Newcomer / Intro You can't get there from here

[Abil Midena]

So. I'm a noob in solo with the default sidewinder. I've done some bounty hunting and have some credits.

A mission pops up from the Fed Navy to find some combat stabilizers. After checking the gal map and fining none, I check the forums and find Thrudds website. I locate the system (Caelottixa) that supposedly will have some. The first time I click on 'plot route', it works. Ok. I go back to the system I'm in in the gal map, then click on Caelottixa again...the route disappears, and now the 'plot route' button is red, as if I can't get there. Huh?

Either way, this mission is a big fat fail. The very first mission offered by the Fed Navy. Had I not used Thrudds, I never would have found the system that had them. Even with Thrudds, I can't get there.

Questions:
1. Why was this mission even offered as "available"? My little sidewinder doesn't have the range to get there, apparently.
2. Why doesn't it give you the info needed to make an informed decision on whether or not to take the mission?

It's like it doesn't want you to know that you don't have the minimum info/ship/whatever to do the mission. If you decline, and spend 5 min looking at the gal map to discover if you can do it or not, when you go back to the BBS, the mission's gone (usually).

Is that the intention? If so, I'll ignore missions from now.
It's like USS's and all cargo in space is 'stolen'. I just ignore USS's now (unless bounty hunting) and all cargo in space.

Pretty soon I'll end up ignoring everything in the game and play something else I guess.

 

[Kalara]

In short (as there are many other threads about this) :
All your mass factors into your jump range.
You picked up 4 tonnes of cargo (or whatever amount), but that reduced your jump range below the minimum needed to make your way back.

In the route planner you can also select the navigation with a slider of how much cargo you'll be carrying. That way you can check.

Now if all that worked for you, I suspect you would have wrote another post if you actually commpleted that mission.
I recall those stabilizers being illegal goods

This is a game that doesn't hold your hand, a rare thing these days, but something to getr accustomed too.

 

[SpydersByte]

So. I'm a noob in solo with the default sidewinder. I've done some bounty hunting and have some credits.

A mission pops up from the Fed Navy to find some combat stabilizers. After checking the gal map and fining none, I check the forums and find Thrudds website. I locate the system (Caelottixa) that supposedly will have some. The first time I click on 'plot route', it works. Ok. I go back to the system I'm in in the gal map, then click on Caelottixa again...the route disappears, and now the 'plot route' button is red, as if I can't get there. Huh?

You're being a little vague and confusing here. I don't understand what changed between the two times you attempted to plot a route but many things affect that. Did you fill up with cargo or add a weighty module? Weight will decrease your jumprange. Did you have "use longest route" checked? Only then will it take your max jump range into account. Did you give the galaxy map a minute to load it's web? Route plotting is not instant and the further you are from your destination the longer it will take to plot. I suggest you hang out at the station while it loads and plot your route before leaving. There is a simulated weight slider in case you aren't currently loaded but plan to pick something up mid-way and want to make sure you can still complete the route.

Either way, this mission is a big fat fail. The very first mission offered by the Fed Navy. Had I not used Thrudds, I never would have found the system that had them. Even with Thrudds, I can't get there.

You certainly didn't have to take that mission, and it would've probably been wise to check out the different types of missions and what they require. Some are incredibly simple "take data to station X" that require no hold space. If there is no mission available that you'd like to do, move to another station, and if you want to be efficient try to make a profit while moving.

Questions:
1. Why was this mission even offered as "available"? My little sidewinder doesn't have the range to get there, apparently.

Apparently you can get there because you said it successfully plotted the route the first time. Even so, the missions are not catered to what your ship can do, not sure why you'd think they are.

2. Why doesn't it give you the info needed to make an informed decision on whether or not to take the mission?

Because it's asking you to pick up a commodity. If it knew the location, they'd probably get it for themselves FYI - you just happened to have picked the worst kind of mission. Never grab the ones that are requesting items for exactly this reason - you don't know where they are, how much they cost, or what it will take for you to get there and back.

It's like it doesn't want you to know that you don't have the minimum info/ship/whatever to do the mission. If you decline, and spend 5 min looking at the gal map to discover if you can do it or not, when you go back to the BBS, the mission's gone (usually).

Missions are simply missions, its entirely possible (and realistic) that the station needs a combat mission done while you're in a hauler. Solution - don't take that mission.

