The Full Active Matter Investigations List: Quest Guide & Tips
Master every raid with our comprehensive Active Matter investigations list. Learn quest objectives, Monolith rewards, and survival strategies for solo and PvP.
Table of Contents
Active Matter is not your typical military extraction shooter; it is a mind-bending journey into a fractured multiverse where gravity is a suggestion and time loops are a way of life. To survive the quantum unstable zones and thrive within the game's complex economy, understanding the active matter investigations list is absolutely essential for every operative. Whether you are hunting for rare blueprints or trying to farm enough Monolith Tokens to upgrade your base, these investigations serve as your primary roadmap for progression. By consulting a complete active matter investigations list, players can better prepare their loadouts, choose the right maps, and maximize their efficiency during every high-stakes raid.
Quick Answer
The Active Matter investigations system is divided into Primary and Secondary objectives. Primary tasks often require completion to activate extraction portals and offer high Monolith Token rewards, while Secondary tasks are passive, daily-resetting missions that provide steady income and Crystallized Active Matter.
Understanding the Investigation System Architecture
In the world of Active Matter, objectives are more than just side quests; they are the mechanical backbone that governs how you interact with the environment. The game currently features 15 distinct locations, each populated with a set of basic tasks and two randomized additional tasks per raid. Understanding the hierarchy of these tasks is the first step toward mastering the game.
Investigations are categorized into two main types: Primary and Secondary. Primary investigations are the "heavy hitters." They increase the difficulty of your raid but offer the most significant rewards, including Monolith Tokens and gear. Crucially, some Primary tasks are mandatory—marked by a red "Escape" icon—meaning you cannot leave the map until the objective is satisfied. Secondary investigations, on the other hand, are accepted automatically. They are generally easier and serve as a way to supplement your earnings while you focus on the more dangerous Primary goals.
Comparison: Primary vs. Secondary Investigations
Feature
Primary Investigations
Secondary Investigations
Selection
Manual selection (at least one required)
Automatically accepted
Difficulty
High; often spawns waves of enemies
Low to Moderate
Extraction
Often required to open the portal
Never required for extraction
Rewards
100–200 Monolith Tokens
~50 Monolith Tokens
Reset Cycle
Repeatable (diminishing returns)
Resets once per day
Lore Impact
High (Story-driven)
Low (Resource-driven)
The Complete Active Matter Investigations List and Rewards
Navigating the multiverse requires a keen eye for detail and a willingness to face the unknown. The following active matter investigations list covers the standard missions you will encounter across the game's various maps, such as the Soviet industrial complexes and the eerie botanical gardens of "Park."
Primary Investigations List
These tasks represent the core challenges of the game. Completing them is the fastest way to increase your Monolith level and unlock advanced shelter modules like the Refiner or the Replicator.
Investigation Name
Objective Description
Reward (Monolith Tokens)
Collect and Extract
Find specific items (tools, meds, weapons) and extract alive.
100
Study
Eliminate a specified number of monsters/anomalies.
100
Deep Study
Kill monsters using specific weapons (bolt-action, pistol, or melee).
200
High-Priority Cargo
Deliver a spawned crate to a specific container on the map.
200
Fragments of Consciousness
Approach and hack the memory of a fallen player's corpse.
200
Place Device
Deploy a sensor in a designated high-anomaly area.
100
Place and Protect
Deploy a sensor and defend it against waves of "Invisible" enemies.
100
Get Remains
Slay monsters and harvest their physical biological components.
100
Take a Photo
Use the in-game camera to document strange writings on walls.
100
Collect Active Matter
(Scrapyard Exclusive) Extract with 5 units of active matter.
100
Secondary Investigations List
Secondary tasks are excellent for "passive" farming. You don’t need to go out of your way to accept them, making them perfect for solo players who prefer a stealthy approach.
Follow The Signals: Simply visit an Abnormal Signal location marked on your HUD.
Soil/Water Samples: Interact with specific environmental points (water or ground bulges).
Combat Practice: Kill a set number of basic enemies like "Dendroids" or "Turned Soldiers."
Bunker Scanning: Install sensors in smaller underground locations.
Every Bit Counts: Collect a specific weight or quantity of "junk" items during the raid.
Thorough Examination: Open a set number of loot containers (crates, lockers, bags).
High-Stakes Missions: How to Handle Primary Investigations
When you select a mission from the active matter investigations list, you are essentially signing a contract with your syndicate. According to community reports, the most difficult missions involve the "Place and Protect" objective. Unlike standard extraction shooters where you can stay hidden, these missions force you to go "loud." Once the device is planted, the sound and energy signature will attract "Distorted" and "Invisible" creatures, and potentially other players who hear the commotion.
