Did I miss the collector? When is there a mission for him

[Ace]

So since I was heading to Mountain Knot...I decided to go back and make roads. Most of the roads have been made but a few sections between South Knot and Disto (near Cosplayer) there are 2 auto pavers that are "not in network" - I usually wait till they are in network to add materials (though its not a strict rule)

I then realize - there is someone called the collector that I never saw any orders for and no lost packages. So what gives? Does this happen at a later time? Is there a condition I need to do? I've done both pizza delivery and also the J guy chip missions (and all the half life stuff so far)

(I have NOT reached Mountain Knot yet....just tried the mission but was driving and basically couldn't move forward - reset and gonna build what roads I can but otherwise will drive then carry - if possible please be spoiler free for main story points in response)

[isragt]

There are some characters in bunkers spread in the map that you don't unlock as the story progresses. You will see no orders for them until you find them. If you want to unlock all of them I suggest to follow a guide. You can go and visit them at any moment of the game's story as long as their region is already unlocked.

[Alt0153]

normally when i go to an area thats not in the network especially one i have progressed past in the story i start scouting it looking for the prepper base i missed

[Protoman]

Go to the Collector's terminal, there's a cargo retrieval mission in there. That's how you start his deliveries.

Now if you want to know where he is exactly. He's in the ravine between the rocks. There is usually a climbing spike left by another player nearby, but there should also be a big painting of a videogame mascot on one of the walls.

I recall there are only 3 or 4 preppers that you need to find first, because no one offers missions for them. IIRC, they are:
- first prepper
- novelist's son
- veteran porter
- collector

I'm pretty sure Collector and Veteran Porter have a starting mission on their terminal. The others you need to find lost cargo first.

Anyway, a tip. There are three preppers in the snowy mountains that will only unlock through the story. Their names are their professions. You have to go way out of your way to find them, so even if you find them, don't bother with them for now.

[Ace]

Thanks - didn't realize there was one that I had to find first. I visited, did first mission - then did one more and he is on network...which is all I needed.

I've 5 starred most of the others so I'm not making a fuss over him...If I get a bunch of lost stuff I'll make a visit (like what I do for the cosplayer

That little section not having a road was bugging me....on that note shame there isn't a road to Timefall farm...but adds to its character I suppose.

[WarnerCK]

Originally posted by Ace:

Thanks - didn't realize there was one that I had to find first. I visited, did first mission - then did one more and he is on network...which is all I needed.

I've 5 starred most of the others so I'm not making a fuss over him...If I get a bunch of lost stuff I'll make a visit (like what I do for the cosplayer

That little section not having a road was bugging me....on that note shame there isn't a road to Timefall farm...but adds to its character I suppose.

The Collector gives you a particularly handy reward for having a sufficiently high connection.