Nets. When you've unlocked an upgrade, it becomes available for purchase at the Shipwright.

Some upgrades cost multiple Research Parts to unlock, especially the later-game ones. So you'll have to save up your Research Parts if you want the best upgrades for your boat.

What to spend Research Parts on first in Dredge

There are three main concerns when it comes to your boat upgrades, and which one you prioritize first is dependent on your preferences. If you want a faster boat, you'll want to spend your first Research Parts on the Improved Outboard Engine and then the Twin Prop Engine.

If you'd prefer to catch more fish early, the Flexible Fishing Pole is a good pick as it adds Coastal and Shallow catches to your arsenal, as well as a 50% fishing speed buff. After this, the Hydraulic Rod adds Oceanic fishing.

There are also upgrades for Pots and Nets, but they're not as important as Rods and Engines, at least not at first. We'd recommend prioritizing your boat speed and catch types before dumping points into those.

For more information on Dredge, check out How to repair your boat in Dredge on Pro Game Guides.