Low-security space (low-sec) in EVE Online offers higher rewards than high-sec but comes with constant PvP threats. Whether you’re ratting, mining, or exploring, this guide covers:
✅ Best low-sec ships for beginners (cheap & effective)
✅ Optimal fits for ratting, mining, and exploration
✅ Survival tactics to avoid gankers
✅ Top ISK-making methods (300K–50M ISK/hour)
1. Why Low-Sec in EVE? Risks vs. Rewards
Pros
- Higher bounties: NPC rats pay 2–5x more ISK than high-sec.
- Valuable ores/gas: Kernite, Mercoxit, and Mykoserocin gas sell for 10–50K ISK/m³.
- Less competition: Fewer players farm low-sec compared to null-sec.
Cons
- Full-loot PvP: Anyone can attack you without CONCORD intervention.
- Cloaky hunters: Players use cloaked ships to ambush miners/ratters.
Rule #1: Assume every neutral in local is hostile.
2. Best Starter Ships & Fits in EVE Low-Sec
A) Ratting (Combat Anomalies)
| Ship | Fit | ISK/Hour | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algos (Gallente) | Hybrid guns + drones | 10–20M | Medium |
| Thrasher (Minmatar) | Artillery + shield tank | 8–15M | Medium |
| Caracal (Caldari) | Rapid light missiles | 15–30M | High |
Key Modules:
- Damage Control II (essential for survivability).
- Afterburner/MWD (for kiting).
- Warp Core Stabilizer x1 (escape gankers).
Pro Tip: Stick to 0.4–0.3 systems for easier rats.
B) Mining (Gas/Ore)
| Ship | Fit | ISK/Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Venture | 2x Gas Scoop I + MWD | 5–10M |
| Procurer | Shield tank + mining lasers | 10–20M |
Key Modules:
- MWD (escape quickly).
- Survey Scanner (find high-value gas).
- Cloaking Device (optional, for advanced players).
Pro Tip: Mine in dead-end systems with low traffic.
C) Exploration (Relic/Data Sites)
| Ship | Fit | ISK/Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Heron (Caldari) | Scan probes + relic analyzer | 10–50M |
| Magnate (Amarr) | Cloak + data analyzer | 10–40M |
Key Modules:
- Relic/Data Analyzer II.
- Nanofiber Internal Structure (faster warp).
- Cargo Scanner (prioritize valuable loot).
Pro Tip: Avoid sites with “Pirate Faction” names (e.g., “Blood Raider”)—they spawn NPCs.
3. EVE Low-Sec: Survival Tactics
Avoiding Gankers
- D-Scan Like a Hawk: Check every 5–10 sec for combat ships.
- Align & Warp Instantly: Always be aligned to a station or gate.
- Use Safe Spots: Create bookmarks in deep space to hide.
Traveling Safely
- Avoid Gates in Low-Sec: Use insta-undock bookmarks.
- Fly Cheap: Fit ships under 5M ISK to minimize losses.
4. Top ISK-Making Methods
| Activity | Ship | Avg. ISK/Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Belt Ratting | Destroyer/Cruiser | 10–30M |
| Gas Mining | Venture | 5–15M |
| Relic Sites | Exploration Frigate | 10–50M |
| Clone Soldier Tags | Kite-fit Thrasher | 20–50M 2 |
Clone Soldiers: Rare NPCs in belts drop 500K–1M ISK tags.
5. Advanced Tips
✅ Join a Corp: Get free ships, intel, and protection.
✅ Farm Empty Systems: Use zKillboard to check recent PvP activity.
✅ Loot Wrecks: Even non-PvPers can profit from abandoned loot.
Low-sec in EVE Online is high-risk, high-reward. Start with destroyers or Ventures, master D-scanning, and gradually move to cruisers for better profits.