Research (Mass Effect: Andromeda)

Research in Mass Effect: Andromeda allows the player to develop new equipment or to improve existing equipment by unlocking obtained blueprints with research data.

The research screen can be accessed via the research center aboard the Tempest, Nexus, certain Forward Stations, or in established outposts on the Golden Worlds.

Blueprints
Blueprints are used for developing new weapons, armor, augmentations, Nomad upgrades, and special items in Mass Effect: Andromeda.

Blueprints are divided in several categories in the research screen:
 * Technology Type
 * Milky Way
 * Heleus
 * Remnant
 * Gear Type
 * Weapon
 * Armor
 * Augmentation

Blueprints can be unlocked in research centers by:
 * spending research data
 * purchasing from merchants
 * receiving as a mission requirement
 * Completing a mission
 * automatically as the player reaching certain levels.

Gear from unlocked blueprints can be built via the development screen by using the necessary resources.

Research Data (RD)
Research data, or RD, is the currency used to purchase upgrade blueprints. The amount of obtained Research Data the player has acquired is shown in the research screen or at the bottom of the scanner interface, when the scanner is active.

There are three types of research available:
 * Milky Way
 * Heleus
 * Remnant

Research Data (RD) Acquisition
RD is obtained by several methods in Mass Effect: Andromeda.

Cryo Pod Perks
Research Data is acquired/affected by several of the Science cryo pod perks.
 * Accelerated Research - Reduces the amount of time it takes to earn research points.
 * Improved Development - Increases Research Data gain from all sources by 10%.
 * Improved Development II - Further increases Research Data gain from all sources by an additional 10%, making it a total of 20%.
 * Lab Technicians - Earn research points at regular intervals. (Milky Way research data only.)

Scanning
The player gains most of the research data they can find by using the scanner. The scanner will beep and flash a "G" on the screen if something nearby can be scanned.

The player should scan everything in a new environment to search for research data. Not everything provides research data points. Unless Ryder is being attacked, it's worth trying to scan as much as possible. Ryder might be able to get a quick scan of enemies if the squad has engaged the enemy first to draw attention away from Ryder.

Strike Team APEX missions
Successful Strike Teams APEX missions will be rewarded with 30 research data points from one of the three types of research data.