Point by Point: What's Worth Collecting in Andromeda
Andromeda Viability Points
What are they?
You'll be introduced to these early in the game, they measure (in a vague, nebulous way) how hospitable Andromeda is settlement. The more points you get, the more colonists you can unfreeze. Each unfrozen colonist block works a bit like the War Table perks in Dragon Age: Inquisition– unfreezing one block might give you an extra weapons slot, unfreezing another might allow you better prices when trading, or a regular shipment of crafting supplies, etc.
How do you get them?
AVP can only be obtained by completing quests, you can never buy them, trade for them, or unlock a perk or augmentation that gets more for you.
Are there enough to buy everything?
Yes, with a caveat. While there are a finite number of AVP in the game, that number is way more than you need to bring all planets up to 100% Viability and to purchase every Cryo Pod perk allowed. However, while there are 28 perks, you can only purchase 20 in a regular playthrough, so you still have some choices to make.(UPDATE- with the patch announced May 9th, all perks will be available in a single playthrough.)
Research Data
What are they?
These points measure scientific knowledge, and they come in three flavors- Milky Way, Heleus, and Remnant. You can spend these points to research new gear. Since gear you research and make yourself holds augmentations, which bought or looted gear never can, research data is key to getting the best weapons and armor in the game.
How do you get them?
Mainly through the use of your scanner. Scan every new piece of machinery, tech, and enemy you come across to glean a little more info on its origins. There is also a Cryo Pod perk that gives your a regular drip feed of Milky Way research data.
Are there enough to buy everything?
No. There are a finite number of data sources in the game, and even the most assiduous scanner will never find enough to craft Level X versions of all the weapons and armor in the game. It best to experiment with weapons you've found or bought and, if you really like them, pony up the research points to make your own, better versions. Note that some weapons (like the Carnifex or Disciple) are 'known' technologies and never need to be researched. Other weapons (like the electrified Firaan) can only be made through research, and are not available for sale or looting).
Minerals
What are they?
Something of a series staple, these are mineral resources that you can use to actually craft the items you've researched.
How do you get them?
Many, many ways. You can mine for them in the NOMAD, discover rare deposits while scanning from the Tempest, buy them from shops, and find them as loot, or simply sticking out of the ground. Non mineral crafting components can only be found as loot, bought from stores, or acquired as perks deliveries.
Are there enough to buy everything?
Essentially yes. Because you can buy them with credits, and there are an infinite number of credits available, you'll never be outright prevented from crafting things. However, it's unlikely to come that- there are enough mineral s available in the course of normal play to make everything you could reasonably desire (You may hit a few bottlenecks in the very early game, particularly with Element Zero, but keep forging ahead with your tasks and you'll pick up the needed eezo soon enough).
Credits:
What are they?
The currency of the Initiative, eventually accepted by the Angarans as well. You can use them to by weapons, gear, mods, augmentations and vehicle upgrades, but you can't buy XP, AVP, Fusion Mods, or augmented weapons & armor.
How do I get them? Mainly by selling salvage- random loot you come across in the field that exists only to be sold as credits (salvage never counts against your inventory total, so loot as much as you like). You can also sell your own gear. There are some Cryo Pod perks that effect credits, giving you better store prices, resale rates, and even delivering credits directlyto you every so often.
Are there enough to buy everything? Yes, an infinite number of enemies means infinite loot and infinite credits. You are likely to end the game with far more credits than you'll ever need.