As I mentioned in my last post, the idea of exploring space in EVE is really interesting to me. I feel like I’ve been in "learning mode" for ages, running missions, getting killed, etc. I’ve been hesitant about stepping out on my own, because the first couple of times I tried it, I died pretty quickly. I know now not to use autopilot if I’m going through low-sec space. Every death is a learning experience, right?

Anyway, a couple of nights ago, I decided I’d try some exploration, so I equipped my Vexor with some with Core Scanner Probes and off I went. I pulled up the map and looked for a place to run my scans. My requirements were: within three or four jumps from where I was, high-sec space (I didn’t want to be ganked when I was trying to concentrate on scanning), and someplace new to me. I ended up in the Genesis region, in the Emsar system.

Lots of people don’t like scanning, but I love how finicky it is. I enjoy launching the probes, and tweaking the scanning area to try to get a signature to 100%. After poking around a bit here is what I found:

My first wormhole! And of course, what are you supposed to do when you see a wormhole? Go right on into it, of course. Where I ended up, I have no idea. After my first frisson of terror when I saw I was in 0.0 space, I realized there was no one else there; I was all alone in unexplored space. Cool! I had a great time exploring my own little corner of the universe. When it was time to go home, however, I had a moment of terror: I had forgotten to bookmark the location of the wormhole, and I had no way of knowing where it was. I confess, I was a bit nervous. Then I realized I could just scan it down again, and I made it home in one piece.

Hey, it was my first solo exploration trip – it might not be exciting to people who have been playing for ages, but I enjoyed it.

I’m going to be gone this weekend (May 8-9) on a short camping trip. Yesterday I got a couple of issues of EON magazine in the mail, so I have something EVE-related to keep my mind busy since I won’t be able to get online out in the wilderness. There is a great article in the latest issue about the Overview with a bunch of tips that I want to try – I’ll just have to wait until Monday.

P.S. If you want some scanning tips, this video from CCP is fabulous.