EVE New Citizens Q&A

1) Train Frigates
2) ???
3) Profit

I haven't really done FW, but those I've come across while roaming lowsec are usually some sort of combat frigates. Working on your core skills (in certs) is definitely a step in the right direction. Finding a weapon system to specialize in will help as well.

Dude above me makes a good point about split weapon systems, but is wrong about training frig to 5. L5 is essential to get the full ship bonuses.

So assuming you want to fly Minmitar, Start off with the Slasher and Rifter as they both only need projectile turrets (The breacher needs Missile and drone skills).

Focus on all the support skills like Electronics, Engineering and Navigation before you start broadening out to other factions and weapon systems.

The good news is, there is always a steady stream of new players like yourself starting in FW every day. So learn to check the characters age before they land in your plex. If they are 2005 and -10 dont take the fight til you've got a feel for pvp.

The 2 essential guides to get you started are:

http://www.gamerchick.net/2013/01/the-beginners-guide-to-faction-war.html

and

http://www.evealtruist.com/p/know-your-enemy.html

Dive in! and fly it like you stole it!

Darlew Yes and No. Let me preach on it.

1. Choose your race. Yes, you need to decide what ships you intend to fly. They all have strengths and weaknesses and they have counters.

2. Train Frigs to 5. Training Frigs to 5 is important, but there are other things that might take a little priority depending on the ship you intend to fly. Advice that I think is helpful. Build your tank first. Every ship especially Frigs needs to be able to take a shot. Really they all need to be able to take several shots. Whether you are shield or armor, training those skills first gives you more survivability.

Next build your fitting skills, electronics, engineering. Finally start training weapon upgrades and your weapon skills.

3. Train core skills. Absolutely. See above

4. Support Skills. Bare in mind that (this isn't a popular unnamed theme park fantasy mmo,) its going to take you a few months to train your skills.

5. Meanwhile, you need to find a way to earn your EvE living. Investing in a few skills to allow you to make ISK will help you in the long run as well.

6. Finally, with a little up front capital you can profit handsomely from FW. Gallente pilots can easily clear 500 million ISK a week. And the dirty little secret is that you can earn all that FW profit with a ship fitted with a couple of warp core stabilizers. (Many would argue that is what's wrong with FW in its current configuration, but the point still stands).

As a new player please understand that FW fleets rarely engage in fights above a Battle Cruiser. Don't race up and invest early points in a ship you might not be able to afford to fly for several months. FW pilots are generally flying around in Frigs. The real source of fights is not the opposing militia, they are just a nuisance. The real enemy is the Pirates who are attracted by the prospect of killing easy targets with ships fitted beyond their piloting skills. The less you feed them, the more likely they are going to find other places.

Enjoy.