Emily Pope’s research errand asks you to deploy her probe relays across the Unknown so she can study the Patterning spreading through the zone. The task itself is simple once you know the pattern, but the fractured, gravity-shifting layout of the Unknown makes the balloons and their red placement circles hard to track down. Here is exactly where each one sits and how to close out the quest.
Quick answer: Slam all seven research balloons scattered across the Unknown, drop each antenna into its red circle, then set up the final balloon in the center and fly into Point 0 to finish.
How to start Pope’s Research in Control Resonant
The quest opens after you finish The Hedron Link main quest and speak with Pope. Take the elevator in the Oldest House to reach the Unknown. Step out of the elevator, use Gravity Shift off the edge, and look to your left to spot the first balloon. From here your objective is to Set Up Probe Relays in the Unknown.
Each balloon works the same way. Hop onto the platform hanging beneath it, then press L1 to untangle it and drop the probe relays. Every device splits into parts you carry to the red blood circles nearby. A signal icon on the minimap marks each circle, so follow those markers if you lose your bearings.
All probe relay locations
Relay 1 – Start of the Unknown
After Gravity Shifting from the elevator ledge, you’ll see this balloon. Land on its platform, untangle it, and collect both relay parts. One red circle is immediately beside the platform; the other is near the tower ahead.
Relay 2 – Southern central Unknown
In central Unknown, make for the southern area. The balloons stand out in bright blue. Use the platform to retrieve both relays, then set one on each of the two nearest buildings. They share your plane, so Gravity Shift isn’t required.
Relay 3 – Southwestern island
Travel to the southwestern island and take the parts from the balloon. Move toward the brown Horsemen McQuen building in front of you and take a left to find the first circle. For the second, climb the Horsemen McQuen building, walk to its edge, and use Gravity Shift to reach the circle.
Relay 4 – Southeastern island
The fourth balloon is on the southeastern island. Collect the relays, then place the first in the open field nearby. For the second, return to the edge where the balloon sat, Gravity Shift to the other plane, then head all the way down to find the circle.
Relay 5 – Southernmost island
Head for the southernmost island; its balloon gives you three relay parts. Nearby, a red-windowed building has the first circle on its roof, guarded by enemies. Another group of buildings across the field contains the second circle. The last one lies at the field’s boundary.
Relay 6 – Northwestern island
On the northwestern island, destroy the balloon to release the relays. The first circle is beside the zebra crossing on your left; the second is tucked into an alley close to the picnic spot ahead.
Relay 7 – Northeastern island
Use the map marker to reach the northeastern island. A balloon hovers over a street-side newsstand; collect its two relays. Continue to the street’s end and Gravity Shift, then proceed along the street on the new plane. The first circle is at the edge. For the second, climb the building across from the newsstand and place the relay on its roof.
Set up the final balloon in central Unknown
Once all seven balloons are done, Pope sends a final balloon to the center of the Unknown. Head there and grab its relays. The circles are all clustered around where the balloon dropped, so they are easy to reach, but enemies will attack this time.
Clear the hostiles before you start planting the antennas, since you cannot place relays safely while under fire.
Investigate Point 0 to complete the quest
Once the final relays are linked, Pope reports a fresh resonance signature in the Patterning that she thinks is Jesse’s mind. Reach the floating platform beside the taxi tornado ahead, then use the prompt to interact with Point 0 and finish the errand.
You will know it worked when the objective updates to Quest Completed: Pope’s Research. Finishing it also awards a Resonant Token and a Talent Point, and the token can be spent at the Gap to claim a new Combat Ability.
