Newcomer / Intro Questions about source-and return-missions, permit-locked systems, and unavailable routes

[FugueLife]

Very new player here. I recently took a handful of source-and-return missions only to find that the materials I'm trying to source are, seemingly, available only in Pilot's Federation systems, which I'm now banished from. I have a couple questions about this and would be very grateful for any help with any of them.

1. When I search the commodities market for a material I'm trying to source, and it lists only one system that produces it, and that system is a Pilot's Federation system, does that mean I simply haven't explored enough of the galaxy yet to have access to markets that produce that material? Is there another reason why the commodities market would list only Pilot's Federation systems (typically Dromi)?

2. Several times, I've sourced a material to a system, traveled to it, only to get a "Route Unavailable" message when I try to plot a route to a port in that system. Does that mean this system is permit locked? I'm flying an Adder with an upgraded FSD, and I'm in system when I get this message, so unless I'm completely misunderstanding this mechanic, it isn't a jump range issue.

3. Given that several materials seem curiously unavailable, and many routes seem curiously unavailable, I'm getting the sense that source-and-return missions are better undertaken when I've explored more of the galaxy. Is this accurate? Is there another reason why I'm running into these brick walls?

Thanks for any help!

 

[metatheurgist]

1. Not sure about how the ingame tools work. it's possible they only show markets you've visited, but it's unlikely there are items only available in the starter zone.

2. The plot route icon only works for system to system. In-system it will give you that message which is not very intuitive. Just use the icon next to it (one that looks like a downward arrow).

3. I doubt those materials are unavailable. You can try search with a 3rd party tool like eddb. Sadly I don't know how the ingame tools work as I've been conditioned to not use them.

 

[NorthernDevo]

Very new player here. I recently took a handful of source-and-return missions only to find that the materials I'm trying to source are, seemingly, available only in Pilot's Federation systems, which I'm now banished from. I have a couple questions about this and would be very grateful for any help with any of them.

1. When I search the commodities market for a material I'm trying to source, and it lists only one system that produces it, and that system is a Pilot's Federation system, does that mean I simply haven't explored enough of the galaxy yet to have access to markets that produce that material? Is there another reason why the commodities market would list only Pilot's Federation systems (typically Dromi)?

It's difficult to say without knowing what the commodity you're sourcing is, but you can be assured that it will be available in a number of systems - it's a big Bubble.
The best place to check is here:
EDDB.io
Open the Database, select 'Commodities' then look for your commodity. Below the 'overview', enter the appropriate fields - it's pretty self explanatory - and it will tell you where the commodity is available for sale.
The reason you're only seeing information mainly from the Pilot's Federation Kiddie Pool is because those are the stations you've visited and checked the markets. Dromi will come up often because as your starting system, you used it the most. Using the in-game tools, you will need to fly to markets - each station - and get their info, or buy it if you're within (I believe) 20LY.

2. Several times, I've sourced a material to a system, traveled to it, only to get a "Route Unavailable" message when I try to plot a route to a port in that system. Does that mean this system is permit locked? I'm flying an Adder with an upgraded FSD, and I'm in system when I get this message, so unless I'm completely misunderstanding this mechanic, it isn't a jump range issue.

OK - let's make sure I understand you. You find out that the commodity (NOT 'Material', BTW - materials are different) is at a particular port in a system. You fly TO that system then can't get a route to the station?
OK - the reason for that is you're using the wrong button. The 'route plotter' is for FSD jumps to new star systems, not for Supercruising around in a system. On your map, merely find the station and lock it using the 'select' button. You can now fly to it. Alternatively, you can locate the station in your left-hand NAV panel and lock it there. If you're in the system, it is not permit locked - a permit-locked system will say it's permit locked.

3. Given that several materials seem curiously unavailable, and many routes seem curiously unavailable, I'm getting the sense that source-and-return missions are better undertaken when I've explored more of the galaxy. Is this accurate? Is there another reason why I'm running into these brick walls?

Naah - just inexperience. Source and return are decent jobs to get you going in the bubble. You don't make much coin, but you develop contacts, raise your standing amongst numerous factions. They're somewhat fun - I'll do one or two if the pay's decent - and lets you practice finding commodities and new systems.
These aren't brick walls; they're learning opportunities.

Cheers! And welcome to the Galaxy.

 

[Para Handy]

In addition to all of the above which are quite correct:

There are commodities that you are asked to obtain in missions but which are only produced in a few places. None of those places are in the Pilot's Federation Administration systems. I used to have a list of these but I cannot find it, you get used to them though and learn not to take those missions. An example is: Power Converter only produced by Industrial/Extraction near Lakota worth remembering as it is easy to confuse with a Power Generator in mission text.

There are also other commodities that are only available in a single place, these are called "Rare Goods" and the profit from trading them is proportional to the distance you have hauled them (up to 170ly I think) - you are never asked for these in a mission.

Lastly, for completeness, there are commodities that are only ever available as rewards for carrying out missions - obviously you are never asked to go get these (except for one instance or providing some of them for access to a particular engineer).

INARA lists used to have icons highlighting these commodities (not the rare goods) but I can't see that any more - maybe I am misremembering.

 

[FugueLife]

Thanks! This answered all my questions.