Desert Research Lab, also known as Tierra Robada Research Lab, refers to an unnamed facility in far north-eastern Tierra Robada, lying on the border of Bone County and to the north-west of the Ghost Town. The location comprises of a single multi-storey central building and a large parking lot capable of accommodating many vehicles. It is unknown if the Lab is a government asset or is privately owned.
There are no discernable signs or logos around the facility and as such, the installation is completely unnamed. However, inspecting the game files reveals the building model to be des_reslab_.[1] Using existing model naming conventions as a base, it is a safe assumption that this abbreviation stands for Desert Research Lab. The complete lack of labelling on the building's exterior or any commercial signage on the access road implies the facility is intended to be hidden from the public and its research projects may be of a clandestine nature. Adding credence to this is the fact that the location is not named on any official map. However, this theory conflicts with the building's location in close proximity to a public main road. The Lab and surrounding area is completely unutilized in the game and is never mentioned. It is unknown if it would have played a role in any cut content as no left-over files that reference the location are present.
The facility appears to be built into the rock behind it, suggesting it may be larger than it appears and continue deep into the rock or even underground. Some have theorized that it may be the entry point of an underground military base and even connected to Area 69. While the Lab may extend further into the rock surrounding it, it is unlikely to be part of an underground network however, due to the facilities complete lack of security, especially when compared to that of Area 69. Furthermore, the model name in the game files betray its true purpose as that of a research lab, not an underground entry point.
No npcs seem to frequent the area and no vehicles are ever seen to use the access road. This gives the impression that the facility is abandoned or perhaps in the final stages of construction. It is possible that the Lab is in a quarantined state and is not currently operational. It is notable that one of the points marked on the UFO Map is just a few meters immediately south of the building. This has led some to believe the Lab may be involved in UFO research. While the Lab's close proximity to a location marked on the UFO map may support this theory, there appears to be no facilities on-site capable of storing or receiving large aircraft.
While mystery still surrounds the facility to this day, it is most likely the building is merely a laboratory specializing in biological research and is intentionally isolated to insulate the general public from potentially dangerous pathogens.
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