In the unforgiving post-apocalyptic wilderness of Days Gone, players must constantly seek out ways to improve Deacon St. John's survivability against the overwhelming Freaker hordes. Scattered across the devastated landscapes are abandoned scientific outposts that hold the key to essential character progression. Finding these locations is vital for anyone wishing to turn their drifter into an ultimate survival machine.

Understanding NERO Research Sites

Unlike the fully established checkpoints that require restoring power to generators, research sites are often remnants of mobile operations or horrific helicopter crash scenes. These spots are frequently tucked away in hazardous caves or positioned across massive chasms that cannot be crossed on foot. Exploring these areas provides unique background lore regarding the initial outbreak and the organization's failed containment protocols.

To successfully reach the most isolated points, trainers and survivalists will need to invest heavily in mechanical upgrades for their drifter motorcycle. Upgrading to a stronger engine and installing high-tier nitrous systems becomes mandatory for clearing the deadly ramp jumps scattered throughout the world map. Approaching these environmental puzzles without proper preparation will routinely result in landing straight into deep water or taking fatal fall damage.

Mapping the Crucial Region Locations

The early regions of Cascade and Belknap contain several hidden areas located deep within dark caverns that double as active Freaker nests during daytime hours. Navigating through these underground mazes requires cautious movement and plenty of reliable explosive resources to handle sudden encounters. Clearing out surrounding local ambush camps is a great strategy because interacting with their underground maps reveals these precise locations permanently.

As players push south into Lost Lake, Crater Lake, and the massive Highway 97 zone, the complexity of reaching these camps increases dramatically. Island locations require carefully timed motorcycle boosts from nearby cliffsides to safely bridge the vast environmental gaps. Each successful landing brings you closer to uncovering the tragic history left behind by the departed researchers.

Valuable Injectors and Character Stat Rewards

The primary motivation for seeking out these dangerous crash areas is the inclusion of highly coveted injection containers left inside secure white cases. Every single container discovered gives players a permanent modification option to immediately boost maximum health, total stamina, or focus attributes. Balancing these upgrades based on your personal gameplay style will dramatically change how you handle late-game threats.

Increasing your stamina pool allows for prolonged sprinting away from massive roaming hordes, while focus upgrades allow for precision slowdown during chaotic gunfights. Additionally, searching the immediate vicinity of the crashed helicopters will net you valuable micro-lootables and rare technology pieces. Collecting the micro-recorders found at these scenes also fills out your collectibles menu for achieving perfect completion status.