Also, just for some better context on how “gear” in Eve works:
Tech 1/Meta 0 (e.g., “Warp Scrambler I” ), with rare exception, are not fit to ships. These are generally used as a manufacturing input for T2 items. Exceptions exist (cynos, for instance, don’t 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., “Modal Light Neutron Blaster”, “Initiated Compact Warp Scrambler”): These are inexpensive and “entry level” 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. It’s 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., “1MN analog booster afterburner”) : 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., “Dread Guristas Warp Scrambler”, “Federation Navy Stasis Webifier”): Generally speaking, these are Just Plain Better. They’re also a lot more expensive, and whether they’re worth it or not is going to revolve around a lot of “It Depends” 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 don’t start slamming them into every slot just because they’re “better”.
Officer (“Estamel’s Modified Multispectrum Shield Hardener”) - 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 don’t exist.
There are also mutaplasmids, but don’t worry about those for now.
You typically don’t 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 it’s almost de rigueur.
TL;DR you’ll mostly use T2 and that’s player made anyway.
