Complete noob at explo, but I can fly a CovOps with near max skills and I’m training Hacking/Archeology up to IV right now. Never messed with explo before (not sure it even existed last time I played). I’m just trying to figure out how to make ISK to keep my PVP funded and this looked interesting.
If I sneak off into nullsec and hack relic/data sites with a Helios, about how much ISK worth of stuff can I expect to bring back after a couple hours?
If lucky billions if unlucky a pod express back home
Lol you can expect to be looking over your shoulder alot.
You cannot like put a number per hour on exploring…some days i make 400/500m
Some days not that lol. Be clear, those days are few and far between. Fast align time, strong probe strength, fast scan time. I use a Metamorphosis, fun ship, can wanderratt about fairly well and scans good, you can carry mobile depot in dedicated hanger for combat and hacking fits.
Yeah, I was in a lowsec system last night messing around with this and somebody in an Astero snuck up on me. I’ll definitely keep my head on a swivel.
Stay in local chat. Have a dedicated window for local. You can see if someone is in your system even if they are cloaked.
Learn to use your dscan, watch for combat scan probes. If they get close to you…boogie. lots of tricks for low to keep safe.
You can expect the best risk/reward ratio that EVE has to offer.
Situational awareness is probably the most important skill to develop. Over time, you will learn what areas of space to explore at which times of the day, and develop a feel for risk.
Read about anchoring secure containers to save your loot for later retrieval in deep space (up to thirty days). You may want to use a mobile depot to refit in space and store loot and modules for shorter periods of time (a couple of days).
If you’re into combining exploration with PvP, take a look at navy/fleet exploration frigates, basic Tech I exploration frigates, the Astero, Pacifier, and Stratios. Covert Ops frigates are good for exploration, but can hardly put up a fight.
There are some good videos on the hacking minigame on the Internet that teach a lot more than just the basics.