So this entire post stems from a what I saw a player post on another article here on the forum. I can't seem to find it but it was effectively; 'this is a combat game'.

Thus far I have quite enjoyed the none combat aspects of this game; mining, exploration, and trade.

I will how I enjoy, and eventually that would likely involve some combat, I think I would be missing out if I didn't at least give its some time and effort. However I'm not inquiring so as to be persuaded into combat. I am looking for realistic expectations moving forward.

Having read all of this, what do our end game and experienced players see for long term PVE content? What is the viability of evading combat and PVP as long as possible? How long can keep my head in the sand and still enjoy the content and grow?

Your insight and opinions would be great, thanks for your time.

You will have to eventually do pvp if you wish to keep advancing; some missions or equipment or ships can only be obtained in greyspace, and sooner or later you will find a pirate or aggressor. And if you intend to build a capship (which is no easy feat), or engage in p2p trade with higher teired goods, you will have to take stations, which involves pissing off whoever you took it from, unless you were to always rely on someone giving you a key, which is still a precarious point to be in.

It would be extremely difficult to stay solo ~forever~, but if you remain respectful and pay your pirates, you can minimize aggressive interactions. However, as pvp is one of the best aspects of the game [as far as my opinion goes], why would you want to evade it? Pick up a vulture with some neutron blasters and go at it!

hang on, you enjoy mining?

"VO is a combat game" usually refers to the fact that nowhere outside of a station is truly "safe" from pvp. Even in the Capitol Station sectors (arguably the safest place outside the training sectors), you can be shot up by another player.

That said, while pvp is a constant risk, there are ways to mitigate its effect on your own game play. Learning to be sneaky, who you can trust to deal with you in good faith, where pirates like to hang out, etc, can all combine to increase your personal safety. It's worth noting that the consequences of death in VO are very tame. You lose your ship, and whatever it was hauling gets dumped in space. You respawn at your "home" station. I've "died" a couple thousand times so far, and not one instance has proven fatal...

As far as pve goes, there is no real way to avoid it entirely, as many items and ships rely on Combat License, though one can grind away in the relative safety of the Capitol System bot sectors if you have the patience.

Lux,

My intention is not to evade necessarily but to placate while I'm still enjoying other aspects of the game, I'm sure ill get around to some pew pew time when I'm in the mood. But i understand what you have stated about end game content.

Greenwall,

Of course I do! How can you not what with the space and the flying and lazers!

Faille,

Thank you for the excellent summary! And the realistic perspective.

Thanks all for the feedback!