EDIT: Take a look at this thread to familiarize yourself with the mission types:
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=79698

 

[ReaperAlex]

oh god, that brings back memories. when i first got that mission (it's the rank up mission to increase your federal rank) i was living in LHS 3447 with the 100K Ls trek from star to station. even on my 3rd attempt i could not do it in time due to the long trek from star to station. eventually i filled up with the goods then waited for a mission to appear so i could hand it in instantly!

that mission will keep coming back and can appear anywhere a federal aligned mission could appear (so fed systems are obvious, but also some non-fed systems that have fed factions inside). it might be worth spending a little time by the source of the combat stabs until you get the mission again. then it will just be a short trip round the block to complete it.

do consider upgrading your FSD though as that will open up your ability to move about. also if you're still there move out of LHS 3447, that 100K Ls trek is a complete waste of time most systems have a much shorter trip to station.

one more thing, even the amount of fuel you have will affect your jump distance. i use the slider to calculate if i can get back or not before i do a long trip. one time i got there, filled up on goods and fuel then could not get back, reason being my newly filled fuel tank had just tipped me over the limit. a little time in supercruise later burning off fuel and i was on my way again.

 

[InMemoriamSirocco]

You certainly didn't have to take that mission, and it would've probably been wise to check out the different types of missions and what they require. Some are incredibly simple "take data to station X" that require no hold space. If there is no mission available that you'd like to do, move to another station, and if you want to be efficient try to make a profit while moving.

Even so, the missions are not catered to what your ship can do, not sure why you'd think they are.

Missions are simply missions, its entirely possible (and realistic) that the station needs a combat mission done while you're in a hauler. Solution - don't take that mission.

What is NOT realistic or plausible, however, is that someone sends you on a pirate hunt in a Hauler equipped with a mining laser. In Elite 2 and 3 the mission givers would sometimes tell you to get lost because you did not have the right rank to deal with this kind of threat.

Yet in Elite Dangerous, greenhorns in starter Sidewinders get hired to engage Elite Anacondas in 1 on 1 comba, while the very same faction "does not trust you enough" to send you on a simple data delivery.

I am with the OP on this one. Some missions should not be offered to people. The mission he chose could easily have informed him: "Your ship won't have enough jump range to make the jump with a full cargo hold". That's a concern an employer would actually have, I presume, when hiring someone to make a delivery.

 

[Abil Midena]

In short (as there are many other threads about this) :
All your mass factors into your jump range.
You picked up 4 tonnes of cargo (or whatever amount), but that reduced your jump range below the minimum needed to make your way back.

In the route planner you can also select the navigation with a slider of how much cargo you'll be carrying. That way you can check.

Now if all that worked for you, I suspect you would have wrote another post if you actually commpleted that mission.
I recall those stabilizers being illegal goods

This is a game that doesn't hold your hand, a rare thing these days, but something to getr accustomed too.

No. I tried to plot the course TO the place where I would pick up the cargo. i.e. I am in an empty stock sidewinder. Can't get there. I don't need hand holding, as you imply.

And yeah, that's the other plus, it wasn't marked as a mission that was 'considered illegal' or 'carries a fine', so there was no way for me to know the stabilizers were illegal.

Thanks tho.

 

[SpydersByte]

What is NOT realistic or plausible, however, is that someone sends you on a pirate hunt in a Hauler equipped with a mining laser. In Elite 2 and 3 the mission givers would sometimes tell you to get lost because you did not have the right rank to deal with this kind of threat.

Yet in Elite Dangerous, greenhorns in starter Sidewinders get hired to engage Elite Anacondas in 1 on 1 comba, while the very same faction "does not trust you enough" to send you on a simple data delivery.

I am with the OP on this one. Some missions should not be offered to people. The mission he chose could easily have informed him: "Your ship won't have enough jump range to make the jump with a full cargo hold". That's a concern an employer would actually have, I presume, when hiring someone to make a delivery.

I completely disagree with your point. This is a supposed to be a bulletin board remember, not a personal communication from the station authorities to you. When you glance at a bulletin board there's a huge chance not everything will apply to you or could be accomplished by you. They are advertising what they need, not what you need them to need. It's your responsibility to make sure you can do what is asked of you, and there's every tool needed to do so in-game (ie. the weight slider).

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No. I tried to plot the course TO the place where I would pick up the cargo. i.e. I am in an empty stock sidewinder. Can't get there. I don't need hand holding, as you imply.

And yeah, that's the other plus, it wasn't marked as a mission that was 'considered illegal' or 'carries a fine', so there was no way for me to know the stabilizers were illegal.

Thanks tho.

Did you read my post? You said it was able to plot the first time, so obviously something changed. Make sure that you have "fastest route" checked and that you give the galaxy map time to load the route, it's not instant.

