Getting Started: Creating Your Character


 

Choosing a Race and Bloodline

When you first log into EVE Online, the first step is creating your character. This involves selecting a race and bloodline, which will influence your starting skills and aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of the four playable races:

1. Amarr

  • Overview: The Amarr Empire is known for its strong religious beliefs and advanced technology.
  • Strengths:
    • Powerful laser weaponry.
    • Strong armor defenses.
  • Ideal For: Players who enjoy a strong, tanky play style, focusing on long-range combat.

2. Caldari

  • Overview: The Caldari State is a corporate-driven society that values efficiency and technology.
  • Strengths:
    • Excellent missile technology.
    • Strong shield defenses.
  • Ideal For: Players who prefer tactical gameplay and enjoy using range and missile systems.

3. Gallente

  • Overview: The Gallente Federation is a democratic society known for its focus on personal freedom.
  • Strengths:
    • Proficient with drones.
    • Strong hybrid weapon capabilities.
  • Ideal For: Players who enjoy versatility and a mix of combat styles, especially close-range engagements.

4. Minmatar

  • Overview: The Minmatar Republic is a coalition of tribes that value freedom and independence.
  • Strengths:
    • Fast and agile ships.
    • Effective at hit-and-run tactics with projectile weapons.
  • Ideal For: Players who favor speed and maneuverability in combat.

Character Customization

Once you've chosen your race, you’ll enter the character customization screen. This is your opportunity to create a unique appearance for your avatar. You can adjust various features such as:

  • Facial Features: Sculpt your character’s face, choosing from a range of options for eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Hairstyles: Select from various hairstyles and colors to give your character a distinct look.
  • Clothing: Choose outfits that fit your character’s background and personality, adding a personal touch.

Take your time during this stage; your character will represent you in the vast universe of EVE Online.

Starting Skills and Training

After character creation, you’ll begin with a set of basic skills essential for gameplay. Skills dictate what ships you can pilot, what weapons you can use, and how effectively you can engage in various activities.

Key Skills for Beginners

Focus on a few critical skills to enhance your gameplay experience:

  • Core Skills:

    • Anchoring: Essential for setting up structures and equipment.
    • Shield Management: Improves your ship's shield efficiency, crucial for survivability in combat.
  • Combat Skills:

    • Gunnery: Enhances your effectiveness with turrets.
    • Missile Launcher Operation: Improves your proficiency with missile systems.
  • Trade Skills:

    • Trade: Increases your ability to trade effectively in the market.
    • Retail: Enhances your capacity to manage a trading business.
  • Mining Skills:

    • Mining: Increases the efficiency of mining operations.
    • Astrogeology: Improves the yield from asteroids.

Training Skills

In EVE Online, skills are trained over time, even when you are not logged in. This allows you to progress your character continuously. Choose skills that align with your desired playstyle and goals.

  • Skill Training Queue: You can queue multiple skills to train sequentially, ensuring your time is well spent.

Tutorial Missions

Once you have your character set up and some initial skills, you’ll be guided through tutorial missions. These missions are designed to familiarize you with the game mechanics and interface.

Types of Tutorial Missions

  1. Combat Missions: Engage in battles against NPC enemies to learn the basics of combat and ship controls.
  2. Navigation Missions: Practice warping between locations and using the map effectively.
  3. Mining Missions: Gain hands-on experience with mining operations and resource gathering.

Completing these missions will provide you with essential resources, ISK, and a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics.

Conclusion

Creating your character in EVE Online is a vital first step in your gaming journey. By selecting the right race, customizing your avatar, and focusing on essential skills, you set the stage for an exciting adventure in the universe of New Eden. Embrace the learning process, complete tutorial missions, and prepare for the vast experiences that await you in this intricate and dynamic MMO.