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Are data/relic sites really that rare or am I doing something wrong?
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Nighthawk213
Garoun Investment Bank
Gallente Federation
#1 - 2016-11-21 22:10:35 UTC  |  Edited by: Nighthawk213
Hi, i'm a relatively new player and I picked up exploration as the thing to do.

I've trained up all the skills in the scanning tab as far as I can do them and fitted an Imicus as far as alpha clones can.

So I go out from jita 4-4 and head into low-sec where it should be a bit quieter. But i've roamed around there scanning every system completely for the last 2 hours, just like I did yesterday, and I found a total of 1 data site and 1 relic site.

Is 2 sites really the expected result for 4 hours of roaming? Or am I missing something obvious? practically every system has wormholes and gas sites along with the standard combat sites, but never any data sites. I can't really go into null-sec because practically every choke into null has a massive fight going on according to http://evemaps.dotlan.net .

I tried going into the wormholes and scanning there, but all the sites there have sleepers which I can't kill.

I'm getting a bit frustrated because i'm not having fun but the exploration mechanics in essence are fun, so I just hope i'm missing something...
Mara Rinn
Cosmic Goo Convertor
#2 - 2016-11-22 00:11:13 UTC
Leave Caldari space. Everyone is there.

Day 0 Advice for New Players
Andrew Indy
Cleaning Crew
#3 - 2016-11-22 00:54:52 UTC
Mara is right, everyone lives in Caldari space and even their Low sec is pretty teaming with people. Head out into the areas near Rens and you will be much better of (Also Sansha Sites drop better salvage).

Also may dpend on your TZ, US is pretty busy.
Aurora Aetern
Brittas Empire
Pandemic Horde
#4 - 2016-11-22 03:55:40 UTC
While I do not advocate throwing caution to the wind, even in an Imicus you can go to nullsec and do explo. In my opinion Lowsec is more dangerous than null because there are usually more people in low. Loot is far better in nullsec anyway, especially Sansha relic sites. I can average 60mil/hr on a bad day assuming I don't lose my Astero, and even without cloaking skills or great scanning skills Providence is still a great option for budding explorers.

Just don't go through the Kari/Y-MPWL gate. It's camped almost 24/7.
Buoytender Bob
Ronin Exploration Mission and Mining
#5 - 2016-11-22 07:24:09 UTC
As everyone here has said, you are in the wrong area. The hisec areas I go through offer 1+ sites per system; on a slow day (pop low) more like 2-4 scannable sites. Now many are wormholes or low level sites, but plenty are those data/relic sites you are looking for. Use dotlan and look at the jumps in the last hour in a region. Find an area where you may have 3-6 systems close together and all with low jump numbers. Explore at lower population times. Once you find an area, get a routine time/flight plan and learn to run it efficiently. As they say in real estate: location,location,location...........

To buck the popular trend, I began to Rage Start instead of Rage Quit.

...and every time I get another piece of Carbon, I know exactly what CCP is getting this Christmas.
Sonya Corvinus
Grant Village
#6 - 2016-11-22 19:23:38 UTC
Aurora Aetern wrote:
While I do not advocate throwing caution to the wind, even in an Imicus you can go to nullsec and do explo. In my opinion Lowsec is more dangerous than null because there are usually more people in low. Loot is far better in nullsec anyway, especially Sansha relic sites. I can average 60mil/hr on a bad day assuming I don't lose my Astero, and even without cloaking skills or great scanning skills Providence is still a great option for budding explorers.

Just don't go through the Kari/Y-MPWL gate. It's camped almost 24/7.


I do exploration in an instawarp interceptor. You can still hack any site, and can laugh at gatecamps in null
Lilith Abaddon
Ethereal Morality
The Initiative.
#7 - 2016-11-22 20:29:31 UTC
Null is way better for exploration. Less contested and even safer. Yesterday I found 4 relic sites just in one system. If u wanna be super-safe just join a sov holding null-sec alliance and enjoy exploration. Just avoid drone lands. And Data sites are cancer. Go for relic sites only.

Cheers
Aurora Aetern
Brittas Empire
Pandemic Horde
#8 - 2016-11-23 01:03:21 UTC
Sonya Corvinus wrote:


I do exploration in an instawarp interceptor. You can still hack any site, and can laugh at gatecamps in null



I've heard of this before, but I think for newer players it's a larger tradeoff. While inty's will give bubble nullification, they lack the scanning and hacking bonuses that many new players will need to successfully scan and hack sites. Also, if I'm not mistaken, they're more fragile than say, an Astero, and thus wouldn't be able to contest a site should another player warp in.

If you have some way to get around this, please do tell me because I'd love to be more efficient in my exploration.
Sonya Corvinus
Grant Village
#9 - 2016-11-23 02:13:29 UTC
Aurora Aetern wrote:
I've heard of this before, but I think for newer players it's a larger tradeoff. While inty's will give bubble nullification, they lack the scanning and hacking bonuses that many new players will need to successfully scan and hack sites. Also, if I'm not mistaken, they're more fragile than say, an Astero, and thus wouldn't be able to contest a site should another player warp in.

