In Starfield, resources play a vital role in crafting, trading, and completing various quests across the Settled Systems. One mission that often catches the attention of players is the task to supply Ytterbium to Jemison, a planet located in the Alpha Centauri system and home to the bustling city of New Atlantis. This mission combines resource gathering, planetary exploration, and the economics of interstellar trade. Understanding how to supply Ytterbium to Jemison effectively can make the difference between a simple delivery job and a profitable, strategic trade opportunity within Starfield’s expansive galaxy.
Understanding Ytterbium in Starfield
Ytterbium is a rare resource in Starfield, often classified as an exotic or high-value element used in crafting advanced technology and building high-tier equipment. In the game’s lore, Ytterbium represents one of the crucial elements for powering certain devices or refining complex materials. Because of its rarity, players often need to explore specific planets to mine or extract it, making it a key component for late-game progress.
When you receive a mission or contract to supply Ytterbium to Jemison, you’re engaging in one of the many trade and delivery mechanics that Bethesda has integrated into Starfield’s open-world design. This type of mission encourages exploration and rewards resource management skills, emphasizing how vital logistics are in a galaxy driven by commerce and technology.
Jemison and Its Significance
Jemison is one of the most important planets in Starfield. It is part of the Alpha Centauri system and serves as the location of New Atlantis, the capital city of the United Colonies. This planet represents civilization and progress, acting as a central hub for trade, diplomacy, and industry. Many missions both story-related and faction-based originate or conclude on Jemison, making it a frequent stop for players.
Supplying Ytterbium to Jemison aligns with the planet’s role as an industrial and commercial center. Whether the mission is a part of a faction contract, a merchant quest, or a personal trading venture, bringing rare materials like Ytterbium to Jemison supports the city’s continuous demand for technological resources. In gameplay terms, these supply missions often reward credits, experience points, and potential reputation boosts with certain factions or companies.
Where to Find Ytterbium
Before you can supply Ytterbium to Jemison, you need to locate it. Ytterbium can be found on specific planets throughout the Settled Systems. It’s not a common element like Iron or Nickel, so you’ll need to use your ship’s scanner to identify planets with the chemical symbol Yb in their resource list. Once you find a planet with Ytterbium, you have a few options for extraction
- Mining manuallyLand on the planet and use your cutter tool to extract Ytterbium from mineral deposits on the surface.
- Setting up an outpostBuild an outpost with mining extractors on a planet rich in Ytterbium to generate a steady supply over time.
- Purchasing from merchantsSome resource vendors and traders may sell Ytterbium, though availability depends on your progression and reputation.
Ytterbium is typically found on planets with geological activity, meaning you should look for worlds with rocky or mountainous terrain and minimal vegetation. Systems known for exotic materials are often located outside the core worlds, requiring you to upgrade your ship’s grav drive for longer-distance travel.
Recommended Planets and Systems
While the exact locations can vary depending on your playthrough, players frequently find Ytterbium on planets in systems such as
- Wolf System Certain planets here have rich mineral belts with Ytterbium deposits.
- Narion System Known for mid-tier resource planets, often featuring Yb alongside Titanium or Platinum.
- Cheyenne System Occasional Ytterbium deposits can be found on its outer planets.
Always use your ship’s scanner to verify resource availability before landing. The planetary scanner can be upgraded to improve detection accuracy, making it easier to find Ytterbium-rich worlds.
Preparing for the Supply Run
Once you’ve gathered enough Ytterbium, it’s time to transport it to Jemison. Efficient preparation is key to completing the supply mission without issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to organizing the delivery
- Check cargo spaceEnsure your ship has enough cargo capacity for the Ytterbium load. You might need to offload other resources to make room.
- Upgrade your shipIf you’re traveling from distant systems, a better grav drive and stronger shields can help you avoid or withstand pirate encounters.
- Track your destinationSet Jemison as your travel target through the starmap for efficient navigation.
- Plan for emergenciesCarry repair kits and shield boosters, as random space encounters can occur during travel.
It’s also wise to check the galactic market prices. Sometimes, the supply mission reward might not be as profitable as selling Ytterbium directly to a high-paying vendor. However, faction missions and reputation rewards often make the delivery worth the effort.
Delivering Ytterbium to Jemison
Upon reaching Jemison, you’ll typically need to land in New Atlantis and find the designated recipient for the Ytterbium. This could be a specific NPC, a trading terminal, or a faction contact depending on the mission type. Common factions that might request Ytterbium include the United Colonies, the Trade Authority, or scientific groups working on technological research.
Deliveries are usually straightforward speak to the NPC, confirm the transfer, and collect your payment. Some missions may also trigger additional dialogue or lead to follow-up contracts, turning a simple supply job into a recurring opportunity. Players focusing on trade or exploration careers can use these missions to build steady income and strengthen their relationships with major organizations.
Rewards and Reputation
Supplying Ytterbium to Jemison typically rewards you with credits, experience, and occasionally rare crafting materials. If the mission is tied to a faction, you may also gain increased standing, which unlocks better missions, discounts, and access to restricted areas. The payout varies depending on the amount of Ytterbium supplied and your negotiation skills. Investing in Commerce or Persuasion perks can increase your profits significantly.
Tips for Efficient Resource Management
Managing resources in Starfield requires balancing mining, crafting, and trading. Here are some useful tips to optimize your Ytterbium supply missions
- Build outposts on resource-rich planetsThis allows automatic mining and storage without manual effort.
- Use cargo linksSet up interplanetary cargo links to move Ytterbium between outposts and your main base.
- Monitor trade pricesThe galactic market fluctuates, so selling at the right time can multiply your profits.
- Upgrade your scanning toolsA better scanner means faster and more accurate identification of Ytterbium nodes.
- Combine missionsWhen heading to Jemison, try completing other delivery or bounty contracts in the same system to maximize efficiency.
Crafting and Industrial Uses of Ytterbium
Beyond trading, Ytterbium has significant uses in crafting and base construction. It’s often required for building advanced modules, power systems, or high-level crafting components. Keeping a reserve supply ensures that you can continue upgrading your ship or base without constantly returning to mining operations. If you’re deep into the research tree, Ytterbium may also appear in experimental technologies or rare equipment recipes.
Supplying Ytterbium to Jemison in Starfield is more than just a delivery mission it’s an opportunity to engage with the game’s deeper systems of trade, resource management, and exploration. By locating Ytterbium-rich planets, efficiently mining or purchasing the resource, and managing your interstellar logistics, you can turn a simple supply task into a lucrative and rewarding venture. Jemison’s role as the economic and political heart of the Settled Systems makes it the perfect destination for valuable materials like Ytterbium, ensuring both profit and progress for players willing to take on the challenge. Whether you’re a trader, explorer, or industrial magnate, mastering Ytterbium supply routes is a key step toward building your legacy among the stars in Starfield.