EVE New Citizens Q&A

1. Nullsec is, in some ways, safer than high-sec, because:

1a. The game has the ability to color-code all pilots based on standings, so you can easily see who's an enemy and who's an ally or corp-mate. And the rules of engagement are quite simple: NBSI (not blue? shoot it) means all neutrals are treated as spies and shot. Compare this to high-sec where you can't attack neutrals or spies until THEY initiate combat.

1b. If you're part of the group that owns / protects the nullsec space you're in, they're organized enough to have intel channels, where you get advanced warnings of any enemies that enter the area. And it's also very easy to sign up for, or gather, a defense fleet to counterattack the intruders, as everyone is interested in defending the space.


2. PVP.
The devs focus on PVP; most of the monthly game updates focus on the balance of ships for PVP, new ships, possibly new combat rules, etc. Anyone can see that the PVE missions are about as advanced as 1996-era Everquest; the combat AI is poor, the scenarios are repetitive, there's no overall plot, etc. If you want a PVE game, play a PVE game, there are much better ones out there, from WoW to SWTOR to various others, and they're not mutually exclusive. But, ultimately, CCP devs have stated in the past that their focus is on PVP, and they won't try to "reinvent the wheel" with PVE plots and story arcs and whatnot.


3. Groups and Fleets.
We recommend you group up not just because this is an MMO, but also because this is a sandbox. You're supposed to build your own sand castle / invent your own story, and, ultimately, kids do that very well, adults... not so much. Any plot I might invent is ruined for me; I'd enjoy leading others through it, but not myself. So this is where corps and alliances and fleets come in: you can participate in their stories and plots, enjoy THEIR entertainment and setups. Most of the good corps put effort into their setup, their goals, and into organizing fun activities daily.


4. Game mechanics.
The game has complexities. Takes a while to learn them. And, just like with Chess, learning how to move the pieces is NOT what the game is about. Nor is it about picking a favorite piece and racing it along the board. Your character trains to unlock a bunch of ships, which are tools to help you achieve something, make a name for yourself, get some "fun" out of the time you're spending logged in.

Fleet command is the next step, once you have a grasp on the basic game mechanics. It's surprisingly simple and difficult, at the same time. It's simple because people WANT to participate and have fun, and if anyone volunteers to give some orders and set up an op, they're more than happy to join up and follow orders. It's complicated because, well, you're caring for your group while fighting other players, and that's not a simple task. But the secret is to delegate: ask your fleet members to be scouts, in charge of various wings, etc.; give them roles and let THEM do their part. Try, fail, learn... repeat.