If you have some way to get around this, please do tell me because I'd love to be more efficient in my exploration.


True, if you get caught, you're dead. And you also need all scanning skills to at least level 4, preferably 5, but those aren't wasted skillpoints regardless.

What I use:

Stiletto

High:
Sisters Core Probe Scanner, Sisters Core Scanner Probes x16
Improved Cloaking Device II

Mid:
MWD
Relic Analyzer II
Data Analyzer II
Scan Rangefinding Array II

Low:
Inertial Stabalizers II x3

Rigs:
Small Memetic Algorithm Bank I
Small Emission Scope Sharpener I

It's definitely not newbie friendly, but for dedicated exploration in hostile space, it works very well

And yes, I know I still am trying data sites. Don't yell at me.
Roenok Baalnorn
Baalnorn Heavy Industries
#10 - 2016-11-28 06:12:10 UTC
Sonya Corvinus wrote:


And yes, I know I still am trying data sites. Don't yell at me.
Some of those data sites everyone says arent worth running ive made 40-50 mil off of. Sure ill spend an extra 5 -7 min hacking a data for 40 mil.
Salvos Rhoska
#11 - 2016-11-28 11:56:38 UTC  |  Edited by: Salvos Rhoska
NB: Data sites may be left deliberately undone by local space runners that complete Relics, to leave the Data sites as bookmarked for hunting explorers later. Unlikely, but possible in non-sov null constella5ions where rather than relying on alliances to protect the space they operate, will instead actively dissuade smaller operators from making a habit/routine of exploring through their space and **** of so ewhere else as well as the opportunity of taking your loot.

PvE v PvP <> Old School Exploration <> CODE Licenses <> CODE Special Agent
Kosomot
Player Vs Ore
Miners Of Independence
#12 - 2016-11-28 17:04:26 UTC
Lilith Abaddon wrote:
Null is way better for exploration. Less contested and even safer. Yesterday I found 4 relic sites just in one system. If u wanna be super-safe just join a sov holding null-sec alliance and enjoy exploration. Just avoid drone lands. And Data sites are cancer. Go for relic sites only.

Cheers



Soooo....i think i'm heading out to Null Drone Lands for a Corp i'm joining.

Can i ask why exploration in drone lands are bad, and what's wrong with Data Sites in Sov Holding? Exploration was on my list of things to do.

thanks for the clarification.

I am a miner, mission runner, and explorer...

or as EVE Online would have it...

A Carebear!!
Nighthawk213
Garoun Investment Bank
Gallente Federation
#13 - 2016-11-29 10:10:18 UTC
Kosomot wrote:
Lilith Abaddon wrote:
Null is way better for exploration. Less contested and even safer. Yesterday I found 4 relic sites just in one system. If u wanna be super-safe just join a sov holding null-sec alliance and enjoy exploration. Just avoid drone lands. And Data sites are cancer. Go for relic sites only.

Cheers



Soooo....i think i'm heading out to Null Drone Lands for a Corp i'm joining.

Can i ask why exploration in drone lands are bad, and what's wrong with Data Sites in Sov Holding? Exploration was on my list of things to do.

thanks for the clarification.


data sites generally have less rewards than relic sites. However, there is a chance that a data site contains considerably more than a relic site. Since there are so few of either, i just do everything i can find.

On that note, where is the best place to go explore? I frequently find myself either in low-sec systems that have been stripped by other people, or in systems that have gate camps on both ends so I can't go anywhere...
Raca Pyrrea
Center for Advanced Studies
Gallente Federation
#14 - 2016-11-29 10:55:15 UTC
Every other alpha clone and a lot of omegas are doing exploration. High sec is pretty much overpopulated with explorers, especially after Ascension. Sites are done minutes after they spawn, and the ones you find, usually have someone in them doing them. Low sec, although mostly empty dont seem to have that many data/relic sites, probably because no one is doing the combat sites there. Sov null sec, depending on the local alliances are also pretty much contested. I havent been to npc null yet, I guess its better there. WH is probably the best, but the danger is higher.
Aleff Knoll
#15 - 2017-02-16 06:40:44 UTC
Andrew Indy wrote:
Mara is right, everyone lives in Caldari space and even their Low sec is pretty teaming with people. Head out into the areas near Rens and you will be much better of (Also Sansha Sites drop better salvage).

I find that area has piles of combat sites and not very many hacking sites. It's great for ratting, but often not much for exploration.

My blog about games is called Almost Infinite and I am doing a series of posts called the Casual Alpha's Guide to EVE Online.
MadMuppet
Critical Mass Inc
#16 - 2017-02-16 21:40:32 UTC
Kosomot wrote:
Lilith Abaddon wrote:
Null is way better for exploration. Less contested and even safer. Yesterday I found 4 relic sites just in one system. If u wanna be super-safe just join a sov holding null-sec alliance and enjoy exploration. Just avoid drone lands. And Data sites are cancer. Go for relic sites only.