For missions like Fragments of Consciousness, players must be extremely wary. Hacking a corpse takes time, leaving you vulnerable to "spawn camping" or third-party attacks. A unique mechanic in Active Matter allows dead players to linger in a "ghostly limbo" state. As noted in player experiences, a killer might watch your ghostly form and wait for you to use a respawn beacon, only to kill you again the moment you materialize. Always clear the area twice before attempting to hack a memory fragment.
Mandatory Objectives
If you see a red icon next to an investigation, it is mandatory. You cannot extract until it is finished. If the raid becomes too dangerous, prioritize this task above all else so you can escape as soon as the portal opens.
Navigating the Anomalies: Survival Tips for Questing
The environments in Active Matter are as dangerous as the enemies. From the "Park" map's massive underground bunker to the floating buildings in the sky, you must be prepared for anything. In the active matter investigations list, missions often take you into "quantum unstable zones" where gravity can shift 180 degrees.
Exploration and Gear Requirements
Night Vision Goggles (NVG): Essential for bunker missions. As reported by veteran players, using a torch is often suicide because it gives away your position and provides a very narrow field of view. NVGs allow you to see "Invisible" enemies before they strike.
Accumulator Batteries: Many secret areas and investigation points within bunkers require a battery to power the doors or elevators. Always keep space in your inventory for these heavy items.
Gravity Manipulation: Some extraction portals are located high in the air. Look for silver, rock-like material embedded in walls; these allow you to run up vertical surfaces to reach your goal.
The "Park" Bunker Experience
The bunker beneath the botanical gardens is a prime example of the game's "SCP-inspired" horror. It is a massive, multi-level labyrinth filled with "Flower Men" (Dendroids) that are incredibly fast. Community guides suggest using high-capacity magazines for these sections, as you will often be swarmed in tight corridors. The bunker also contains unique story-related intel, such as the "Botanist's Log," which is required for the 31 "Story Tasks" that reward players with 20 units of Crystallized Active Matter each.
Long-term Progression: Harmonization Cycles and Merits
As you work through the active matter investigations list, you will eventually encounter the Harmonization system. This is Active Matter’s take on seasonal prestige. While the concept of a "wipe" can be daunting, the Harmonization system allows you to carry over certain progress.
Players earn Merits by completing daily priority raids and increasing their Monolith Access Level. These Merits are spent on exclusive rewards that persist through different timelines. The game features a special currency called Prime, which does not reset after a Harmonization. Prime is earned through daily contracts and can be used to purchase additional secure containers or respawn beacons—items that are vital for completing the more difficult investigations in the future.
If you are playing solo, the active matter investigations list can feel overwhelming. However, the game offers a dedicated PvE mode that allows you to learn the maps and enemy patterns without the threat of PvP. This is highly recommended for newer players who need to find specific quest items like the "Enriched Chemical Samples" found in the Soviet bunkers.
Solo Questing Strategy Table
Step
Action
Reason
1
Select 1 Non-Mandatory Primary
Ensures you can extract at any time if things go south.
2
Check Daily Specials
One secondary task gives 50 Crystallized Active Matter per day.
3
Insulate Your Loadout
Use secure containers for high-value quest items like keys or batteries.
4
Stealth Over Speed
Use suppressed weapons to avoid attracting "Turned Soldiers" during investigations.
5
Monitor the Portal
Extractions shift every few minutes; plan your route to the nearest door early.
Inventory Management
Unlike casual shooters, Active Matter requires you to manually load individual magazines with ammunition. Before starting a complex investigation, ensure all your mags are full. There is nothing worse than reaching a quest objective only to realize you have bullets in your bag but none in your gun.
FAQ: Active Matter Investigations
What is the most important item on the active matter investigations list?
While all tasks provide value, the Story Tasks (31 in total) are arguably the most important. They provide Crystallized Active Matter and unlock vital shelter modules like the Replicator, which allows you to craft high-tier gear from other timelines.
Can I complete the active matter investigations list in PvE mode?
Yes. Active Matter provides a dedicated PvE mode where you can complete most investigations and story tasks. This is an excellent way to learn the layout of complex areas like the Park bunker or the Scrapyard without being hunted by other players. However, some PvP-specific rewards may only be available in open raids.
Why can't I extract after completing a task?
Check your active matter investigations list for a red icon. If a Primary objective is marked as mandatory, the extraction portal will not activate for you until that specific goal is met. Additionally, remember that portals in this game are temporary and will shift locations every few minutes.
How do I earn Monolith Tokens quickly?
The fastest way to earn Monolith Tokens is to stack your investigations. By choosing a Primary task that aligns with your Daily Secondary tasks (e.g., "Study" and "Combat Practice"), you can earn double the rewards for the same number of kills. Completing all daily tasks can yield up to 14,300 Monolith Tokens in PvPvE mode.