 

[InMemoriamSirocco]

I completely disagree with your point. This is a supposed to be a bulletin board remember, not a personal communication from the station authorities to you.

Only that, in the previous Elite titles, the "Bulletin Board" was exactly that. A list of contacts you could personally talk to and negotiate with. And those contacts would sometimes refuse to deal with you because you were not the type of guy they were looking for - or not flying the right ship for the job.

 

[Abil Midena]

You're being a little vague and confusing here. I don't understand what changed between the two times you attempted to plot a route but many things affect that. Did you fill up with cargo or add a weighty module? Weight will decrease your jumprange. Did you have "use longest route" checked? Only then will it take your max jump range into account. Did you give the galaxy map a minute to load it's web? Route plotting is not instant and the further you are from your destination the longer it will take to plot. I suggest you hang out at the station while it loads and plot your route before leaving. There is a simulated weight slider in case you aren't currently loaded but plan to pick something up mid-way and want to make sure you can still complete the route.



You certainly didn't have to take that mission, and it would've probably been wise to check out the different types of missions and what they require. Some are incredibly simple "take data to station X" that require no hold space. If there is no mission available that you'd like to do, move to another station, and if you want to be efficient try to make a profit while moving.



Apparently you can get there because you said it successfully plotted the route the first time. Even so, the missions are not catered to what your ship can do, not sure why you'd think they are.



Because it's asking you to pick up a commodity. If it knew the location, they'd probably get it for themselves FYI - you just happened to have picked the worst kind of mission. Never grab the ones that are requesting items for exactly this reason - you don't know where they are, how much they cost, or what it will take for you to get there and back.



Missions are simply missions, its entirely possible (and realistic) that the station needs a combat mission done while you're in a hauler. Solution - don't take that mission.

EDIT: Take a look at this thread to familiarize yourself with the mission types:
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=79698

Sorry if anything was vague. I went to the gal map, typed in the system name I found in Thrudds, then clicked on 'plot route'. It seemed to work because I saw the orange lines showing the parts of the route, some were dashed, as expected. I'd have to refuel along the way. Then I clicked back on the arrow to show me where I was. When I did that, the highlighted orange route disappeared. When I clicked back on the arrow to show me the destination, the "plot route" button was now red.

I didn't mean they should tell me where to get it. I think you know that.

What I meant was I need *enough* info to do research and *enough time* to make my own decision. I didn't get that with this mission. Basically, they did not tell me, nor give me enough information, to find out that the mission was unobtainium AND that it would be illegal. That's not right. It also doesn't give you time to research, because if you spend 5 min to do so, you go back to the bbs and mission has disappeared. That's not right either.

So what you said "Never grab the ones that are requesting items" is true. So why put them in the game? It's like USS's if not bounty hunting...ignore them because ALL CARGO FLOATING IN SPACE IS STOLEN.

 

[SpydersByte]

Sorry if anything was vague. I went to the gal map, typed in the system name I found in Thrudds, then clicked on 'plot route'. It seemed to work because I saw the orange lines showing the parts of the route, some were dashed, as expected. I'd have to refuel along the way. Then I clicked back on the arrow to show me where I was. When I did that, the highlighted orange route disappeared. When I clicked back on the arrow to show me the destination, the "plot route" button was now red.

Hmmm, without watching it I can't really be sure what happened. It kinda sounds like a bug but it's possible you clicked something mistakenly. I know I've plotted routes and selected multiple different systems without the route disappearing.

What I meant was I need *enough* info to do research and *enough time* to make my own decision. I didn't get that with this mission. Basically, they did not tell me, nor give me enough information, to find out that the mission was unobtainium AND that it would be illegal. That's not right. It also doesn't give you time to research, because if you spend 5 min to do so, you go back to the bbs and mission has disappeared. That's not right either.

So what you said "Never grab the ones that are requesting items" is true. So why put them in the game? It's like USS's if not bounty hunting...ignore them because ALL CARGO FLOATING IN SPACE IS STOLEN.

It should tell you when "activity is considered illegal" but maybe that's only combat missions. I've known to stay away from these cargo fetch missions so I can't say exactly how they work in that regard. As far as why they exist? I'm not sure, it's probably possible to make decent money if you know where to pick up what you need at a good price close by. USS's are pointless unless you have a mission that is pointing you toward them though, you're correct. The cargo is space is stolen but it's actually pretty easy to get into a station without being scanned, or to simply use an outpost. I'd definitely never go searching through USS's just to find some cargo though.

