How did you get into EvE?

That was the question from Laria Raven when I touted on the Tweetfleet for suggestions as to my next post.

The answer is a simple one in a way.  I'd been playing WoW for a year and used to download a Podcast called 'The Instance'.  As Cataclysm was due the hosts were talking about how they were filling their time in the run up to the new expansion.  They mentioned a game called 'EvE Online' and chatted about how they were filling their training queues.  I've been into MMOs for years having played Terris on AOL (text based) where I made it to be a sysops eventually.  Then EQ I for a while then a break for a few years.  I then finished a college course and fancied getting into gaming again.  That's when I found WoW.  Loved it really but when I reached 80 it ran out of steam for me.  Work commitments meaning that I couldn't commit to regular raids which seem to be the lifeblood of endgame - there were only so many times I wanted to kill the same zombies in the same snowy fields.

So - I thought I'd look at this 'EvE Online'.  I downloaded the client and started a trial account.  I was only a few days into it when I bought in.  When I first appeared in space I had no clue whatsoever.  I can honestly say that it's only through the efforts of friends whom I have met in New Eden that I know what I know now.  I also know that friends I have still to meet will teach me more.  A day spent without learning is a day wasted and never was this more true than in New Eden!

All these 'modules' and ships were mind blowing.  I've mentioned before about how seeing a mining barge open up on an asteroid field fueled my interest in the art of mining.  I had already begun listening to EvE podcasts and EvE Uni was mentioned as an excellent corp for a new player to get into.  I joined the queue and within a few weeks was a member.  From that point I did not look back.  I started some mining operations which, to my surprise, proved quite successful and I learnt much from those who came along such as Jen Loo and Cecilia.  It was mining which I put all my time and skills into for the first five months until I achieved my goal of an Orca and two Hulks.  This enabled me to be of some little use to Eve Uni and their operations. 

Then came Hulkageddon and a Tweetfleet conversation with Helicity Boson.  It was then that I decided that there was some truth in their words and that really there was more to be gained from experiencing new aspects of the game than whinging about them.  So I decided to go to the 'darkside' of PvP.  I'd always laughed at pew pew as I couldn't see the fun. OMG! 

Today I went one step further.  I knew this would mean absolute certain death but I fitted up a Rifter, headed into Empire Space and lit up a Retriever.  Now, it wasn't long before I was sailing my pod back to a station and I saw that I only made it through half of his shield but you know what?  The buzz was tremendous!  Later the same day I was scanning a 0.3 system and located a Velator - warped to it and my heart was thumping as I hit approach / Orbit and waited to get into Scram range.  The distance was closing then seemed to slow down, 'damn' I thought 'it's running'.  I made it into range and hit the Scram then lit up the auto cannons and nos - finally the web then watched as the shields, armour and structure evaporated.  Now, I know, it's a rookie ship.  My point is this though.  If killing that can give a player such a buzz what's it going to be like when I can go up against bigger and better ships and test my skills and fits against them?  I know I know nothing about PvP but I want to learn and I want to get better.  You lose a ship?  so what?  I've lost many already to some ridiculous fates (see below) but it's fantastic fun.

So what got me into EvE?  Mining and the friends I made on that path but also the depth and variety of the game.  Hopefully my experience may make some others reading this yearn to fit up a Rifter (or frig of their choice) and poke their nose into lowsec.  Go on - yes, it can be scary but damn it's fun! Likewise if you've never tried mining - give it a go - there are some great rock chippers out there.

Until next time - fly safe o7 and watch those timers!