Mass Effect: Andromeda’s comprehensive inventory system can be overwhelming, considering all the various technologies from which weapons and armor are derived. This chapter includes data tables covering all weapons, armor, consumables, and materials found throughout the Heleus Cluster.
For Research and Development purposes, it helps to understand how items are created—what kinds of materials a species uses in their tech, where to find minerals, what wildlife can be harvested for bio-materials, and so forth. For example, most Milky Way equipment requires omni-gel, an all-purpose material of alloys and synthetic polymers. Omni-gel can be found by defeating Milky Way exiles or purchased from vendors (such as those on the Nexus).
Furthermore, certain research blueprints aren’t available for purchase until prerequisite conditions are met.