EVE New Citizens Q&A

Hello,

Im trying to figure out whether there is something valuble worth going for in low-sec for me or not. Maybe the forums will help.

Im a new gallente pilot (1,1m SP) with some brief previous experience (left at +- 4M SP few months ago due to time constraints, start new account). I can fly gallente T1 ships up to battlecruisers. Out of T2 department, I can only use some T2 tanking mods and am a few days away from T2 light/medium drones.

I also have an industrial alt on a second account of the same age, who is currently happily semi-AFK mining in a forlorn 0.6 system.

I read a lot of information about surviving lowsec - I can dodge the most obvious gate camps, I made some safe spot bookmarks in nearby lowsec systems, I have a basic understanding of D-scan and know that I should use it regularly. I know the basics of gathering intel via local chat and am able to watch it for +1s. Ive already set my standings to terrible with most of the few local pirates to spot them right away.I think I know how to decently fit the few ships I can fly (skill points being the mains restrictions), whenever in doubt, I look for recommended fits.

Im ready to lose my ships eventually, although I would prefer not to lose battlecruisers too often (my ISK making abilites are still limited). So, I can say I feel somewhat comfortable in lowsec space.

My main problem is: I cant find anything interesting in lowsec systems. I spent quite a lot of time scanning down sites in various lowsec systems ranging from 0,4 to 0,2 but havent found many. Those I found were full of battleships or had salvageable / hackable containers in them with items of little to no value inside. I found 3 wormholes, but was warned I cant handle the npcs inside in my moslty t1 fit Brutix - I learned about entering someone elses space though, as I died in 2 of them as soon as I got inside.

I also checked the asteroid belts, but the loot value I got from rats was nowhere near what I could make in high-sec missions. I looked for rare ores, but after a few "solo mining ops" I figured Im way better off mining scordite in 0.6.

I heard of FW and read a bit about it, but I dont really want to join, because:
1) my corp is high-sec / wh oriented and I would have to leave
2) from the info I got FW is mostly about cashing out ISK through LP stored and not at all about PvP. I also seriously doubt I would stand a chance in my frigate/destroyer against similar ship piloted by several years old pilot.

So, am I missing something? Is there anything worth of the risk in low-sec for a newbie like me? Or should I wait until I can fly and replace battleships and do the sites? Or should I skip lowsec entirely and wait until I can join veteran corp mates in a wormhole?

P.S.: These are genuine newbie questions, Im sorry if they are stupid, Im still learning.

tl;dr? skipping over the whole life story part, the draws to lowsec are (in no particular order):

1) PVP (including but not limited to FW)
2) POSes
3) better exploration sites
4) lvl 5 missions
5) incursions if you have a fleet that can do them
6) shorter lines at labs
7) PI
8) long-distance hauling via capital ships

Umm... there are probably more reasons to visit lowsec, but that's off the top of my head. For a rookie, mostly the PVP and industry.

*note: mining is intentionally left off that list. mining in lowsec is stupid. If you do it, you deserve the ship loss you are about to get.

That, those that don't ask these type of questions on the forums are stupid.

A lot of pilots in EVE willing to help others, but people have to ask the questions before they can help you.

So when in doubt, just ask it, there will always be people willing to answer it.

1. POCO assisted PI.

Since POCOs can be setup and configured, you can theoretically have access to low/no tax PI. Since you are probably closer to a high sec trading hub (at least compared to PI in null) you can more easily bring your goods to market. This also opens the possiblity of pure factory planets using imported goods. Ideally, you get this by joining or befriending a corp who lives in low. However, there are corps here and there who have reasonable rates for neutral players.

2. Public Research

Public research labs in low sec systems tend to have wait times 10 days shorter than labs found in high sec. Shuttles are very difficult for pirates to catch, so your blueprints are generally safe during transportation. This is useful for getting a few key BPOs researched for your own purposes. (Like ammo bpos for mission runners who want to make their own ammo)

3. Scanning.

There is MUCH less competition for scan sites, both for profession sites as well as DED complexes. The sites are all harder and are best run in a Battlecruiser...or T2 Cruiser, but they yield more valuable loot. You are at a bit more risk of player pirates scanning you down, but watching the D scan can help. The lack of competition means you can spend less time searching to find sites that aren't already being run.

4. Low sec missions

Missions based out of low sec agents pay more ISK and LP than their high sec counterparts. If you only run a few missions, this might not seem like much, but for a dedicated mission runner, this can add up.

5. Ratting

Low sec can spawn BC sized rats, allowing you to get decent isk and Sec Status Gains from hunting them.

6. Trading

Many haulers are hesitant to fly in and out of low sec, especially with cargo ships full of goods. You can capitalize on this and do trade runs between the nearby high sec trade hub and popular low sec zone. Research can ensure you are buying the right goods and flying along less-dangerous routes.