Ships & Modules

I'm interested in learning which of the particular Caldari / Gallente ships are best suited, at an entry-level, for new players that are expanding into different roles. More specifically:

Hauler escort

• My current corporation is small and consists mostly of close friends. I'd like to be resourceful and put together a ship (with a proper fitting) for escorting freight between markets. Whether this ship be of the scout variety or proactive defense is not important to me; I'll apply myself to whichever is recommended. I simply haven't a clue what I can do as a new player without access to Tech 2 vessels.

Entry-level PvP

• I've yet to dabble in any PvP within EVE but would like to acquire an entry-level ship for PvP. I'm fine with getting squished and losing a bit of money but my aim is to get involved with small ganks, all the while training for the Jackdaw (~13 days away).

A lot of information I've come across is either outdated, vague, or a pissing match between two posters over who has more "1337" skills in PvP. As someone who is still relatively new to the game, any help would be greatly appreciated.

FWIW, I've made it my mission to be a versatile member of my corporation. Missions, mining, data/relic scanning, and hauling gigs are all things I actively participate in. Expanding my horizons might seem a bit too ambitious but that's the route I've chosen.

Many thanks in advance.

I am going to assume you mean in "escorting through High-security space," correct?

If so... there is one, VERY simple way you can escort a hauling ship (even a freighter): webbing it as soon as it activates warp.


But Fluffers, how does a web make a ship go into warp?

Simple.
In order to go into warp three conditions must be satisfied;
- you warp strength must be above 1 (see: you cannot be warp scrambled or disrupted)
- you must be aligned to your target destination (see: your trajectory line must be within 3 to 5 degrees of the destination)
- you must be between 75 to 125% of your ship's max speed.

Now...
- If you have just come through a stargate and you have initiated warp, you are already aligned (note: there is a technical reason for this. If you wish I can explain, but simply know that you have no alignment when you have no speed).
- This means all you need to do is achieve the correct speed to warp off.
- A web messes with this last stat by reducing your ship's max speed while not reducing the speed it has already gained (speed reduction will only happen if your ship is flying faster than its maximum speed).

Example: You have a ship with a max speed of 100 m/sec. It is flying at 50 m/sec.
If you apply a Tech 1 web to the ship, you have reduced the max speed of the ship by 50%.
This makes the ship's new top speed 50 m/sec.
The speed of the ship is unchanged however, as it was already flying at 50 m/sec.


Now... any frigate can perform this task. You need only 1 or 2 webs, a sensor booster (for faster targeting and range), and a Microwarpdrive (so you can get in range).

Of course, ships with range bonuses to webs are preferred as it means that you do not have to fly around as much and can thus send the hauling ship into warp quicker.
(see: Vigil Navy Issue, Hyena, Cruor)

Assuming no range difficulties, this tactic can send off a hauling ship into warp in about 5 or so seconds.


I will be up front about this;

As a newbie, you WILL be squished by other players in solo and small gang scenarios regardless of what ship you fly.
Even if you are flying around in a Jackdaw with the best mods you can buy, you will probably die miserably.

What you need is experience and knowledge.
And your biggest asset is, for lack of a better way of putting it, that you are "expendable."

Use this to your advantage.
Join a larger PvP group. Accept the really dangerous assignments (like "hero tackling" or "light Ewar support").
Go out, do what you can knowing full well you will die... but try to make a difference all the same.
Each time you die... view it through the prism of "how can avoid that next time?"

Ask questions regarding how to avoid danger.
Hell... ask the people who blow you up. You lose nothing if they don't respond to you. But you may surprised by their willingness to give advice.


With the rhetoric out of the way...

- look at the Tristain and Atron on the Gallente side.
The Tristan is a "brawler ship" which specializes in drones. Rated as one of the "top ships" in its class, it does take a fair bit of micromanagement and character skills to get the most out of it.
The Atron is a "fast attack ship." It behaves in ways similar to an Interceptor (and can be fit for such a role as well), but it is also used as a cheapo "light-gank ship."
Some corps will gather together as many newbie pilots as they can and stick them in Atrons for "Leeroy Lemming Fleets." Even experienced players in their "high-end hardware" are leery of such fleets as they can punch WAY above their class.

- Look at the Merlin and Kestrel on the Caldari side.
The Merlin is the "brawler" of the Caldari frigate line. It uses hybrid turrets and has a pretty stiff tank. Its only pitfall is that it is a tad slow for a frigate. But stick in with a small gang and it will at home and hold its own.
The Kestrel is a strange one. It is not a brawler, but it isn't a super fast the way a Condor or Atron are. However, the Kestrel does have one thing going for it; range and sustained damage over time.
The Kestrel exclusively uses missiles and, when fitted properly, can act as a small "bombardment" platform that excels at swatting away fast enemies.



Now the real question is... what kind of role do you wish to play in PvP?

The role of bait will be played by...