Finding every piece of IPCA Tech in Days Gone is one of the most rewarding post-game activities for dedicated players looking to fully master the post-apocalyptic Oregon wilderness. These elusive items are scattered across the map, hidden away near historical NERO installations and research locations that you visit throughout the main story. Successfully collecting all 18 pieces unlocks a highly unique secret weapon that provides a fun addition to Deacon St. John's endgame arsenal.
Understanding the Search for NERO Tech
Before embarking on this item hunt, it is crucial to understand exactly what you are looking for in the environment. The specialized crafting technology is exclusively found on the corpses of NERO scientists and personnel wearing distinct white hazmat suits. Because these bodies are often hidden in thick foliage, deep water, or debris, using your survival vision can drastically cut down on search times.
It is generally recommended that survivors tackle this collection quest after completing the primary storyline campaigns. Some areas remain restricted by narrative barriers, and the ultimate reward cannot be built until the game's secret ending is unlocked. Tracking down these remains in a single sweeping run ensures you do not accidentally lose place of your progress.
Key Locations in the Northern Regions
Your search begins in the northern territories of Cascade and Belknap, where several pieces are resting near early-game checkpoints. At the Little Bear Lake Checkpoint, check thoroughly inside the main mobile medical bunker to find your first target. Moving over to the Old Pioneer Cemetery site, the body is tucked safely inside a tent adjacent to the main building.
Some pieces will require you to use your motorcycle equipped with a solid nitrous upgrade to clear massive jumps across broken roads. A notable crashed NERO helicopter in the Belknap region requires one such jump, rewarding brave riders with tech lying right beside the debris. Another piece can be found sitting quietly near a log shelter at the Belknap Research Site.
Scouring the Dangerous Southern Zones
As you venture further south into Lost Lake, Iron Butte, and the volcanic zones, the environmental challenges become significantly tougher. At the Old Sawmill Checkpoint, you will need to wade into a nearby pond to recover the technology from a submerged scientist. Meanwhile, the Rogue Tunnel checkpoint requires you to inspect the interior of a tent clearly spray-painted with RIP markings.
Deep within the Crater Lake and Highway 97 sectors, exploration becomes even more vertical and complicated. One piece is located inside a long storm drain near the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, found sitting at the very end of the dark tunnel. For the final island research sites, prepare to jump your bike onto isolated landmasses and swim through shallow waters to secure the final pieces.