The 99 Nights in the Forest Research Outpost is your gateway to the most challenging game mode in Roblox’s survival horror experience. This modern, high-tech building holds the key to activating Hard Mode and monitoring the dangerous Corruption System that spreads across the forest. Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced survivor, understanding how to find and use the Research Outpost is essential for mastering 99 Nights in the Forest Hard Mode. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this critical location.
Quick Overview: Research Outpost at a Glance
- Location Requirements: Upgrade campsite to level 2 to reveal on map
- Building Structure: Two-story industrial bunker with radar dishes
- Main Features: Voting levers, research monitors, and valuable chests
- Key Item: Research Monitor Blueprint for tracking Corruption levels
- Access Timing: Available from Day 1, but Hard Mode activates after Day 3
- Team Requirement: All players must vote to activate Hard Mode
- Best Use: Headquarters for monitoring and fighting the 99 Nights in the Forest Corruption system
How to Find the Research Outpost in 99 Nights in the Forest
Finding the Research Outpost requires some preparation before you can access this vital location. The building won’t appear on your map immediately, so you’ll need to follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Upgrade Your Campsite
The Research Outpost only appears after you expand the game map by upgrading your campsite to at least level 2. This requirement makes sense because Hard Mode is designed for players who have basic survival skills already established. Focus on gathering resources and building up your camp during the first two days – this gives you time to prepare while working toward the Research Outpost access requirement.
Step 2: Locate the Building
Once your campsite reaches level 2, the Research Outpost will appear as a white, modern-looking structure on your map. It’s located north of your main campfire area, making it relatively easy to find once it spawns. The building stands out with its industrial design and radar dishes on the roof, giving it a scientific, military appearance that contrasts with the natural forest environment.
Step 3: Craft a Map for Navigation
To keep track of the Research Outpost location even when you’re deep in the forest, craft a portable map at your Crafting Bench. You’ll need 3x Wood Pieces to create this essential navigation tool. Having a map means you can always find your way back to the outpost, especially important when you need to check Corruption levels or escape dangerous situations during Hard Mode.
Inside the Research Outpost: Complete Building Tour
The Research Outpost is more than just a place to activate Hard Mode – it’s a fully equipped facility with multiple floors and valuable features. Understanding the layout helps you use everything efficiently.
First Floor: Research Monitoring Area
The main entrance faces your campsite, leading into a large room with glass floors. Through the glass, you can see a strange purple tentacle growth in a containment chamber below – a preview of the 99 Nights in the Forest Corruption system you’ll soon face. This floor contains:
- Research Monitors: These screens display real-time Corruption levels and active debuffs once Hard Mode begins
- Vault Door: A steel door on your left leads downstairs to the basement
- Chest with Blueprint: One chest contains the valuable Research Monitor Blueprint
The research monitors become your best friends during Hard Mode, helping you track how dangerous the forest has become and when you need to take action against spreading corruption.
Basement: Hard Mode Control Center
The basement is where the magic happens – literally! This area contains the voting system for activating Hard Mode. You’ll need to open the vault door and descend stairs to reach this critical area. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Voting Levers: Each player gets their own lever to vote for Hard Mode activation
- Containment Chamber Window: View the purple tentacle growth that eventually breaks free
- Team Coordination Area: Space for players to gather and make the important decision
The voting system requires team agreement – for example, with 2 players, both must vote yes; with 3 players, 2 out of 3 must agree. This makes activating Hard Mode a strategic team decision rather than something one player can force on others.
Second Floor: Supply Storage
Climb the ladder near the research monitors to reach the second floor gantry. This area contains two additional chests filled with survival supplies for Hard Mode. You’ll find:
- MRE Kits: Meal, Ready-to-Eat packages that don’t rot like regular food
- Medkit: Essential healing item for when corruption disables passive healing
- Bandages: Additional healing supplies for emergency situations
These supplies are crucial because Hard Mode introduces debuffs that make normal survival much more difficult.
Research Outpost Features and How to Use Them
The Research Outpost contains several unique features that make it essential for 99 Nights in the Forest survival. Here’s how to make the most of each element.
The Voting Levers: Activating Hard Mode
The levers in the basement are your gateway to the ultimate challenge. Each player can pull their individual lever to vote for Hard Mode activation. The system requires majority approval, ensuring the whole team is ready for increased difficulty. Once enough players vote yes, you’ll need to wait until Day 3 begins for the Hard Mode to officially start with a dramatic cutscene showing the containment failure.
Research Monitors: Tracking Corruption
The monitors on the first floor become your command center during Hard Mode. They display:
- Current Corruption Percentage: Shows how much of the forest is affected
- Active Debuffs: Lists which negative effects are currently applied
- Rift Locations: Helps you track where new corruption is spreading
For constant monitoring, use the Research Monitor Blueprint from the first-floor chest to craft your own monitor at base. This lets you track Corruption levels without returning to the outpost constantly.