Honestly you'd be best off searching for a good trade route, and once you've made a "home" for yourself and are familiar with your adjacent systems then start picking up the one-way transport runs (they're usually only one or two jumps) while doing your cargo runs for profit. If none are available you don't have to pick up anything, just concern yourself with money-making. Once you've make enough to have a dedicated hauler and dedicated fighter you'll find that you're now able to accept and complete pretty much anything they throw at you. Money first, then missions.

 

[Abil Midena]

The last thing I'll say on this is that the mission on the BBS should give you enough info *to make a decision*. Examples:

No, it doesn't need to say "hey, your sidewinder will be crushed if you go fight this target". All it has to say is "target was last seen in anaconda".

It doesn't need to say "this is highly illegal" although it's nice if it does. It should be clear somehow, like "pick up a load of crack". No, "combat stimulants" asked for by the Federal Navy is not clear enough. As a matter of fact, a mission from the Fed Navy shouldn't ask for *anything* illegal, until maybe you're at a high rank with them, i.e. invested and trusted.

It should also give me a reasonable amount of time to do some basic research before removing the mission offer. I don't know what that time limit is, but instantaneous is not it.

Hopefully, people see what I mean.

 

[SpydersByte]

The last thing I'll say on this is that the mission on the BBS should give you enough info *to make a decision*. Examples:

No, it doesn't need to say "hey, your sidewinder will be crushed if you go fight this target". All it has to say is "target was last seen in anaconda".

It doesn't need to say "this is highly illegal" although it's nice if it does. It should be clear somehow, like "pick up a load of crack". No, "combat stimulants" asked for by the Federal Navy is not clear enough. As a matter of fact, a mission from the Fed Navy shouldn't ask for *anything* illegal, until maybe you're at a high rank with them, i.e. invested and trusted.

It should also give me a reasonable amount of time to do some basic research before removing the mission offer. I don't know what that time limit is, but instantaneous is not it.

Hopefully, people see what I mean.

I don't disagree. The BB could certainly use some more clarity, for sure. However as they stand I only have a big problem with the fetch quests, and I simply don't do them. I guess you could get fooled by an assassination mission once but you should quickly realize they're always Anacondas. Plus, there's plenty of time to escape when you find the guy, and you usually first meet a guy that tells you what system and ship your target is in. You'd have to abandon the mission, but at least it's not a doom-to-death. I don't think the missions should be so catered that you always know it'll be no problem. You should totally be able to be surprised by a stronger target than expected, I don't see that as unreasonable. (and honestly, with the current AI, you could probably take a conda in a sidey lol, I know I kill them in my weak eagle)
For the fetch quests are currently in-game economy tools don't allow for quick enough planning to meet the 5-minute BB refresh deadline though, I agree with that, and that's why I avoid em

 

[Abil Midena]

I don't disagree. The BB could certainly use some more clarity, for sure. However as they stand I only have a big problem with the fetch quests, and I simply don't do them. I guess you could get fooled by an assassination mission once but you should quickly realize they're always Anacondas. Plus, there's plenty of time to escape when you find the guy, and you usually first meet a guy that tells you what system and ship your target is in. You'd have to abandon the mission, but at least it's not a doom-to-death. I don't think the missions should be so catered that you always know it'll be no problem. You should totally be able to be surprised by a stronger target than expected, I don't see that as unreasonable. (and honestly, with the current AI, you could probably take a conda in a sidey lol, I know I kill them in my weak eagle)
For the fetch quests are currently in-game economy tools don't allow for quick enough planning to meet the 5-minute MM refresh deadline though, I agree with that, and that's why I avoid em

Yup. I hope FD is aware of these things.

 

[Crazy-Good]

The last thing I'll say on this is that the mission on the BBS should give you enough info *to make a decision*. Examples:

No, it doesn't need to say "hey, your sidewinder will be crushed if you go fight this target". All it has to say is "target was last seen in anaconda".

It doesn't need to say "this is highly illegal" although it's nice if it does. It should be clear somehow, like "pick up a load of crack". No, "combat stimulants" asked for by the Federal Navy is not clear enough. As a matter of fact, a mission from the Fed Navy shouldn't ask for *anything* illegal, until maybe you're at a high rank with them, i.e. invested and trusted.

It should also give me a reasonable amount of time to do some basic research before removing the mission offer. I don't know what that time limit is, but instantaneous is not it.

Hopefully, people see what I mean.

While I'll agree with you on some of this. Here is what I've learned.. Much like a newspaper, craigslist, whatever, the mission board doesn't know anything about you with the exception of your reputation and your max cargo capacity.

