PvP

This page serves as a central hub for information related to Player versus Player (PvP) combat in EVE Online. PvP is a core element of the game and can occur in all areas of space. This page provides an overview of the different types of PvP, key mechanics, and relevant tools and resources for further learning.

Overview

PvP in EVE Online refers to combat between player-controlled ships. It can take many forms, from small individual encounters to large-scale battles involving hundreds of pilots. Engagements may be consensual, such as arranged duels or tournament fights, or non-consensual, such as ambushes or ganks. Unlike in many MMOs, ship loss in EVE Online is permanent, making PvP encounters significant and often high-risk.

Types of PvP

PvP in EVE Online can be broadly categorised into several formats:

• Solo – Independent engagements without support, relying on individual decision-making and ship control.
• Small Gang – Fights involving small, coordinated groups, often focused on hit-and-run tactics or skirmishes.
• Fleet – Large, structured battles using predefined doctrines and assigned roles.
• Faction Warfare – Conflict centred around low security space objectives in the Factional Warfare system.
• Wormhole – Combat in wormhole space, often involving surprise engagements and evictions.
• Highsec – Includes duels, war declarations, and illegal combat actions such as ganking.
• Public fleets – Public fleets that allow participation from anyone outside the organiser’s direct alliance or corporation.
• Nullsec – Includes sovereignty warfare, entosis mechanics, and large-scale territorial engagements.
• Structure Warfare – Fights centred around attacking or defending Upwell structures or other deployables.

Getting started

Players new to PvP may wish to begin with small-scale engagements to develop core skills. It is recommended to:

• Train essential fitting, navigation, and combat-related skills
• Use inexpensive ships such as frigates for initial practice
• Review ship loss mechanics and killmail systems
• Learn the basics of scanning, tackling, and brawling or kiting
• Practice using overview settings and manual piloting techniques

Relevant skills and training

Key skill areas that improve PvP performance include:

• Navigation and propulsion
• Capacitor and tanking systems (shield, armor, hull)
• Weapon systems (turrets, missiles, drones)
• Electronic warfare and sensor management
• Core fitting skills (see Magic 14)
• Role-specific skills for tackle, logistics, and command functions

Skill progression in EVE Online is time-based; however, even new characters can contribute meaningfully in combat with appropriate fits and roles.

Locating PvP opportunities

PvP opportunities exist in all areas of space:

• High Security Space – Duels, war declarations, ganking
• Low Security Space – Gatecamps, Faction Warfare, piracy
• Null Security Space – Roams, structure fights, sovereignty warfare
• Wormhole Space – Surprise attacks, evictions, rolling battles
• Public (NPSI) Fleets – Organized through Discord, forums, or public calendars
• ESS Raids and Filaments – Provide access to remote and active PvP zones

Tools and resources

The following tools are commonly used by PvP participants:

• zKillboard – Killmail database and performance analysis
• DOTLAN Maps – Map tool showing activity and geography
• NPSI.Rocks – Public fleet calendar and NPSI community resources
• PYFA – Standalone ship fitting tool

See also

• Fleet Command
• Ship Fitting
• Tackle
• Combat Probing
• Logistics
• Wormholes
• Nullsec
• Public fleets
• Rules of Engagement