CONTROL Resonant Pope’s Research — All 8 Balloons & Gravity Wells
Quick answer: CONTROL Resonant Pope’s Research unlocks after The Hedron Link. In the Unknown, cut 8 research balloons, break crates for Probe Relays, place them in the correct red circles (green = good). Each finished set opens a Gravity Well between islands — required for Sever the Hedron Links. Finish with Investigate Point 0 for a Resonant Token (+ Budding Analyst on many trophy lists). Unofficial companion.
Jump: how to start · balloon loop · 8 balloons · Point 0 · abilities
How to start Pope’s Research
- Finish main mission The Hedron Link, then speak with Pope if prompted.
- Oldest House elevator → Roof Access into the Unknown.
- First balloon is usually visible near the rooftop exit — Quest Log lists Pope’s Research under Side Stories.
Treat this as near-required for story travel: without Gravity Wells, Sever the Hedron Links markers stay unreachable.
Balloon / Probe Relay loop
- Reach the floating research balloon.
- Cut / release it (payload drops).
- Break the crate → pick up Probe Relays.
- Follow minimap signal + beeping to the correct red circle(s).
- Place relays in order until antennas turn green.
- Use the new Gravity Well to the next island.
All 8 balloon areas (spoiler locations)
Counts vary: most balloons drop 2 relays; Evac Building island often 3; final central balloon 4. Clear hostiles before placing.
| # | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oldest House rooftop | First well into Unknown proper |
| 2 | Unknown mainland (north) | Elevate helps building hops |
| 3 | Factory Island | Shift for patterned / vertical roads |
| 4 | Island east of Evac Building | Clear combat first |
| 5 | Patterned Evac Building island | 3 relays; Elevate + Air Dash verticality |
| 6 | Tower Island (NW mainland) | Shift alley / street circles |
| 7 | Island east of Field Office | Vertical road + gap dash |
| 8 | Final central mainland balloon | 4 ground-level circles; clear adds first |
Investigate Point 0
After all eight Research Points, a taxi-helix platform appears. Use Elevate / Air Dash to approach, then Reach onto the platform and interact. Quest closes with Resonant Token reward (spend in The Gap for a Combat Ability).
Abilities you need
- Shift — vertical / upside-down roads (several islands)
- Elevate + Air Dash — rooftop circles and Point 0 approach
- Reach — Point 0 platform (from Subway Fault)
Next: Sever the Hedron Links · Patterned Thought · A New Directive · Missions