The galaxy is a vast collection of star systems with innumerable resources and items to discover and examine. But a big part of the resource-collection process revolves around completing research projects in Starfield. If players want the best equipment, better modifications, and to build the best outpost imaginable, it all starts with research.
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But it's not enough to max out the basic research projects. If you have completed the current projects and are looking for more to sink your teeth into, there's a Special Projects perk that unlocks additional research opportunities for late-game and high-tier unlocks. Here's how to make the most out of Special Projects!
Updated by Jeff Brooks on October 30, 2023: This guide has been updated to include new links throughout to help guide readers to relevant and valuable content to enhance their Starfield experience.
What Is The Special Projects Skill?
Special Projects in Starfield is a Master-level skill under the Science Skill Tree. To unlock it, players must spend 12 skill points in the Science tree beforehand. This does require a focused investment in this particular skill tree, which naturally means that you'll have to sacrifice progress in other skill trees early on if you want to unlock Special Projects quickly.
Like most other skills in the game, Special Projects features four tiers:
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Tier 1
- Challenge: Spend 12 Skill Points in the Science Skill Tree.
- Effects: Unlocks experimental projects at the Research Lab.
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Tier 2
- Challenge: Craft 10 common or uncommon components.
- Effect: You can craft rare components at the Industrial Workbench.
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Tier 3
- Challenge: Craft 10 rare components.
- Effect: You can craft exotic components at the Industrial Workbench.
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Tier 4
- Challenge: Craft 10 exotic components.
- Effect: You can craft unique components at the Industrial Workbench, and Outpost extractors have an increased chance of producing additional resources.
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Is Special Projects Worth Investing In?
Absolutely! While it's not immediately useful, like Boost Pack Training or Ballistics, Special Projects unlocks the ability to craft rare components necessary for high-end crafting and weapon modifications. For instance, at Tier 4 of Special Projects, players will unlock the ability to craft Sterile Nanotubes, Microsecond Regulators, and Nuclear Fuel Rods. These components prove extremely useful when crafting outpost construction items, like improved generators.
Every Crafting Component Special Projects Unlocks
Special Projects unlocks a large variety of components to craft with every tier. The higher your tier in the perk, the more you can craft. It's straightforward enough and opens a lot of doors when constructing outposts or building new weapon modifications, for instance.
Common and Uncommon Components
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Component |
Resources |
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Adaptive Frame |
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Austenitic Manifold |
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Comm Relay |
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Isoenceted Magnet |
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Isotopic Coolant |
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Mag Pressure Tank |
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Monopropellant |
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Polytextile |
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Reactive Gauge |
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Tau Grade Rheostat |
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Zero Wire |
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Rare Components
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Component |
Resources |
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Drilling Rig |
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Molecular Sieve |
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Paramagnon Conductor |
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Positron Battery |
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Semimetal Wafer |
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Supercooled Magnet |
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Zero-G Gimbal |
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Exotic Components
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Component |
Resources |
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Control Rod |
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Microsecond Regulator |
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Nuclear Fuel Rod |
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Power Circuit |
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Sterile Nanotubes |
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