TGMC:Guide to Research
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This page is a part of the TGMC wiki.
TGMC is a project based on the CM-SS13 codebase. |
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H.E.L.I.O.S. says: "Welcome, doctor. Would you like to play a game... of chance?" |
Abstract
The days of sitting in medbay begging for Xenomorph eggs are over. Thanks to a substantial grant from the heads at Nanotransen, as well as an increased need for surface artifact samples, the parameters of the researcher's operational guidelines have been redefined.
While performing artifact surveys is your primary duty, keep in mind that you're still a member of medical staff. As such, it will still be prudent to provide groundside medical assistance to the marines during your downtime.
So, take up your trowel, because we've got analysis to do. Best to armor up; you'll hate to lose your head.
Materials and Methods
Your studies will revolve around collecting Subterranean Artifacts. These are collected using a distinct tool, the Subterranean Scanner and Excavator; in the event you lose your set, there are 5 spares in the NanotrasenMed Plus vendor.
Subterranean Artifacts
By reviewing your minimap, you'll see a number of marked positions throughout the colony. These are excavation points. Travel to them, and use your excavator near the zone by pressing your Unique Action hotkey. As long as you're within 3 tiles of the artifact, you'll begin excavating.
The yellow icons indicate unusual substance excavation sites. These will yield between 2-4 unusual samples, represented by pink orbs.
The green icons indicate xenomorph sample excavation sites. These will yield between 2-4 tier one xenomorph samples.
Excavation will generate research artifacts after a short delay. These artifacts will be stored for future study; make sure to have ample storage space to avoid making repetitive trips. Consider taking an empty backpack with you on excursions.
Each artifact spot can only be used once. There will only ever be 10 spots active at a time, and vacant slots will be relocated and removed after a 5 minute timer.
Sample Analysis
Once you have collected a sample, it will require research before it can yield anything useful. This research is performed through the research console:
Assuming the research console is empty, click on it with a collected sample to insert it. Then, interact with the console to open its interface, and press the Research button to begin researching. After a short delay, you'll receive a reward.
Results
The rewards for research are divided into four categories of rarity: Basic, Common, Uncommon, and Rare. When research is performed on a sample, you have a percentage chance to receive a reward on each rarity level. Higher tier samples are rewarded with a higher chance of rare rewards, and rarer forms of research currency have a higher chance of rare rewards.
Note that the rewards for currency research and xenomorph research are independent of each other. For example, the cloaking implant is unique to the xenomorph research field, while the armblade is unique to the currency research field.
The various rarities and reward tiers are as follows:
| Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 | Tier 4 | |
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| Basic | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Common | 15% | 40% | 50% | 50% |
| Uncommon | 7% | 20% | 40% | 40% |
| Rare | 1% | 6% | 10% | 50% |
| Basic | 100% |
| Common | 30% |
| Uncommon | 20% |
| Rare | 5% |
Note that the 100% chance of a basic item does not mean you will receive a basic item every time; This simply means that, in the event you fail to roll for a higher tier reward, you'll still receive a reward in the basic tier.
Unique Items
In addition to the research subsidy points granted from research samples, you may encounter various unique items from your scanning. These include:
Blood Recovery Implant, increasing the rate of blood regeneration in its host.- Cloaking Implant, granting a latent cloaking ability to its host.
- Mantis Blade, giving the user an extendable forceps blade implanted into an arm.
Experimental Shoulder Attachment Point. The Holy Grail of research, this item allows the user to turn nearly any weapon into a shoulder-mounted variant. Use the attachment point on a weapon to attach it, then use the weapon on a set of armor to attach the weapon to your armor. An ability will show up on your HUD displaying the attachment; when toggled, you'll be able to fire the weapon when aiming with an open hand.
Xenomorph Research Reward Tiers
| Research Tier: | Items: |
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Basic |
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Common |
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Uncommon |
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Rare |
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Currency Research Rewards
| Research Tier: | Items: |
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Basic |
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Common |
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Uncommon |
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Rare |
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Discussion
- Many of your artifact sites will be distant from the marine lines. Bring ample defense weaponry or marine support before attempting to recover, or you may have to deal with an ambush.
- Marines will likely try to fulton or ASRS sell xenomorph corpses before you have a chance to claim a sample. It's up to you to ensure that you get the maximum value out of every available specimen.
- There's no need to return to the research lab every time you're full on samples. The locks on the research console are easily removable from its interface, so you can bring the entire apparatus to the surface with you.
- In essence, research is a game of chance. To maximize your odds of getting useful equipment, procure as many samples as possible.