Exploring Exploration - First Try

So after af few days of training the needed skills I'm now almost ready to make some ISK from exploration. Today I took a quick fitted ship out for a "probe-test" so to speak.

All I actually did was go a few jumps and create a nice little safe spot. Threw my probes and started to scan. Since this was my first ever probe scan I had to get used to the interface of the scanner and working with placing the drones on the map.
- tip: work in 2 dimensions at first as it's way easier to add the 3rd than it is to work with it from the first scan.

After a few relocations of my probes on the map I had a signature at 56% so I simply worked that one till I had it to the fullest. When I eventually got the "warp to" option of the signature I felt like a true space cowboy - a Indiana Jones of the universe!
I was about to go into "unknown space" and didn't know what to expect.

The initial joy came to a hold as I wasn't the only one who was at the site. But after all this was just a little test, so I'm ok with that - even if I'd love to have gotten some ISK from it.

Late sunday (server time) I'll have the next of the needed skills at level 4 and from there there's no major training left for now - just a few that needs to get to level 3.

I'm very excited about exploration so far as I really like the probe scanning part - so let's see how it feels to get the loot in the end.


//Fly Safe

Exploring Exploration - the intro

One of the things I didn't really go too much into last time I played EVE was exploration. After all this should be a solid way of making ISK and getting to see New Eden - hence the name.
Since I came back with an empty skill queue, I thought I'd have a look at this aspect of the game.

At first some basic skills are needed to be able to explore anything with just a minimum of efficiency and I have lined these in my queue today. So in a few days I'll be able to fit a "solid" ship for playing with exploration. I know I could do this in high-sec with even fewer skills, but I'd like to be able to take it a bit further if I get to like it. So a few days of training isn't that bad if you ask me.
- after all trained skills are the best skills in EVE.

I've been watching some youtube clips on exploration and reading guides too. Problem with many guides on EVE is their age and/or lack of information. Not saying my little blog is any different and that's why I don't do guides myself.
However I found a guide that I use as a base of info on exploration and I'll just throw you a link right here: EVE Online Exploration Guide Billions and Billions (of ISK)

 So if you're getting to (or want to) exploration this could also be a place to start for you.
When I get my skills trained I'll be back with more views on exploration in New Eden.


//Fly Safe

Starting EVE: What it Takes

I feel I've played enough to make a post about what it takes from a new player to join EVE.

Knowing I haven't played all aspects of the game yet I think it's safe to say that it's still the same things that a new player need to keep in mind when flying in New Eden.

The first thing needed is the game and a computer to run it. Most computers should be able to do that today, so I'll skip this part completely. Just download the client and create a trial account.

Creating A Character

Now you're ready to enter the game, and you're faced with the first choices in the character creator.

If you're not into the lore then there's no mistakes to be made in choosing your race or bloodline. It's mainly just the looks of your character. If you want to fly the ships made for a given race then you could read up on that before making your choice.

Depending how much you go into detail when creating your character this step can take anything from two minutes to hours. There's plenty of options to give your character the desired personal touch and look.

Understanding the UI

At first the interface can feel very overwhelming, but don't be afraid to explore it by clicking around before you start the tutorials. Personally I get a better feel for things while learn-by-doing than playing through a tutorial.

Some features in the EVE UI may feel like they're from another decade - and they are! EVE is 10 years old!

The Key to EVE

One thing is needed more than any other when you start playing EVE; patience.

There's simply no way you can rush through the tutorial and be ready for hardcore gaming after a day or two. You need patience and plenty of it. EVE is build in a way that doesn't allow you to drown in a sea of possibilities and be in over your head - but you'll surely get your feet wet and maybe even get in knee deep a few times at first.

As soon as you get to terms with the fact that patience is key, then you're ready to start learning the ways of EVE.

Don't Rush It

I know it is cool to join a big corporation (it's not called a guild in EVE) from day one. And I'm not the one to judge if you go that way. But there's time enough. Fly around, do the tutorials and maybe even a few real missions to find out what you like about the game at first and then take it from there.

While you learn EVE don't be afraid to use/follow the Help chat channel. Simply reading some answers give you a better insight to how things work.

Breathe EVE to Play EVE

This is not as hard as it sounds. The point is that you should take some time to read a bit on the forums or blogs to get the knowledge that could make it easier for you to adapt. Watch a youtube tutorial every now and then or use guides for missions if you find them too hard to handle - maybe the obvious way is not as obvious at first.

When I knew I'd start playing I started to read up on EVE and it's ways. I joined the Google+ Community, followed a few bloggers and tried to figure out where to go from there.

The Rules of EVE

Finally, there's three rules of EVE that I've come to terms with since I started playing.

1) Trust no one!

- this is the foundation of EVE. Keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Before you know it the cannon is pointing at you.

2) You know nothing!

- not saying that new players are dumb. The thing is even seasoned players have things to learn in this game. There's no "one way to rule them all".

3) You will lose your ship!

- it's a matter of time. Maybe you'll suffer your first loss on day one. Maybe after a month or two - but there's great certainty that you'll lose it. Trust me (yeah I know... rule 1).

There are many other rules of EVE and many other things I could write about what it takes. But this is the cornerstones according to my experience as a new player. For a little more info please visit the Newb Area subpage on my blog.

The Newb Area

I figured I'd try to gather all the good advice, links, videos or other stuff that make things easier for me in EVE.

These things will be put in the new sub page Newb Area that you can access in the top navigation.

Newb Area will always be under construction as I'm sure there's always room for more info for new players or even the veteran players.

Newb vs Learning Curve

Before I started EVE I've read and heard many people talk about the learning curve and community of the game.

Too tough to master, too late to start playing, too much hate between players etc.

- So far I have still to experience just one of these.

In any new game there's always a ton to learn. EVE is no different but it's not at all as hard as people have expressed. Yes, it is hard but no harder than any other MMO in general. What makes EVE stand out as a hard game is the fact that almost every other MMO can be compared in UI, control, skill system and many other features...

... EVE has it's own way of working and that's actually the thing I've found hardest to figure out so far.

The skill system has its ups and downs. The major plus in my book is there's no more grinding to max out a skill as it's purely time based.

On the other hand I can't make it happen any faster no matter what I might do. But then again I can train while logged out having a beer at the local bar watching sports - gotta love that!

Navigation in EVE is also a bit different from other games. By this I mean the way the universe is build. One second you're in a friendly starter system and just one or two jumps later you can be in the deepest s*** you can imagine. So do stay alert when flying through the many systems in New Eden.

But there's a (very!) thin red line that takes you to the systems you can handle via the mission system. Or at least that's my experience so far.

The True Difference

One single mechanic makes it "easy" to grow as a new player in EVE though. Knowing you can actually lose more in a few seconds than you can make in a day. This and this alone makes it obvious to new players (or me at least) that you have to learn from your mistakes or even better - from other players mistakes!

Read blogs, my blog, forums, my blog, articles, my blog, watch videos on youtube and maybe even read my blog... :)

It's not possible to read, watch or know too much about EVE. Before you know it you can be stuck in a situation you thought you'd only read about. Maybe you're getting your Megathron melted by a little Iteron for instance.

Knowing what can happen any given second keep you on your toes in systems at first.

Sooner or later you'll be less of a target because you skill into ships that are more durable compared to your home system - that doesn't mean you're safe though!

As I fly through my high-sec home system I do feel more "in control" as I've grown into my Battle Cruiser and had the chance to level up some of the more important skills to fly it. I still know when to be on my toes but I also know I have a chance to deal with more intense situations than I had in my Destroyer.

Oh yeah, and keep your hands off the autopilot!