Research Point in Monster Hunter Outlanders is spent on Research, which unlocks and upgrades features that make exploring the field easier. This guide covers how to get it from Proof of Mastery and your Research Level, how to spend it, and how it differs from the Research Points you get through Meld. Information as of November 10, 2026.
What Is Research Point?
Research Point is the currency of Research, which you use on the Research screen. You spend it to unlock new Research and to level up Research you already have. The hammer icon at the top right of the Research screen shows how much you have.
Not the Same as Research Points from Meld
Do not confuse Research Point with Research Points (plural), the currency you get through Meld and other sources and spend on meals and in the shop. The names are almost the same, but they are two separate currencies.
How to Get Research Point
There are two ways to get Research Point: Proof of Mastery stage rewards, and raising your Research Level.
Raise Proof of Mastery
Every Proof of Mastery stage you reach, from New Adventurer II to Apex Traveler I, gives Research Point as a reward, ×48 in all (see the table below). Early on, Proof of Mastery is also needed to move the story forward, and each stage bonus raises the Attack of the adventurers in your party, so raise it on purpose to earn points.
| Stages | Research Point per stage | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| New Adventurer II to Hunting Master IV | ×1 | ×27 |
| Fabled Master I to Legendary Traveler IV | ×2 | ×16 |
| Apex Traveler I | ×5 | ×5 |
| Total | ×48 |
Raise Your Research Level
Each time your Research Level goes up by 1, you get Research Point ×1. Your Research Level is shown at the bottom left of the Research screen, and it rises as you earn Research EXP by exploring the field.
Clear Field Exploration Minigames for Research EXP
Field Exploration includes minigames such as Egg Heist Challenge, and each one you clear gives Research EXP ×10. Clear them as you explore to raise your Research Level. The map linked below shows where each one is.
Search a Goods Pile for Research EXP
Searching a Goods Pile placed in the field gives Research EXP ×10. It also gives Research Points ×50, but that is the other currency, not Research Point.
How to Use Research Point
Unlock and Upgrade Research
Research Point is needed to unlock new features and to upgrade the ones you have. Much of the Research makes exploring the field easier, so if you want faster travel or easier gathering, spend your points there first.
Some Research costs points at every level. For example, Zip Line Upgrade costs Research Point ×3 per level, ×9 for all levels. The Research List shows the cost and effect of each Research.
Some Research Also Needs a Quest Cleared
Each Research has its own unlock requirements, and some also need a specific quest cleared. For example, Catapult unlocks after you clear the Story Chapter 2 quest Lapua Soars the Skies. Much of the Research is unlocked through the story, so push the main story as far as you can first.
What to Research First
Proof of Mastery gives Research Point ×48 in all, so spend it where it helps most first: Research that makes moving and gathering easier. The guide below covers which Research to unlock first and what each one does.
The screenshots are from the Japanese version of the game.