EVE Online is a hardcore sandbox MMORPG where you forge your own path as a spaceship pilot in a player-driven universe. Whether you want to explore, mine, trade, or wage war, this EVE Online Beginner’s Guide covers everything you need to survive and thrive, from character creation to Making ISK strategies as a Beginner.
1. Getting Started: Character Creation & Basics
Choosing Your Faction
EVE has four empires, each with unique aesthetics but no gameplay restrictions (you can fly any ship later):
- Amarr: Religious zealots (energy weapons, armor tanks)
- Caldari: Corporate militarists (missiles, shield tanks)
- Gallente: Freedom-loving rebels (hybrid weapons, drones)
- Minmatar: Nomadic rebels (projectile weapons, speed-focused).
Pro Tip: Your choice only affects starting skills and roleplay—pick based on visuals!
Essential Controls
- Right-click menus: Most actions (e.g., docking, targeting) are accessed this way.
- Overview (F10): Customize this to see ships, asteroids, and cosmic signatures.
- D-Scan (V): Critical for detecting nearby threats (press every 5–10 sec in dangerous areas).
2. Early-Game Progression: What to Do First
Complete the Tutorial & Career Agents
- The New Player Experience teaches basics like flying, combat, and mining.
- Career Agents (found in starter systems) offer missions introducing:
- Exploration: Scanning hidden sites for loot.
- Mining: Gathering ore for ISK (game currency).
- Combat: Fighting NPC pirates for bounties.
Join the Sisters of EVE Epic Arc
A 50-mission story chain that rewards ships, ISK, and lore. Start it in Arnon by talking to Sister Alitura.
Warning: Avoid low-security (low-sec) missions early—they’re PvP hotspots!
3. EVE Online Beginner’s Guide: Skills & Training
Skills train in real time, even when offline. Key tips:
- Alpha vs. Omega: Free Alpha accounts have limited skills; Omega (paid) unlocks everything.
- Priority Skills:
- Navigation: Warp Drive Operation, Afterburner.
- Combat: Weapon upgrades, tanking (shield/armor).
- Industry: Mining, Manufacturing (for passive income).
4. Making ISK (Money) in EVE Online as a Beginner Guide
Top 3 Beginner-Friendly Methods
| Method | ISK/Hour | Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Sec Mining (Venture) | 5–10M | Low | Mine Veldspar or Scordite in belts. |
| Exploration (Heron) | 10–50M | Medium | Scan Relic/Data Sites in high-sec. |
| Faction Warfare | 5–20M | High | Join Militia for PvP/PvE rewards. |
Pro Tip: Sell loot in Jita (The Forge) for the best prices.
5. Survival Tips for New Players
Avoiding Gankers
- Stay in High-Sec (0.5–1.0 systems): CONCORD protects you here.
- Fit a Warp Core Stabilizer: Prevents enemy warp scramblers.
- Watch Local Chat: If neutrals appear, dock or warp away.
Traveling Safely
- Use “Safe” Autopilot: Avoid low-sec shortcuts.
- Bookmark Safe Spots: Create mid-point bookmarks to evade pursuers.
6. Joining a Corporation (Guild)
- Benefits: Free ships, mentorship, group content.
- Where to Find One:
- EVE University (newbie-friendly).
- Recruitment Channels (e.g., /r/evejobs on Reddit).
Warning: Avoid “free ISK” scams—legit corps won’t ask for money.
7. EVE Online Beginner’s Guide: Advanced Goals for Long-Term Play
✅ Try Null-Sec: Join alliances like Goonswarm for large-scale warfare.
✅ Manufacturing: Craft ships/modules for profit (requires Omega).
✅ Wormholes: Explore hidden space for lucrative relic sites.
EVE Online is brutal but rewarding. Start small, learn from mistakes, and gradually venture into riskier content.
Need More? Check: EVE Low-Sec Survival & ISK Making – Best Ships, Fits & Tactics.