Stop Relying on RNG: How to Master the Research Paper Grind in No Rest for the Wicked
The Bottom Line: If you’re tired of scavenging vendor trash, Research Papers are your only ticket to high-tier gear. These aren't just collectibles; they are the primary currency for the Scribe Table in Sacrament. To optimize your build, stop wandering aimlessly and focus on 20-minute Crucible cycles or specific chest runs through the Lowlands to bypass the game's punishing RNG.
Moon Studios isn't making it easy on us. In a move that feels reminiscent of the grindier aspects of Path of Exile mixed with the weight of a Souls title, No Rest for the Wicked gates its best equipment behind a research mechanic. We’ve analyzed the drop rates, and frankly, if you aren't deliberate about your farming routes, you’re going to hit a progression wall once you reach Sacrament.
The Scribe Table: Your Min-Maxing Hub
Located near Davos in the heart of Sacrament, the Scribe Table is where your build either comes together or falls apart. Unlike traditional ARPGs where you might just stumble upon a legendary recipe, No Rest for the Wicked forces you to invest Research Papers to unlock the ability to craft everything from Yew Longbows to high-end plate armor.
- Random Unlocks: Costs 3 Research Papers. (We recommend avoiding this unless you have papers to burn—it’s a total gamble).
- Targeted Research: Costs vary based on item complexity. This is the only way to reliably secure the gear you actually need for your specific stat spread.
Top-Tier Farming Efficiency
We’ve run the numbers, and roaming the map hoping for a lucky drop is a waste of time. To keep your gear competitive, you need to focus on these three high-yield activities:
| Method | Location | Efficiency Rating | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Crucible | Sacrament Hub | High | A 20-minute run with a guaranteed chest room at the halfway mark. |
| Bounty Loops | Captain Randolph | Medium | Stack these with chest runs to double-dip on rewards. |
| Chest Sprints | Lowlands / Mariner's Keep | Consistent | Best for early-to-mid game before you can reliably clear the Crucible. |
The "Mariner’s Keep" Loop
For players still finding their footing, our go-to route starts in the Lowlands and cuts through Mariner's Keep. This area is dense with chests. While the drops are randomized (similar to the Ember system), the sheer volume of containers gives you the best statistical chance of a payout. If you’re looking for a secondary route, the Nameless Pass offers similar chest density without the vertical headaches of the Keep.
The Endgame Play: The Crucible
If your build is "online" and you can handle high-intensity combat, stop wasting time in the open world. The Crucible is the definitive meta for Research Paper farming. You’re looking at roughly 20 minutes per run. Not only do the mobs have a decent drop table, but the mid-way point chest room is the most reliable source of papers we’ve found to date. It’s a classic risk-vs-reward scenario that veteran players will recognize from Diablo’s Greater Rifts.
Our Take: Is the Grind Worth It?
The current implementation of Research Papers is polarizing. On one hand, it prevents players from reaching "god-tier" status too quickly. On the other, the RNG can be brutal if you're looking for one specific recipe. We believe the move to targeted research at the Scribe Table was a necessary QoL (Quality of Life) inclusion by Moon Studios, but the drop rates still feel a bit stingy.
Our advice? Don't hoard your papers. The power spike you get from crafting a weapon that actually scales with your stats far outweighs the "what if" of saving them for later. Pick a weapon type, hit the Crucible, and start researching.