Also, just for some better context on how âgearâ in Eve works:
Tech 1/Meta 0 (e.g., âWarp Scrambler Iâ ), with rare exception, are not fit to ships. These are generally used as a manufacturing input for T2 items. Exceptions exist (cynos, for instance, donât really come in meta versions). Otherwise, they are always The Worst and there is no reason to use them because better items are available at a similar price point.
Tech 1/Meta 1-4 (e.g., âModal Light Neutron Blasterâ, âInitiated Compact Warp Scramblerâ): These are inexpensive and âentry levelâ modules for use, but that does not mean they are only used by new players. These are frequently good enough, especially at their price point.
T2: Standard Kit. The default choice for most modules, for most people, for most purposes. Itâs manufactured by players and is reliably available for purchase. Inexpensive, pretty strong, typically has higher fitting requirements than most other tiers of module.
Storyline (e.g., â1MN analog booster afterburnerâ) : Mostly from COSMOS or exploration content, typically T2 capability but with reduced fitting and capacitor need. Not used super commonly and expensive for what they do.
Faction (e.g., âDread Guristas Warp Scramblerâ, âFederation Navy Stasis Webifierâ): Generally speaking, these are Just Plain Better. Theyâre also a lot more expensive, and whether theyâre worth it or not is going to revolve around a lot of âIt Dependsâ parameters that are difficult to scope for this conversation. They mainly come from faction NPCs, DED sites, and LP stores.
Deadspace (anything with A-, B-, C-, or X-Type in the name): These come from DED complexes, are generally still-better than faction, and tend to be very expensive, with some mods running up to a billion isk. These can be incredibly powerful in the right contexts but you usually donât start slamming them into every slot just because theyâre âbetterâ.
Officer (âEstamelâs Modified Multispectrum Shield Hardenerâ) - The highest tier of stuff, extremely rare, exorbitantly expensive, and generally only used by the ludicrously wealthy, idiots, and ludicrously wealthy idiots. The market history tab on some of these scales to T instead of B. Pretend they donât exist.
There are also mutaplasmids, but donât worry about those for now.
You typically donât upgrade everything across the board - not every ship can realistically take advantage of every improvement and the upgrade might only be adding cost from any practical perspective. Putting a faction web on an AC rifter would be idiotic, but on a Loki itâs almost de rigueur.
TL;DR youâll mostly use T2 and thatâs player made anyway.