Supply Chests: Essential Hard Mode Resources
The Research Outpost chests contain items specifically chosen for Hard Mode challenges:
- Research Monitor Blueprint: Craft your own corruption tracker
- Non-rotting Food: MREs that stay fresh despite corruption effects
- Medical Supplies: Extra healing for when corruption reduces regeneration
Unlike regular chests, Research Outpost chests can only be opened once per game, not once per player, so coordinate with your team to distribute supplies fairly.
The Forest Is Angry Update: Research Outpost Origins
The Research Outpost was introduced in The Forest Is Angry update on January 24, 2026, completely changing how players experience 99 Nights in the Forest Hard Mode. This update transformed the game from simple survival into an active battle against spreading corruption.
The Research Outpost represents the failed attempt to contain the corruption – you can see the purple tentacle growth through the glass floors, hinting at the danger that’s about to be released. The building’s scientific appearance and monitoring equipment show that researchers were studying the corruption before losing control, creating the perfect setup for Hard Mode’s increased difficulty.
Pro Tips for Using the Research Outpost Effectively
Master the Research Outpost with these expert strategies:
Before Activating Hard Mode
- Upgrade Campsite First: Reach level 2 before Day 3 to ensure outpost access
- Gather Basic Supplies: Collect wood, food, and healing items before starting
- Coordinate with Team: Discuss Hard Mode strategy before voting
- Craft Map Early: Create navigation tool for easy outpost access
During Hard Mode
- Check Monitors Regularly: Visit every few days to track Corruption levels
- Use Research Monitor: Craft your own for constant base monitoring
- Store Supplies Safely: Keep MREs and medical items secure from corruption
- Plan Rift Clearing: Use outpost as base for corruption-fighting operations
Advanced Strategies
- Teleporter Network: Place teleporters near rifts for quick travel
- Class Selection: Choose healing classes like Vampire or Witch for Hard Mode
- Food Management: Rely on MREs when corruption causes food rot
- Team Roles: Assign players to monitor different areas from outpost
Frequently Asked Questions
What campsite level is necessary to access the Research Outpost?
You need to upgrade your campsite to level 2 to unlock the Research Outpost location on your map. This requirement ensures players have basic survival skills before attempting Hard Mode. Focus on gathering resources and building during Days 1-2 to reach this level quickly.
How do you activate Hard Mode at the Research Outpost?
Enter the Research Outpost, go through the vault door on your left, and descend to the basement. Each player pulls their individual lever to vote for Hard Mode. The system requires majority approval (both players for 2-player games, 2 out of 3 for three players, etc.). After voting, wait until Day 3 begins for Hard Mode to officially start.
What is inside the Research Outpost chests?
The Research Outpost contains three chests with essential Hard Mode supplies. The first-floor chest holds the Research Monitor Blueprint. The second-floor chests contain MRE kits (non-rotting food), one Medkit, and two Bandages. These items are specifically chosen to help with Hard Mode challenges like reduced healing and food corruption.
Where is the Research Outpost located in 99 Nights in the Forest?
The Research Outpost appears north of your main campfire area once you upgrade your campsite to level 2. It’s a two-story white building with radar dishes on the roof, making it easy to spot on your map. The main entrance faces toward your campsite for convenient access.
What is the Corruption System in 99 Nights in the Forest?
The 99 Nights in the Forest Corruption system is a Hard Mode mechanic where purple rifts spawn across the map, infecting trees and animals. As corruption spreads, it applies debuffs like reduced healing, food rot, and stronger enemies. You must clear rifts by chopping corrupted trees and defeating corrupted animals to keep Corruption levels manageable.
How do you get the Research Monitor Blueprint?
Find the Research Monitor Blueprint in the chest on the first floor of the Research Outpost. This blueprint lets you craft a Research Monitor at your base using the Crafting Bench. The crafted monitor displays the same Corruption levels and debuff information as the outpost monitors, allowing you to track corruption without returning to the outpost.
Can you survive in the Research Outpost for 99 nights?
While technically possible, surviving exclusively in the Research Outpost for 99 nights is extremely challenging. The building offers good protection but limited resources. You’ll still need to venture out to clear rifts, gather additional supplies, and rescue children. Most successful players use the outpost as a headquarters rather than a permanent shelter.
The 99 Nights in the Forest Research Outpost serves as your command center for conquering Hard Mode and mastering the 99 Nights in the Forest Corruption system. By understanding how to find, access, and utilize this vital location, you’ll be better prepared for the ultimate survival challenge that Roblox 99 Nights guide experts recommend for experienced players. Remember to coordinate with your team, monitor Corruption levels regularly, and use the Research Outpost as your strategic base for surviving all 99 nights in this intense Hard Mode Roblox experience.
For more strategies on surviving Hard Mode, check out our complete 99 Nights in the Forest Hard Mode guide and learn about the 99 Nights in the Forest Corruption system in detail. If you’re looking for free rewards to help you prepare, don’t miss our working 99 Nights in the Forest codes list for gems and diamonds to unlock better classes before attempting this challenge.