Cheers



Soooo....i think i'm heading out to Null Drone Lands for a Corp i'm joining.

Can i ask why exploration in drone lands are bad, and what's wrong with Data Sites in Sov Holding? Exploration was on my list of things to do.

thanks for the clarification.


Drones used to drop compounds as loot (affectionately called drone poop) that could be refined in to materials that normally required null-sec mining. It was incredibly profitable and made regular mining almost pointless (gun mining) so it got nerfed. Drones instead got bounties like everybody else, but their loot drops are almost always empty, you can just salvage the wreck. Because of that, there isn't a lot of profit to be had compared to other areas... it is kind of a wasteland. But, wastelands can be fun too :)

This message brought to you by Experience(tm). When common sense fails you, experience will come to the rescue. Experience(tm) from the makers of CONCORD.

"If you are part of the problem, you will be nerfed." -MadMuppet
Andrew Indy
Cleaning Crew
#17 - 2017-02-21 05:46:39 UTC
MadMuppet wrote:


Drones used to drop compounds as loot (affectionately called drone poop) that could be refined in to materials that normally required null-sec mining. It was incredibly profitable and made regular mining almost pointless (gun mining) so it got nerfed. Drones instead got bounties like everybody else, but their loot drops are almost always empty, you can just salvage the wreck. Because of that, there isn't a lot of profit to be had compared to other areas... it is kind of a wasteland. But, wastelands can be fun too :)


I thought it was because the drone data and relic sites are somewhat different and drop drone BPCs and parts. Well that or the fact that people are a bit hostile in that area.
Matthias Ancaladron
Imperial Shipment
Amarr Empire
#18 - 2017-02-21 07:10:59 UTC
Andrew Indy wrote:
MadMuppet wrote:


Drones used to drop compounds as loot (affectionately called drone poop) that could be refined in to materials that normally required null-sec mining. It was incredibly profitable and made regular mining almost pointless (gun mining) so it got nerfed. Drones instead got bounties like everybody else, but their loot drops are almost always empty, you can just salvage the wreck. Because of that, there isn't a lot of profit to be had compared to other areas... it is kind of a wasteland. But, wastelands can be fun too :)


I thought it was because the drone data and relic sites are somewhat different and drop drone BPCs and parts. Well that or the fact that people are a bit hostile in that area.

I find generic drone anomalies in general have much more frequent faction spawns.
Generic drone npcs have no drops.
"Sentient"drones drop drop at least 20m right off the bat. Usually get 30-40 in drone parts from any given drop, haven't gotten a chip yet.
Most regular faction spawns like dark blood or true Sasha or dread guristas usually only drop a crappy tag and faction ammo. Rarely get anything worth more than 5m. If your up for combat I'd go in and do all the drone stuff. I couldn't put an accurate number on it but personally I'd guess 1 out of 6 will spawn a sentient drone which is good money for very easy high sec work.
Sure i occasionally get a faction or dead space item from other guys but the drone parts are more reliable.
Jamie Munba
Tradex Inc
#19 - 2017-02-21 10:17:35 UTC
I do nullsec relic sites with my main P

started of in wh space but the amount of sigs u have to scan down made it slow isk, so i decided to go to null, sansha gave great loot then the southern war was on so it was a bit hot down there, since then have moved to guristas, nice and quiet Lol

swapped out my astero for an exploceptor, very pleased with it.

most i made in one session was 500m, played for 2 hours earlier for 190m, average site say 20m anything over 50 is nice.

luck of the draw and luck of the loot fairy Twisted

I trade for isk, risk ships for isk, it's all about the space pennies baby! Billionaire living, Trillionaire dreaming!!
Andrew Indy
Cleaning Crew
#20 - 2017-02-22 01:04:07 UTC
Matthias Ancaladron wrote:


I find generic drone anomalies in general have much more frequent faction spawns.
Generic drone npcs have no drops.
"Sentient"drones drop drop at least 20m right off the bat. Usually get 30-40 in drone parts from any given drop, haven't gotten a chip yet.
Most regular faction spawns like dark blood or true Sasha or dread guristas usually only drop a crappy tag and faction ammo. Rarely get anything worth more than 5m. If your up for combat I'd go in and do all the drone stuff. I couldn't put an accurate number on it but personally I'd guess 1 out of 6 will spawn a sentient drone which is good money for very easy high sec work.
Sure i occasionally get a faction or dead space item from other guys but the drone parts are more reliable.


I think you are getting a bit side tracked, the OP was about data and relic sites not anoms. Nothing to do with faction spawns, drone poo or otherwise.

PS, faction rats can drop some pretty good stuff specifically faction BS in low and null (I have had several High grade implants from Faction Rats). HS rats are not great though.