Ships & Modules

it would depend on what it is you are shooting. For low end missions and belt ratting, three drones will do the job. Just more slowly than with 5. Remember that the AI will target your drones, so keep an eye on their health and recall them if they take damage.

The big thing is just go out and try it. See what happens. Drones are cheap and low end PvE content won't warp scramble you, so you can always run away if things get too hot. You are in very very little danger, so there is no reason to not give it a try.

1) land on grid
2) unleash your drones on the rats
3) align to an escape point- a station or the sun works fine

If you need to GTFO all you have to do is hit the warp button and you will go right to warp. If you leave the drones behind you can always come back to the area (once you have shields and armor repaired) and 'reconnect to lost drones' to get them back. But again, drones are meant to be disposable so don't stress about losing them.

I agree, any amount of drones in use is an improvement. Using the drones on frigates and drones allows you to fit larger weapons to take on the cruisers and up. Using three will also help you develop habits to maximize your drone use, so you will be even more effective with 5.