Quick Answer
Enter the Research Building between Marano Park and Space Travel, then find the room that overlooks Marano Park and contains the yellow Cryogenic Hazard container.
- Use the floor where the upward and downward ziplines align as your strongest interior landmark.
- Look for the large yellow seed vault on the left side of the room.
- Use the Secure Seeds prompt, then pick up the Experimental Seed Sample that drops onto the floor.
- Safe-pocket the sample if possible and extract in the same raid.
The Root of the Matter Requirements
Complete Untended Garden before starting The Root of the Matter, then deploy to Buried City with cheap gear and an augment that gives you a safe pocket if available.
This is a one-round quest and the Experimental Seed Sample must leave the raid with you, so protecting that item matters more than bringing an expensive combat kit.
Which Room Has the Great View?
The correct room is the Research Building room that overlooks Marano Park and contains a large yellow Cryogenic Hazard container. The view is the reliable cue because the building has windows on several sides.
Inside, use the level where the upward and downward ziplines align as your navigation landmark, then move toward the northern side facing the park. From the doorway, confirm both the park view and the yellow capsule-shaped container before you interact.
How to Reach the Research Building and the Right Floor
Approach the Research Building from the Marano Park side and use the interior ziplines to reach the level where the upward and downward lines align.
- Enter the Research Building from the side nearest Marano Park when practical.
- Move to the interior zipline route instead of searching every windowed room.
- Stop at the level where the up and down ziplines align and head toward the park-facing side.
- Confirm the room by spotting Marano Park through the opening and the yellow Cryogenic Hazard container inside.
The surrounding high-loot buildings make this a busy PvP area. Watch the park and street approaches for ARC and other raiders before committing to the room.
How to Secure the Seeds
Interact with the large yellow cylinder or capsule labeled Cryogenic Hazard on the left side of the room. The interaction prompt reads Secure Seeds.
The Experimental Seed Sample drops onto the floor after the interaction rather than going straight into your inventory, so look down, pick it up, and move it into a safe pocket immediately if you have one.
How to Extract with the Seed Sample
Leave the Research Building with the Experimental Seed Sample and use a nearby extraction, with the Metro Entrance in Marano Park to the west being the shortest obvious route. A northern subway exit is the main alternative.
Be careful in Marano Park because ARC can patrol the area. If you die with the sample unprotected, you will need to repeat the room visit and secure another sample.
The Root of the Matter Rewards
Turn the Experimental Seed Sample in to Celeste to receive the Succulent Backpack Charm and 1,000 Coins.
| Reward | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Succulent Backpack Charm | Cosmetic | Backpack charm reward |
| 1,000 Coins | Currency | Direct coin reward |
What Comes After The Root of the Matter
Water Troubles uses The Root of the Matter in its prerequisite chain, continuing Celeste's water-related arc. The broader route also includes Source of the Contamination, Switching the Supply, and A Warm Place to Rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the room with a great view?
Inside the Research Building on Buried City. Find the park-facing room that overlooks Marano Park and contains the large yellow Cryogenic Hazard seed vault.
Which floor is the seed vault on?
Use the interior level where the upward and downward ziplines align, then move toward the Marano Park-facing side. That landmark is more reliable than counting floors from different entrances.
Do you need to extract with the Experimental Seed Sample?
Yes. Pick the sample up after it drops from the vault, safe-pocket it if possible, and extract in the same raid.
How do you unlock The Root of the Matter?
Complete Untended Garden first.
What does the seed vault look like?
It is a large yellow cylindrical or capsule-shaped container labeled Cryogenic Hazard with a snowflake warning sticker. The prompt reads Secure Seeds.