Life in 0.0

There are many unknown factors about 0.0 and most have been warned of its hazards, hopefully this will clear up some of the hub bub about the whole thing. First off lets adress this from the position of any rookie noob pilot. What are the dangers of 0.0 exactly? Often CEO's give warnings about how unforgiving 0.0 can be. This holds true only in certain circumstances. Eve in and of itself is unforgiving. For example how many pilots have been laid to waste by CONCORD after realizing that they were carrying contraband between systems? Not only do you feel the sting of death itself but on top of those wounds CONCORD rubs in a little salt by fining you. This is one of MANY learned lessons learned that will make you want to punt your pet across the room in a fit of rage.

Defending Yourself in 0.0

0.0 is a different cup of tea but can be as safe, if not safer under the right conditions.

1.Intel channel - This is usally your first warning about hostile forces. If you should be the first to spot hostiles You should say something like "Player Name spotted in System he is flying in a Ship"(filling in the proper fields).

2. Local channel - Watch your local channel like a hawk. This will save you more times than you can count. Most pilots fly with this in a seperate location on thier screen than other channels so that it is easily viewable. anytime the count increses or decreases in system check it out see who has left and who is coming.

3. Safe Spots - If you are going to be spending any amount of time in a system you should setup a few safe spots immediately. If you do get into trouble you can quickly warp to a safe spot breathe a bit easier while hopefully the calvary arrives or the hostiles leave system. It is best to setup 3 or 4 safespots to warp between. This will prevent any problems with thoes pesky scan probe launchers. The most secure safe spots are POSes so before you go into 0.0 make sure and ask your corpmates if your corp has up a POS and get the location.

4. Warp to zero - Warping to a destination can now be done with the warp to 0 option which replaces the need to create and maintain insta bookmarks for traveling. Simply choose the warp to 0 option when traveling (Warp to 0 is the default) to warp within jump distance from a gate or docking distance from a station. While this makes traveling in unfamiliar space much safer, it is still wise to remember that care should be taken in jumping directly to a gate in non-alliance space. Sometimes jumping in at 100K can be the safer option if you’re not sure what is waiting for you at the gate. If the gate is clear simply warp to a safe spot and warp back to the gate with the warp to 0 option.

5. Numbers - Stick with friends. if a hostile jumps in and sees you with 2 or 3 others they may just want to move on and look for an easier target.

Earning A Living in 0.0

Before you set out for 0.0 ask around about your preferred method of making ISK. If you like mining, ask about systems that are going to be setup to offer the most protection with the best payout for your efforts. Also, for the love of all that is holy, DON"T MINE SOLO in 0.0. You are begging to be shot, robbed, and podded. You shouldn't even mine solo in any low sec. So dont do it here. Ratting also carries with it some great rewards. If you choose to Belt Ratt ask around in corp/alliance about the area you wish to Ratt. You need to know what damage types to protect vs. and which damage types you need to be dealing. Also note that you'll be facing battle ship ratt spawns, so be sure you can take on an NPC battleship. Another advantage to 0.0 is that it is never easy to get ahold of the items you want. If you are into trade there is alot of money to be made. Always haul with escourts and scouts.

PVP in 0.0

If you enjoy PVP, then 0.0 is your nirvana. You no longer have to worry about your security status, gate guns, or Concord. All you have to rely on now is your ship, and you knowledge of EVE PvP. Lets adress 3 types of PVP.

1. Solo PvP - If you make the descion to solo PvP make sure you have some experience in the field. Lots of pilots lose their ships because of overconfidence. An example of this is that a battle cruiser is not always going to beat a cruiser. Knowledge of ship setups and battle tactics are invaluable. If you are not very experienced in Solo PvPing you should participate in group PvP raids.

2. Group PvP/Raiding - Group PvP or Raiding can be a great source of learning for the inexperienced pilot. Raiding gangs typically require the basic understanding of gang warps and rely on numbers. A gang of cruisers and frigates can be deadly, to a hostile solo pilot looking for easy kills. Make sure that you use Team Speak as communication becomes important. If you join a gang for a raid make sure you establish who is leading and follow his/her orders as their job becomes keeping you alive and happy. If a more experienced PvPer joins they may wish to take the reins.

3. Fleet Combat - Fleet combat is different from raiding as a fleet runs with a specific purpose( ie. defending home turf, destroying a POS, or protection for a system.) Fleet combat also requires numbers. Often you'll see in excess of 20 pilots in the gang. Effective communication becomes crutial in Fleet combat. Everyone has a role and has to know how to be most effective in that role, this is communicated by your lead. Comm silience is expected as the information has to be relayed as quickly and clear as possible. Often Itel on enemies needs to be able to be relayed, and if you're talking to your buddy about last nights ball game, you may have just become responsible for the deaths several alliancemates.

Do not let 0.0 intimidate you. If you feel that you are not ready to experience 0.0 just yet, then base yourself near the alliance as often PvP is short a cruiser or frigate. Your warp disruptor or ability to scout a system can often be as important as the Battleship next to you.