Embark on a covert operation in the neon-lit underbelly of Starfield’s vibrant cityscape with the Fishy Business miscellaneous mission. This quest pulls players into the illicit world of drug production, corporate infiltration, and shady alliances, building directly on the Loose Ends storyline. Set against the bustling backdrop of Neon in the Volii Alpha system, it reveals the mechanics of Aurora crafting—a hallucinogenic substance derived from Chasmbass fish that alters time perception in combat.
Quest Prerequisites and Activation
To access Fishy Business, players must first wrap up the Loose Ends mission. This involves tracking down Felix Sadler in Warehouse 01, a location familiar from The Audition quest with the Strikers. Felix, protected by four hostile Syndicate members, can be eliminated or persuaded to flee Neon permanently. Upon reporting back, Yannick Legrande at Legrande’s Liquors activates the quest, tasking you with infiltrating Xenofresh Fisheries to secure an Aurora supply for his ‘Blend’ concoction.
- Key Prerequisite: Complete Loose Ends by dealing with Felix Sadler.
- Starting Location: Legrande’s Liquors in Neon.
- Quest Giver: Yannick Legrande, who provides a forged ID as Reilly Chernyshevsky.
Preparing for Infiltration: Research and Application
Yannick equips you with essentials, including items for research. Even if skilled in Amp production, feign ignorance to receive free resources. Head to the nearby Research Lab and unlock Performance Enhancement 1 under the Pharmacology tab. This step is crucial, consuming provided materials like minerals, organics, and components.
With the recipe in hand, navigate to Xenofresh Corporate HQ in Neon’s Trade Tower. Speak to the receptionist, who directs you to a terminal for application. Optimal choices include scanning your ID, highlighting quick learning and a doctorate, and sketching Amp’s structure to breeze through.
| Application Choice | Effect |
|---|---|
| Scan ID and Apply | Advances process smoothly |
| Quick Learner | Boosts hire chance |
| Doctorate | Impresses reviewer |
| Draft Amp Structure | Proves chemistry knowledge |
Post-application, the receptionist sends you to the Ebbside factory via blue markers.
Entering the Factory: Gearing Up and Training
At the factory, Valentina Gurov hires you on the spot. She issues the Xenofresh Clean Suit—equip it from your Apparel inventory. Follow her to the production room, featuring a Pharmaceutical Lab workbench, conveyor belt, and product storage.
Training commences with a practice Aurora batch: process Chasmbass fish at the lab, package on the belt, and store. Then, replicate three units under 60 seconds each—a test of efficiency. Success grants full employee status and deeper access.
Aurora Production Mechanics Deep Dive
Aurora, Neon’s prized hallucinogen, stems from Chasmbass extraction. At the workbench:
- Select fish from the belt.
- Process into Aurora via lab interface.
- Output to belt for boxing.
Timed challenges demand precision; failures prompt restarts but build skill. Mastery here unlocks personal crafting anywhere with a lab.
Uncovering the Inside Contact and Negotiations
Amid production, identify Neshar’s ally. Bayu Bayu emerges as the key figure. Returning to Legrande’s, confront Benjamin Bayu, who dictates terms for ongoing Aurora flow to fuel Blend production. Negotiate or accept for mutual gain, yielding 75 XP, 7500 Credits, and triggering Supply Line.
- Contact: Bayu, Xenofresh insider.
- Rewards: XP boost, credits, quest progression.
- Outcomes: Alliance secured, no combat required.
Strategic Tips for Smooth Completion
Optimize with high Dexterity and Medicine skills for faster production. Stock suits for re-entry if needed. Save before applications to experiment choices. Aurora proves invaluable in fights, slowing time for tactical edges.
Explore Neon’s layers: Ebbside’s grit contrasts Corporate HQ’s polish, enriching immersion.
Connections to Broader Starfield Lore
Fishy Business spotlights Neon’s duality—corporate facade masking smuggling hubs. Ties into Ryujin Industries, Syndicate conflicts, and Constellation paths. Aurora’s utility extends to personal stashes post-quest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I start Fishy Business in Starfield?
Finish Loose Ends, then speak to Yannick at Legrande’s Liquors.
What if I fail the Aurora production timer?
Retry indefinitely during training; practice builds speed.
Is combat required in this quest?
No, it’s stealth and dialogue-focused, unlike Loose Ends.
Can I craft Aurora outside Xenofresh?
Yes, after researching and completing the quest.
What follows Fishy Business?
Supply Line mission automatically launches.
Advanced Playthrough Variations
Roleplay as a corporate spy: max Speech for better Bayu deals. Pair with stealth builds for undetected factory runs. Multiplayer-inspired co-op tips from community: one distracts, another crafts.
Datamined notes suggest alternate endings via high Persuasion, potentially cutting Bayu out for solo Blend production—unverified in base game.
Why Fishy Business Stands Out
This quest exemplifies Starfield’s depth: procedural economies, skill-synced challenges, and narrative branches. It humanizes Neon’s chaos, blending RPG elements with simulation. Perfect for 20-40 minute diversions yielding long-term benefits.
References
- Fishy Business Quest Walkthrough – Starfield — YouTube/Bethesda Softworks. 2023-09-01.
- Fishy Business – Starfield Wiki — Fextralife. 2023-09-15. https://starfield.wiki.fextralife.com/Fishy_Business
- How To Work At Xenofresh Fisheries In Starfield — TheGamer. 2023-09-10. https://www.thegamer.com/starfield-fishy-business-quest-walkthrough/
- Starfield: Fishy Business Walkthrough — GameRant. 2023-09-08. https://gamerant.com/starfield-fishy-business-guide-walkthrough/
- Fishy Business, Starfield Mission — Guides4Gamers. 2023-09-12. https://guides4gamers.com/starfield/quests/fishy-business/

