When I first jumped into EVE Online back in 2004, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Back then, there was a meme about EVE's learning curve. While other MMOs had gentle, rolling hills of learning curves, the one for EVE Online looked more like a deadly vertical cliff face with stick figures holding on to it and a exceedingly large number of them falling to their doom. Luckily, I was amongst the ones that made it past this cliff of madness as I found nice people who taught me everything from the ground up. A few weeks later, I found myself as part of G Alliance in Nullsec space learning the ins and outs of the game and doing my part in fleet engagements over territorial ownership.

Jump to 2024, and I’ve decided to dive back into EVE. This time, I’m approaching it as a seasoned veteran who’s essentially starting over from scratch. After 12 years away, the game has evolved so much, and I’d like to share my fresh impressions along with some tips and insights that helped me find my footing again. And here is my honest review:


Things that I like in the new version:

• Free-2-Play / Subscription: You can play entirely for free (Alpha)but you will be limited and far weaker than a subscribing player (Omega). The reason, Alpha players are limited to 20.5 million skillpoints. With that amount of skillpoints you have to heavily specialize into a certain field to get something out of it. Also, subscribers have access to certain skills, ships and equipment that make them significantly powerful. However, as EVE Online used to be a subscription based game, I consider the free-2-play Alpha mode a great addition to the game that helps you making your first steps. And as soon as you figure out that you enjoy the game, go with a 1-year sub as it will push the monthly price to roughly 12 EUR.
  
• Content: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, the game has become even more complex. There is literally tons of new content. My first challenge was and still is to dive into all the new fluff. You no longer rely only on belt ratting or missions. Exploration sites have become a lovely activity and just yesterday I made 60 million with a lucky implant drop. Another interesting thing is Abyssal Space, basically your personal instanced mini-dungeons with randomized effects.
  
• Learning curve: The game is still complex but CCP Games introduced a well-designed tutorial series, the AIR program. You select a focus and the system provides you with guidance, skill suggestions, and tasks with the goal to teach you the ins and outs of the selected content.

Ressources for you:

1) The Holy Bible for EVE players with everything explained: https://wiki.eveuniversity.org/

2) Learning EVE with Captain Benzie. Short videos for any given content.
https://www.youtube.com/@captainbenzie

3) Learning EVE with Ashterothi: In depth guides
https://www.youtube.com/@Ashterothi

4) EVE Online learning curve meme: https://www.reddit.com/r/Eve/comments/6l14i1/the_eve_learning_curve/

When I first jumped into EVE Online back in 2004, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Back then, there was a meme about EVE's learning curve. While other MMOs had gentle, rolling hills of learning curves, the one for EVE Online looked more like a deadly vertical cliff face with stick figures holding on to it and a exceedingly large number of them falling to their doom. Luckily, I was amongst the ones that made it past this cliff of madness as I found nice people who taught me everything from the ground up. A few weeks later, I found myself as part of G Alliance in Nullsec space learning the ins and outs of the game and doing my part in fleet engagements over territorial ownership. Jump to 2024, and I’ve decided to dive back into EVE. This time, I’m approaching it as a seasoned veteran who’s essentially starting over from scratch. After 12 years away, the game has evolved so much, and I’d like to share my fresh impressions along with some tips and insights that helped me find my footing again. And here is my honest review: [h1]It's the friggin best space MMO in the world! Period.[/h1] Things that I like in the new version: [list] [*][b]Free-2-Play / Subscription:[/b] You can play entirely for free (Alpha)but you will be limited and far weaker than a subscribing player (Omega). The reason, Alpha players are limited to 20.5 million skillpoints. With that amount of skillpoints you have to heavily specialize into a certain field to get something out of it. Also, subscribers have access to certain skills, ships and equipment that make them significantly powerful. However, as EVE Online used to be a subscription based game, I consider the free-2-play Alpha mode a great addition to the game that helps you making your first steps. And as soon as you figure out that you enjoy the game, go with a 1-year sub as it will push the monthly price to roughly 12 EUR. [*][b]Content:[/b] Holy shit, the game has become even more complex. There is literally tons of new content. My first challenge was and still is to dive into all the new fluff. You no longer rely only on belt ratting or missions. Exploration sites have become a lovely activity and just yesterday I made 60 million with a lucky implant drop. Another interesting thing is Abyssal Space, basically your personal instanced mini-dungeons with randomized effects. [*][b]Learning curve:[/b] The game is still complex but CCP Games introduced a well-designed tutorial series, the AIR program. You select a focus and the system provides you with guidance, skill suggestions, and tasks with the goal to teach you the ins and outs of the selected content. [/list] [b]Ressources for you:[/b] 1) The Holy Bible for EVE players with everything explained: https://wiki.eveuniversity.org/ 2) Learning EVE with Captain Benzie. Short videos for any given content. https://www.youtube.com/@captainbenzie 3) Learning EVE with Ashterothi: In depth guides https://www.youtube.com/@Ashterothi 4) EVE Online learning curve meme: https://www.reddit.com/r/Eve/comments/6l14i1/the_eve_learning_curve/