Translator Delivery Order Guide
You only get 3 Translators in the entire game. Giving them to the wrong NPC can stall your progress for weeks. Here is the scientifically optimal order.
How Science Bear Translators Work
You only get 3 Translators updates in the entire game. They are rewards from Science Bear's quests #21, #25, and #31. Once you use one, you cannot get it back. The order matters significantly for your progression speed.
First Translator (Quest #21)
Choice: Riley Bee OR Bucko Bee
Riley Bee
Often the best first pick. Unlocks Riley Bee quests which give Red Extracts (crucial for Crimson Guard/Demon Mask) and Stingers. If you are leaning Red/Mixed or need Red Extracts, pick this first.
Bucko Bee
Equal priority to Riley. Pick this first if you are leaning Blue or need Blue Extracts (for Cobalt Guard/Diamond Mask). Unlocks Bucko Bee quests.
Second Translator (Quest #25)
The One You Didn't Pick
Simple logic here. Give your second translator to whichever bee (Riley or Bucko) you didn't chose first. Now you can farm both extracts!
Third Translator (Quest #31)
Stick Bug
Does NOT give normal quests. Instead, starts the Stick Bug Challenge. Early game players cannot score high enough to get good rewards (Amulets). Save this for your last translator when your hive is level 10+.
Deciding Between Riley and Bucko
The biggest decision comes at Science Bear Quest #21 ("Limits of Language"), where you receive your very first Translator. You are faced with two main options: Riley Bee (Red HQ) or Bucko Bee (Blue HQ).
There is no "wrong" answer here between the two, but there is an "optimal" one for your specific account.
Why Choose Riley Bee First?
Riley Bee is generally considered the slightly better first option for the 2026 meta for one key reason: Red Extracts.
- Stingers: Riley Bee's quests often reward Stingers, which are notoriously difficult to farm early game (only from Vicious Bee/spikes).
- Gear Progression: Many mid-game items like the Fire Mask and Crimson Guard require heavy amounts of Red Extracts and Stingers. Riley Bee helps you speedrun these requirements.
- Damage Focus: Early game progression relies heavily on Attack for killing King Beetle, Tunnel Bear, etc. Red hives/items generally offer more Attack power.
Why Choose Bucko Bee First?
Bucko Bee is the correct choice if your hive is already leaning Blue or if you are bottlenecked by Moon Charms and Blue Extracts.
- Macroing: If you are already macroing in the Pine Tree Forest (the most common macro spot), unlocking Bucko Bee allows you to complete his quests passively while you sleep.
- Diamond Mask Prep: If you were lucky enough to get 5 Diamond Eggs and plan to go Blue early, farming Blue Extracts via Bucko quests is essential.
Why Stick Bug is ALWAYS Last
A common "noob trap" is giving the first or second translator to Stick Bug. This is a huge mistake.
The Stick Bug Warning
Stick Bug does NOT give you resource quests like Riley/Bucko. He starts a "Stick Bug Challenge".
To get any meaningful rewards from the Stick Bug Challenge (like the Stick Bug Amulet), you need to deal millions of damage and survive for a long time. Accounts that are just finishing Science Bear quests are generally too weak to score a Bronze or Silver amulet.
By giving a translator to Stick Bug early, you are giving up weeks of free Extracts, Stingers, and Moon Charms that you could have gotten from Riley or Bucko. Save Stick Bug for your 3rd Translator (Quest #31), by which time your hive will be level 10-12 and actually capable of fighting him.
What if I Lost a Translator?
Be careful! There are currently only 3 Translators obtainable in the game. If you accidentally delete one or fail to use it (which is hard to do, but bugs happen), you are stuck. There is no way to buy a Translator with Robux. Treat them with care!
Summary
The progression path is clear:
- Quest #21: Riley Bee (recommended) OR Bucko Bee.
- Quest #25: Whichever one you didn't pick.
- Quest #31: Stick Bug (Endgame).