Aniilog: Field Notes, Topics and Research Points explained
Every first catch unlocks that Aniimo’s entry in the Aniilog. To earn Research Points, catch new species (the most efficient way), complete Field Notes (fast) and progress Topics (simpler). Then report at an Outpost: that’s where the points are cashed in, along with Credits and Safaris that raise your character level.
On this page
The Aniilog is the Polaris Institute’s encyclopedia. It does more than list the Aniimo you’ve seen: it’s a full progression system with Research Points, a level and rewards. Here’s how it works, based on the in-game help center and tutorials.
On PC, the Aniilog opens with the K key.
Unlocking an entry
When you catch an Aniimo for the first time, its Aniilog entry unlocks. It gathers:
- its Field Notes, with clues on how to complete them;
- its research Topic progress;
- its traits and combat skills;
- its evolutions: most Aniimo can evolve, and the Aniilog has the details;
- the Forms page.
On aniimo.guide, every Aniimo page covers this too. For example, Celestis’s Aniilog section lists its Field Notes (hint, how to complete, points) and its tiered research objectives, and its evolution section gives the requirements. All pages are in the Aniidex.
Field Notes
Each Field Note matches a specific observation of the Aniimo. Tap an entry to see its clues and how to complete it. Some entries can even track the target’s location to lead you there.
Completing Field Notes is a fast way to earn Research Points.
Topics
Topics are research goals: their progress appears in the Aniimo’s entry as soon as you catch it. They’re the simplest option for building up points. The labels found in the game give an idea of what’s asked:
- catch an Aniimo, catch from behind, catch while in BREAK, catch an Elite Aniimo or an Alpha;
- defeat an Aniimo, including with an Elemental Counter;
- use skills, rare skills or Ultimates, trigger elemental reactions;
- evolve an Aniimo or complete a full evolution;
- collect forms, obtain a Sparkling.
The Forms page
The Forms page records every form of an Aniimo family. Recording more special forms also improves that family’s passive abilities. A good reason not to stop at the Basic Form.
Earning Research Points
| Method | What the in-game help says |
|---|---|
| Catch new Aniimo | The most efficient way to earn a large number of points |
| Complete Field Notes | A fast way |
| Progress Topics | A simpler option |
| Catch a Sparkling Aniimo | Also earns Research Points |
| Snap special behaviors | Unlocks research entries |
Reporting at an Outpost
Research only counts once it’s reported. After catching, head to an Outpost and use the Research Console, which syncs your catch research results to your Aniilog.
Reporting gives you:
- Credits for each caught Aniimo you report;
- Research Points and Safaris for each completed research entry;
- an Innate Potential rating for each caught Aniimo, in four tiers: Common, Good, Elite and Perfect.
Research Points raise your Aniilog level; Safaris raise your character level, which improves your Pathfinder abilities.
In Companion Mode, when the group’s guide reports their catches, the other members get rewards too.
Aniilog level
Research Points are used to raise the Aniilog level. An Elite Training tip ties each kind of unlock to an amount of points:
| Unlock | Amount of Research Points |
|---|---|
| New Aniimo | massive |
| Field Notes entries | large |
| Aniimo forms | large |
| Research Topic entries | small |
The text says these amounts are “required”, but the order matches exactly how the help center ranks the ways to earn points (new Aniimo the most rewarding, Topics the smallest). The game gives no figures.
In the Aniilog, a button lets you submit your research report to raise its level.
The Aniilog also has per-region levels: Elite Training asks you, for example, to raise “Aniilog - Breezy Plains” to levels 3, 5, 7, 8 and then 9. The help texts don’t publish how many points each level takes.
Collection Progress by area
Alongside the Aniilog, each area tracks its Collection Progress: the Aniimo families living there and the ones you’ve caught. You can check it on the map with the Aniimo Distribution button or by zooming all the way out, and from the area screen, which also shows the badge requirements.
- At 40%, you earn the area’s Bronze Collection Badge, which unlocks Nurture.
- Silver and Gold badges then unlock Ecosystem Intervention and Prismatic Resonance.
- Catching new Aniimo and raising regional Collection Progress also earns Safaris.
These badges are covered in prismatic energy and weather, and the map in map, Blooms and teleporting.
A simple research routine
- Catch every new species you come across, even if you don’t plan to battle with it.
- Open its entry and read its Field Notes: note the ones you can complete on the spot.
- Get the camera out when a wild Aniimo does something unusual.
- Report regularly at an Outpost to cash in points, Credits and Safaris.
- Go after special forms of families you use: they improve that family’s passive abilities.
For catching techniques (BREAK, stealth, catching from behind), see how to catch an Aniimo.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unlock an Aniimo’s Aniilog entry?
Catch it for the first time. Its entry then opens, with its Field Notes, research Topics, traits, combat skills and evolutions.
What’s the fastest way to earn Research Points?
According to the in-game help, catching new Aniimo is the most efficient way to earn a large number of points. Field Notes are also fast, and Topics are a simpler option.
Why aren’t my Research Points counting yet?
Completed research has to be reported at an Outpost. Until you report, your Aniilog level doesn’t go up.
What is the Forms page for?
It records every form of an Aniimo family. Recording more special forms also improves that family’s passive abilities.
Do photos count toward research?
Yes. Photographing a wild Aniimo while it shows a special behavior unlocks research entries, which you can then view in the Aniilog.