If the item is illegal, it will say that the item is illegal. You have to read the fine print. If you're not sure how to "smuggle" avoid those missions as the fine hit is usually a lot more than what you'll make off of them.

I usually fly a lot of black box, rebel transmissions, etc... missions. They all state the items are illegal.
There are also missions that ask you to get an item but that item must be marked STOLEN - that is also illegal.

Just because it's the Federation Navy or whoever asking you to commit the act has nothing to do with legality. Keep that in mind. I mean Ollie North traded weapons to the contras... (sorry if that is too local or dated of a reference)

Basically you're an independent pilot.. you get caught, why would they care? That's why drug dealers use young kids as runners and lookouts... they don't care and if the kid gets caught; it's on the kid and not them. The kid might spend a minute in Juvie or get told not to do it again.

I'd highly suggest downloading Elite Traders Bible or some other resource that shows which type of station carries what type of items. This will help with fetch missions. I also pay attention to the supply and demand, at times picking up extra and making a profit after the mission.

I don't usually go for combat missions as they are too dicey for me. From what I understand, the bigger the payout, the more difficult the enemy, however I cannot confirm.

I swore the missions told you something about jump distance as well. I'm not looking at the mission screen at the moment but I swore that was on there, at least for some of them.

If you need any help or have any questions about smuggling stuff around or more understanding of missions, feel free to contact me.

Man I hope you understand my rambling.

 

[Kalara]

No. I tried to plot the course TO the place where I would pick up the cargo. i.e. I am in an empty stock sidewinder. Can't get there. I don't need hand holding, as you imply.

And yeah, that's the other plus, it wasn't marked as a mission that was 'considered illegal' or 'carries a fine', so there was no way for me to know the stabilizers were illegal.

Thanks tho.

Hello Abil,

I apologize. When I read your first post I sort of understood you actually made it to that system in question, and couldn't return.
Nor was I trying to imply that you need hand-holding, I was just stating that this game isn't going to hold anyone by the hand, but maybe I could have worded it better.

The information you require to do a certain mission is not found on 1 specific tab. You need to check the system map, to see the station you are in regards any goods as illegal (because getting caught with them might have consequences), you use the galaxy map to plot routes, find out where things are being sold and so on ...

I do agree the missions, and their objectives coul be streamlined a bit more, but as I understand it the missions now are a sort of placeholder and they will be further developed a bit later on.

 

[emanzie]

When using the Galaxy map to plot a route, always do it when you have loaded up with fuel and cargo as this will affect your jump range.

If the system is farther than 20ly wait a while until the computer has plotted the route. You might have noticed a web like pattern emerging from your current location. This is the computer working out the various routes to other systems. Once the web has extended to your destination system, check the route again and you will see it has become available again.

This works on jumps in excess of 100ly as well but can take a while. If you want to get there without too many stops, select fasted route from the navigation tab.

 

[Abil Midena]

...You might have noticed a web like pattern emerging from your current location. This is the computer working out the various routes to other systems. Once the web has extended to your destination system, check the route again and you will see it has become available again...

This is the key. If you don't wait for the blue lines to get to the destination, you'll never be able to plot a course. You may still not be able to get there, but don't try until the blue lines get there first. The problem is that this is your only indication that you need to wait. If you didn't know that, you'd be looking at your destination wondering why you can't click on 'plot route'.

 

[Kancro Vantas]

Hmmm ok...your "not holding hands" has to go deeper for success with Missions.

Think that frustration and probably a misunderstood early answer on this thread led to more problema than needed.

GalMap will always refresh when you go and look at the system map, for instance, or go to another HUD. Seems you migh have plotted, went out or did something, cane back and searched the system before the refresh got there. Yes, also probably a bug -one I have not encountered or heard of in the forums- but tricky part is that you could get there based on some estimate initially. So sounds it was on you second time around.

To avoid all of that and many of your troubles, This is what I did and do: I traded first among neogboring systems and hot familiar to them by jotting doen every commodity, every price, every time. Talk about not holding hands...this is what we mean.

So when you read a mission, look thru your notes and see who has the commodity. For sure you can make it there, cause guess who recorded the data in the first place? not thrudds...YOU.

And, by the way, the missions do not always dissapear within 5 minutes...just ocasionally. So seems it was circumstancial. But if you had your notes...or excel sheet...or CMdR log...etc...you can make tge decision on a whimp.

Dont get discouraged by it, just wiser.
Good luck.

Ps.. They also always say if activity is illegal. If you didnt read that in the post, probably it wasnt. Stabilisers are illegal in most systems but not all.