Dredge: How to Collect All Samples for Research Assistant

The Research Assistant in Dredge tasks you with finding specific fish to complete the Pursuit called Collect All Samples. With the goal of uncovering the modus operandi of a giant monster terrorizing the area, this quest has multiple parts and requires a certain fishing rod upgrade. Here’s how to complete the Pursuit. 

Where to Find the Research Assistant in Dredge

The Research Assistant can be found in the Old Fortress in Stellar Basin, which is in the southwest portion of the map. You’ll typically find her during Chapter 3 when you head toward this region. 

When you speak with the Research Assistant, she’ll explain that a monster has destroyed everything in the area. She’ll give you the Collect All Samples Pursuit to further her research into the behemoth. 

Related: Where to Find All Relics for the Collector Pursuit

How to Complete the Collect All Samples Pursuit

The Collect All Samples Pursuit has two parts. The first tasks you with finding three different fish, while the second part asks you to find a Prototype Part.

After completing the first part of the Pursuit, you’ll be able to catch Abyssal and Hadal fish; that alone makes completing this endeavor worth it. The three are:

• Aurora Jellyfish
• Firefly Squid
• Glowing Octopus

Note that the fish can’t be aberrant for this quest; they must be normal fish. Here’s where to find them. 

Aurora Jellyfish Location

Aurora Jellyfish Conditions

• Location: Stellar Basin
• Fishing Method: Trawl Net
• Time: Night

Aurora Jellyfish can only be caught with Trawl Nets, so your vessel will need to be upgraded at the Dry Dock or Travelling Merchant.

Drop the net at night while you drive around the coastal waters of Stellar Basin, and you should catch one rather quickly.

Firefly Squid

Firefly Squid Conditions

• Location: Stellar Basin
• Fishing Method: Rod, Trawl Net
• Time: Night

Firefly Squid, like their Arrow Squid cousins, only come out at night. Look for coastal fishing spots with glowing fish in the Stellar Basin region. 

Glowing Octopus 

Glowing Octopus Conditions

• Location: Stellar Basin
• Fishing Method: Rod, Crab Pot
• Time: Night

Glowing Octopus can be found in the shallow waters of Stellar Basin. It can be caught with a pot or rod at night.

Once you have the three samples, head back to the Old Fortress and turn them in to the Research Assistant. She’ll then task you with heading to the Research Outpost to locate a Prototype Part.

How to Get to the Research Outpost

The Research Outpost is located on the line between coordinates F4 and G4 on the map. Once there, investigate the Laboratory to find the part.

Return to the Research Assistant to get the Sampling Device. This allows you to unlock Abyssal and Hadal fishing rods through research (with Research Parts). 

Purchase the Bottomless Lines rod and equip it to your ship. Now you can catch the next set of fish the Research Assistant is looking for. This part of the Collect All Samples Pursuit opens up the central area of Stellar Basin, and you’ll have to catch four different species of fish for the Research Assistant.

Anglerfish

Angler Fish Conditions

• Location: Abyssal spots
• Fishing Method: Rod
• Time: Day or night

The Anglerfish is as scary in Dredge as it is in real life. This fish can be caught at any time of day or night in Abyssal fishing spots. 

Loosejaw

Loosejaw Conditions

• Location: Abyssal spots
• Fishing Method: Rod
• Time: Anytime

Loosejaw appears as a fish with red eyes at Abyssal fishing spots. It can be caught at any time.

Giant Amphipod

Giant Amphipod Conditions

• Location: Hadal Disturbed Waters
• Fishing Method: Rod
• Time: Anytime

You’ll need to use the machine the Research Assistant gave you to sail into the center of the region safely. Be on the lookout for the Giant Amphipod in Hadal Disturbed Waters at any time, looking specifically for where the fish have legs.

Snailfish

Snailfish Conditions

• Location: Hadal Disturbed Waters
• Fishing Method: Rod
• Time: Anytime

Another fish located in the center of the region, Snailfish can be found at any time at Hadal fishing spots. 

Once you’ve gathered all the fish, return to the Research Assistant. For completing the Collect All Samples Pursuit, you’ll receive a book called A Plan for the Future. Once you finish reading it, it will give you a 15% chance to not reduce fish stocks when catching a fish with a rod.

That’s how to complete the Collect All Samples Pursuit for the Research Assistant in Dredge. For more help, check out our other Dredge guides. 

Featured image by Team17.