Ok, so you’ve read the blog, heard the stuff and now you’re inspired.  That’s great news  Firstly have a quick read of some points below, and also be sure to check out the guide I’ve linked right at the bottom.  I often get asked advice by newer players about piracy, although there is no right or wrong answer – there are many ways to the destination, this is “my take” on it;

1. Steady that trigger finger

2. Get basic tackling skills, such as;  Afterburner, Microwarp Drive (debatable these days), warp scrambler, stasis webifier.

3. Get your offensive skills up.  Gunnery/Drones/Rockets to use in a FRIGATE.

4. Use a small, fast, inexpensive and replaceable ships (FRIGATES).

5. Plan in advance.  You will go pop.  Have a stack of replacement modules and ships on stand-by.

6. Focus on things that will allow better/more equipment on your ship.  Engineering, electronics, mechanic, weapon upgrades, etc.

7. Work towards T2 variants of your current fits (funds allowing) or skills which will improve the effectiveness of your T1 weapons/modules.  It’s not advisable to always go flying a T2 fitted ship.

8. Start in Empire by can flipping.  Don’t shoot the haulers (I know you’re eager for kills) but get them to low armour/structure and ransom them – much more profitable.  Remember to ask for a sensible ransom.

9. If they come back in a PVP ship – engage if you think you have a chance.  If not, scatter – you’re a pirate – not Richard the Lionheart!

10. Remember, if they vanish you have their ore.  Convo them and ransom it for a sensible price, or take it for yourself.  If you can’t take it, remember it’s in your can – you can always pop it or leave it for them to come and “steal” back – and then engage them again.

11. Honour your ransoms.  Do not accept money and pop/pod them anyway.

12. If you want a kill – just shoot and don’t accept money, a convo – just kill it.

13. If you want a kill AND a ransom.. pop the ship and try to snag and ransom the pod.

14. Check out C+P and eve-pirate.com for potential corps

15. Drop into the “Independence” channel and see if anyone is recruiting, or needs tacklers.

16. Don’t take it personally when you get blown up

17. Expect to get blown up

18. Expect to get blown up – by other pirates (hopefully not your gang mates)

19. Be persistent, don’t give up.  It takes time and practice, but once you kill or ransom something, you’ll know why – and it’ll be worth it.

20. Learn how to use the star map for routes, gatecamps, traffic, etc.

21. Know your ship.  What it can do, what it’s limits are.  The same goes for your weapons and skills.

22. Set up your overview to reduce clutter.  You have up to 5 overview tabs which you can quickly switch between – use them!

23. Practice with the directional scanner and overview.  Find a scanning tutorial, try it, try and find something and warp to it.

24. Head to low sec, use the scanner, search the belts.  See if you can find any targets.

25. Remember your GCC (Global Criminal Count down) after you’ve killed someone and aggression timers to stations/factions.

More to be added upon request, or when I think of them.

I HIGHLY recommend you read The Beginners Guide to Piracy by Jack McSwain (AKA Skira Ranos).  Thanks for such a complete and well documented guide, which can be found here:

http://eve-stuff.co.uk/resources.php?a=piracy

If you’re not yet a pilot in New Eden but feel inspired to try it, then you can, free for 14 days:  EVE 14 Day Free Trial (opens in a pop-up)