A cluster of scrap orbits a lone star somewhere in New Eden. To some, this cluster of junk is nothing more than a footprint of times long past. But to the explorers of New Eden, one capsuleer’s junk is another one’s treasure. Relic and Data sites are arguably some of the most profitable jobs you can take up in New Eden. It is an easy job to get into, and the more adventurous you get, the higher the payout your endeavors become. In order to be an explorer in EVE, you cannot be afraid to roll the dice and take a chance. In order to find what you need, you gotta crack your knuckles, get comfortable, and scan some cosmic signatures.
Starting out on EVE Online can be a lot to take in. There is so much to do accompanied with the freedom to make those choices. That fact alone has always set EVE Online apart from other MMOs. Data and Relic sites can be found all across New Eden, from High sec to Low Sec, even to the remotest parts of Wormhole space. The thing is, these sites aren’t out in the open for everyone to grab, you have to have a keen eye for these. When starting out, a newbie needs to find a ship that gives them scanning bonuses. When I started out, I went with the Heron. The Heron is a great ship that gives a bonus for core scanner probes and +5 relic and data analyzer strength. Now, this isn’t the only ship on the market that does this, that just happens to be the one that I originally went with when I started out. I’ll list the other ships per faction for you guys who are new to this if you prefer another faction over another.
Amarr – Magnate
Caldari – Heron
Gallente – Imicus
Minmatar – Probe
Once you have your ship, we need to move onto the type of equipment that you would be using. You will need a core probe launcher, the launcher will help you deploy probes that actually locate these relic and data sites. Afterburners help make the process go a little faster once you get to the site. You will need relic and data analyzers in order to run the sites, but that part is pretty self-explanatory. I highly recommend a cloaking device so you can remain cloaked while you scan the sites. For newbies, Prototype cloaking devices will do just fine, but I would recommend getting your skills raised once you start running sites more frequently. Drones are incredibly important just in case someone who happens to show up at the same site doesn’t want to share. A cargo scanner is recommended so that you don’t waste your time. There will be times where you may find only three containers with actual loot and the rest are empty. Once you have the recommended and required items, you then can rig Small Gravity Capacitors to increase scanning or add something else. This part is truly up to the pilot.
Once you undock in your newly fitted frigate, it’s best to launch your probes, warp to a safe spot, where it would be difficult for anyone to find you, and sit cloaked while you scan out the cosmic signatures in the system. Once you pin down a cosmic signature, warp to it. It’s always best to save it to your personal locations in case you have to come back. Once you get to the site, in High sec it usually is fine to warp within 0 kilometers. In Low and Null security space, it is usually wise to warp a little off from the site just so you can visually survey and directional scan the site before you dig in. If you are going into Wormhole space by yourself, this guide isn’t really for you and I wish you the best of luck — you will need it.
When you approach your first container, it is important to cargo scan it. Once you have determined that there are goodies inside, attempt to open it. The goal of cracking the containers is to find the core so that your virus can corrupt it enough to open the container. Along the way, you will encounter antiviruses, firewalls, etc. These will do damage to your virus if you attack them, so make sure that your virus is strong enough to finish the job. You will collect tools that will help you improve your odds as well; use them when you need them. Take it slow, and be patient. If you mess up, most times, you get another chance; do not get discouraged, just try again. If the container blows up, hate yourself, and keep moving. You will lose containers now and then, just learn from the mistakes. Sometimes firewalls and antiviruses will quite literally back you into a corner, you just have to plan your next attack, and find the core. If you are patient and successful, you will get your payout. If you are new, I recommend getting practice in High sec before you move onto Low sec. Once you become more comfortable enough and have trained enough, join a corporation in Null sec, and try your luck there. Once you crack that container open, take the loot, after a while, sell it on the market to acquire that sweet, sweet isk. Eventually, you can get better ships, modules, and skills which will increase your chance of having a better payout.
Even if you have been playing EVE for years, if you haven’t attempted Data and Relic sites, it wouldn’t hurt to give it a go in 2018. A new year calls for new things. For newbies looking to find their niche in the vast star cluster of New Eden, this could be your calling; you won’t know until you try it. My final tip is that it’s important to know that Relic sites usually produce more isk than Data sites, but they both are an excellent way to acquire currency.
As I leave on that note, I must say, good luck, friend. In the world of Exploration, you will see a lot of things on your travels. Stay sharp, pay attention, make isk, repeat.
