Days Gone Nero Research Site Locations

Surviving the harsh and unforgiving wilderness of Days Gone requires more than just excellent gunplay and stealth tactics. To truly endure the relentless Freaker hordes roaming post-apocalyptic Oregon, players must actively hunt down elusive NERO Research Sites scattered across the map. These hidden environments contain highly valuable NERO Injectors that permanently enhance Deacon St. John's maximum health, stamina, or focus attributes.

The Value of Scouting Wilderness Sites

Unlike the fully established NERO Checkpoints that function as fast travel hubs, research sites are localized, abandoned areas typically hidden deep within caves or situated on dangerous cliffsides. Reaching these landmarks rewards players with a unique injector case alongside audio logs that flesh out the deep lore of the outbreak. Finding these points of interest remains a vital step for players looking to fully optimize their character stats before tackling endgame challenges.

Because these sites do not require the traditional puzzle mechanics of refueling generators or cutting down loud speakers, they offer a direct path to character progression. However, navigating the surrounding terrain often presents its own set of environmental threats and regional enemies. Survivors must plan their approach carefully depending on the specific territory they are actively exploring.

Navigating Caves and Dark Zones

A significant portion of research sites are located deep inside subterranean networks, such as the White King Mine in the northern Cascade region. Exploring these dark caverns requires extreme caution, as many of them serve as daytime hibernation spots for massive Freaker hordes. Entering these locations during the night cycle is generally recommended, as the infected will leave their nests to forage in the open world.

Players should always bring adequate light sources, sufficient ammunition, and high-tier explosives before stepping into any cave network. A single misstep inside these narrow corridors can quickly alert nearby enemies and lead to an overwhelming ambush. Carefully clearing these underground zones guarantees safe access to the precious stat upgrades waiting at the very end of the tunnels.

Mastering High Speed Bike Jumps

Several of the most isolated research sites in regions like Belknap and Crater Lake can only be accessed by launching Deacon's motorcycle across massive canyons. These locations are usually identifiable by distinct dirt ramps pointing toward distant rocky outcroppings or crashed helicopters. Attempting these daring maneuvers with a base-level motorcycle will inevitably result in a fatal crash into the gulchs below.

To successfully clear these gaps, players must invest in significant performance modifications at local survivor encampments. Upgrading your motorcycle's engine capacity and purchasing a nitrous oxide boost system are mandatory steps for surviving these aerial transitions. Timing your speed bursts correctly ensures you land safely on the isolated cliffs to claim your hidden rewards.

Tracking Regional Coordinates Effectively

Tracking all eighteen research sites across the massive map requires methodical exploration throughout every major territory from Lost Lake to Highway 97. Clearing nearby Ambush Camps is a highly efficient strategy, as interacting with the underground bunkers will automatically reveal nearby points of interest on your main map screen. This tactical loop eliminates unnecessary guesswork and helps players manage their travel resources effectively.

None of these valuable progression upgrades are missable, meaning players can safely return to complete their collections even after the main story concludes. Prioritizing these sites during the early hours of your journey will drastically lower the overall difficulty of random open-world encounters. Taking the extra time to search these remote coordinates transforms Deacon into an unstoppable force against the evolving undead threat.