The Research Lab is one of Heartopia’s most ambitious late-game features, unlocking a world of interactive items that transform your home into a creative playground. From building functional roller coasters to placing trampolines and interactive dice, the lab lets you craft experiences that go far beyond simple decoration. This guide explains how to unlock the Research Lab, use the research system, and maximize your progress toward unlocking every available item.
How to Unlock the Research Lab
The Research Lab becomes available when you reach D.G. Member Level 27. This is a significant milestone that requires consistent daily play and completion of resident requests over an extended period.
Once you hit Level 27, Mayor Atara will call you to announce that the Research Lab has opened. You’ll also receive several rewards at this level:
- 100 additional warehouse space
- 4 Hobby Upgrade Tickets
- Kitty Rug recipe
- Access to the Research Lab building
Note: Some players have reported glitched dialogue during Atara’s introductory call, displaying numbers instead of text. This is a known bug but doesn’t prevent you from accessing the lab.
Research Lab Location
The Research Lab is located in the town center near the whale fountain. Look for it across from the pet shop and next to the clothing store, positioned between Bob’s shop and Dorothy’s outfit shop.
The building is distinct and easy to spot once you know where to look. Head inside to begin exploring the research system.
Understanding the Research Device
The central feature of the Research Lab is the Research Device, an interactive station where you select items to study and unlock.
When you approach the Research Device, you’ll see a list of available items for research. Each item shows:
- Research time required
- Item description and function
- Energy reward upon completion
- Gold cost to start research
How Research Works
Research operates on real-time timers. Once you start researching an item, the process cannot be canceled or refunded. The item remains locked in the device until the timer completes.
Research times vary by item:
- Short research: 8 hours (Six-Sided Die)
- Medium research: 12 hours (Cash Register)
- Long research: 2 days (Lucky Cat Coin)
After the research is complete, the item becomes available for purchase in the Research Store. You don’t automatically receive the item—you must buy it separately using Wishing Stars.
Research Device Leveling System
The Research Device can be upgraded to increase research speed and unlock more capabilities.
Level Benefits:
- Level 1 → Level 2: 10% increased research speed
- Maximum speed bonus: 25% at higher levels
Upgrade Requirements: Upgrading the Research Device requires increasing your Control Console Level, not just completing research. The Control Console levels up by accumulating Energy points from completed research projects.
Energy System: Each completed research grants Energy points:
- Lucky Cat Coin (2 days): 60 Energy
- Cash Register (12 hours): 40 Energy
- Six-Sided Die (8 hours): 40 Energy (estimated)
To reach Control Console Level 2, you need 400 Energy. This means completing multiple research projects before you can upgrade your device speed.
All Researchable Items
Based on the current available information, here’s every item discoverable through the Research Lab:
Interactive Items:
- RPS Dice (Rock Paper Scissors)
- Six-Sided Die
- Lucky Cat Coin (coin flip: heads or tails)
- Lucky Dog Coin
Trampolines:
- Small Basic Trampoline
- Large Trampolines
- Round Trampolines
- Hard Candy Trampoline
- Donut Trampoline
Springboards:
- Pressure Springboard
- Switch Springboard
Functional Items:
- Mechanical Metronome
- Cash Register
- Movable Wooden Box
- Simplistic Phonograph
Rugs:
- Slime Rug
- Slippery Rug (increases movement speed)
Roller Coaster Components:
- Building Permit for Basic Roller Coaster Pieces
- Building Permit for Big Loop Roller Coaster Pieces
- Building Permit for Banana Loop Roller Coaster Pieces
- Building Permit for Serpentine Roller Coaster Pieces
- Roller Coaster Car
After completing research on an item, it becomes available for purchase in the Research Store, located to the right of the entrance inside the Research Lab building.
Purchasing Researched Items
Items in the Research Store are purchased using Wishing Stars, not gold. Prices are significant:
- Basic items: 60+ Wishing Stars
- Roller coaster blueprints: Price varies (likely higher)
Start your research as soon as you unlock the lab, prioritize items that match your goals, and steadily work toward higher Control Console levels. The interactive possibilities waiting at Levels 3-5 make the investment worthwhile for players who enjoy creative building and social gameplay.
