The first days in New Eden—definitely, too much time has passed since I started playing, so now I want to share with you a series of tips that can solve many of the initial doubts that new players frequently have:
Playing with Steam or the native client?
Regarding this question, the truth is that the gaming experience is exactly the same. The only real difference is how you created your account. If you create it through the game's website, you won’t be able to purchase Omega or PLEX via Steam. This is very important because, for example, in Latin America (and likely in other regions), it can sometimes be cheaper to buy these assets through Steam rather than the in-game store. Other than that, the experience remains the same, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Can I play from Mac or Linux?
The short answer is yes. However, the game has native support for PC and Mac. With some additional steps, you can also enjoy the game on Linux.
What is the difference between Alpha and Omega?
Alpha and Omega are the game's subscription states, with Alpha being the free-to-play version and Omega the paid version.
As an Alpha, you have certain limitations, such as the number of skill points you can train normally, as well as access to certain ships, modules, and industry features that are only available to Omega accounts.
However, this doesn’t mean Omega makes the game "pay-to-win." Instead, it simply allows you to train any ship, use any module, and perform any activity you desire. But if you’re not skilled at what you do, an Alpha player can still defeat you without any problem.
Finally, remember that you can pay for your Omega subscription using in-game currency. So, in the long run, you can play as Omega without spending real money—it all depends on how you play.
How many characters can I have?
Here, I need to make an important clarification:
Each account can have up to three created characters. However, you can only play and train with one at a time. You can pay to train two or even all three characters simultaneously, but you will always be able to play with only one at a time.
That being said, you can have as many accounts as you want and open them simultaneously as long as they have Omega status. In other words, you cannot open two Alpha characters at the same time, but if you have two or more characters and they are all Omegas, you can use them simultaneously. In that case, the only limit is what your PC can handle.
What are the most important decisions when creating a character? Are they reversible?
When creating a new character, the game will ask you to choose one of the four main factions. However, this choice only affects the starting ships and the region where you begin. You can train ships from any faction as you progress and visit other faction territories.
However, there are three aspects you should consider carefully:
Character Name – This cannot be changed.
Character Design – This can be modified later by purchasing a certificate.
Character Gender – This cannot be changed after creation.
What do the different currencies mean? ISK, PLEX, EverMarks, LP - I'm lost!
Don't worry! Let's go over the differences quickly and simply:
ISK: The common currency in New Eden. You can earn it by completing missions, destroying NPCs, selling items, and many other activities. This is the main in-game currency.
PLEX: The premium currency. You can obtain it in two ways: by purchasing it with real money or by buying it from other players using ISK. PLEX can be used to pay for an Omega subscription and buy various items like skins and training certificates.
EverMarks: Earned through AIR faction missions or daily challenge rewards. Primarily used for cosmetic purposes, such as purchasing emblem slots for ships, donating to corporations for player station skins, and skipping daily challenges.
LP (Loyalty Points): Earned by completing missions or participating in Factional Warfare for NPC corporations. LP can be used to buy faction-related modules, ammunition, blueprints, implants, and cosmetics for personal use or trade.
Should I register using a referral code? Where can I find them? Are they all the same?
This is completely optional, but using a referral code gives you a reward of 1 million skill points, which helps you progress faster. Keep in mind that you can only use one referral link.
You can get a referral link from other players. They may receive rewards when you use their code and make a purchase from the game's website. If you don’t buy anything, they won’t get a reward, but you will always receive the 1M skill points.
If your account has been active for a while but you've never used a referral link, you can still apply one—as long as the account that provided it is older than yours.
Most content creators share their referral links so that anyone who appreciates their content can use them. They also often provide a creator code that lets them earn a small percentage when you make purchases from the website, at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support content creators!
Remember that EVE Online is a MULTIPLAYER ONLINE game, so don’t try to do everything on your own. The game has huge communities that are usually happy to share their knowledge with new players. Don’t be shy—ask questions! I guarantee that if a player doesn’t know the answer, they’ll look for it with you, and you’ll both learn something new.
I hope this guide is useful to you, and welcome to New Eden! The galaxy awaits you.