Scouring the post-apocalyptic wilderness of Oregon in Days Gone offers plenty of challenges, but few are as rewarding as tracking down the elusive IPCA Tech pieces scattered across the map. These secret collectibles are highly sought after by completionists looking to unlock a special endgame surprise that pays homage to classic gaming history. Finding all eighteen components requires a sharp eye, careful exploration of abandoned outposts, and a willingness to confront dangerous environments long after the main story concludes.
Understanding the Purpose of Secret Tech Components
Before embarking on this extensive scavenger hunt, players should understand exactly what these microchips are used for in the grand scheme of the game. Collecting all eighteen pieces allows Deacon St. John to craft a powerful hidden weapon known as the NERO Stun Gun once the campaign wraps up. This special blueprint becomes available during the post-game narrative phase, making the collection process an excellent endgame goal for dedicated survivors.
Unlike standard resources that respawn over time, each piece of advanced technology is a unique collectible tied to a specific coordinate on the world map. Players can track their overall progress through the main storyline menus to see how many total items remain undiscovered. If you want to expand your arsenal, discovering the hidden components provides a fun challenge that enhances your tactical options against the Freaker hordes.
Searching NERO Checkpoints and Research Sites
The vast majority of the hidden components are located near official NERO infrastructure, specifically surrounding the mobile medical units and remote observation posts. To find the technology, players must thoroughly search the immediate perimeter for deceased researchers wearing distinct white hazmat suits. Looting these specific bodies is the only way to obtain the microchips, meaning standard container looting will not yield results.
Many of these bodies are positioned just outside the main buildings, hidden behind military vehicles, or tucked away inside medical tents. For example, checking the interior of the white tents at early locations like Little Bear Lake will yield your first piece of advanced technology fairly quickly. Other pieces require navigating tricky environmental hazards or using your motorcycle to jump across deep chasms to reach isolated research ledges.
Tracking Discarded Items Across Different Regions
As players progress through the dangerous open world, they will need to revisit multiple distinct territories, from the dense woodlands of the Cascade region to the volcanic landscapes further south. Several pieces are hidden in highly inconspicuous areas, such as long storm drains or small bodies of water located directly behind major landmarks like the old sawmill. Returning to these locations during the daytime can make spotting the white hazmat suits significantly easier against the dark terrain.
Some pieces will require players to clear out nearby threats before safely conducting a thorough investigation of the area. Ambush camps and local Ripper territories often border these high-value research zones, adding a layer of tactical combat to your exploration efforts. Taking the time to secure the surrounding area ensures you can scan the environment using survival vision without being ambushed by roaming enemies.
Finalizing the Crafting Process in the Post Game
Once the final piece of technology is secured and the main campaign is officially completed, players can finally utilize their hard-earned materials at any available weapon bench. The secret project requires all eighteen pieces to assemble, meaning missing even a single microchip will prevent the blueprint from activating. The resulting weapon serves as a fantastic easter egg that rewards players for their thorough dedication to exploring every corner of the map.
In addition to unlocking the unique firearm, completing this elaborate scavenger hunt contributes significantly toward achieving total game completion statistics. It encourages players to appreciate the environmental storytelling left behind by the researchers who came before them. Gathering every piece ultimately provides a satisfying conclusion to Deacon's long journey through the beautiful yet unforgiving wilderness.
