The Zero‑ISK Hardmode Challenge Begins: A Fresh Start, A New Series, and a Home for New Pilots
EVE Online has always been a universe defined by player ambition — the kind of place where a single capsuleer can rise from nothing and carve out a legacy through grit, creativity, and a little bit of chaos. That spirit is exactly what fuels the new Zero‑ISK Hardmode Challenge, a fresh‑start adventure where I rebuild everything from scratch with no assets, no alts, no external help, and no veteran shortcuts. Just one character, one ship, and pure new‑player logic guiding every decision.
Some say this is stupid.... they are correct.
This challenge isn’t just a personal experiment — it’s the foundation of a brand‑new video series designed to show what EVE feels like in 2026 when you start from the ground floor. Whether you’re a returning veteran curious about the modern tutorial or a brand‑new pilot looking for a roadmap, this series breaks down the journey step‑by‑step.
A True Zero‑ISK Start — No Help, No Boosts, No Safety Nets
The rules are simple and brutal:
No ISK transfers
No assets from other characters
No skill injections
No veteran shortcuts
No external help of any kind
Every ship, every module, every skillbook, every ISK earned — all of it must come from the character’s own effort. It’s EVE in its purest form, and it forces you to think like a brand‑new player again.
Exploring the New AIR Tutorial Experience
The series kicks off inside the revamped AIR tutorial, which has become surprisingly cinematic and story‑driven. You’ll see the evacuation sequence, the first combat encounters, the guided ship acquisition, and the early missions that shape your first hour in New Eden.
It’s a great showcase of how CCP has modernized the onboarding experience — and a reminder of how different the game feels when you’re not starting with years of knowledge and a hangar full of ships.
Early‑Game Choices That Actually Matter
From faction selection to ship styles, tank types, bloodlines, and character creation, the early decisions set the tone for the entire challenge. The series breaks down how each choice affects gameplay and how new players can make smart decisions without relying on veteran intuition.
This is the part of EVE most players never revisit — and it’s surprisingly fun to experience again with fresh eyes.
A New Corporation and Two New Homes for Players Who Want to Join
This challenge isn’t happening in isolation. Alongside the series, I’m opening one new corporation with two dedicated homes for players who want to join the adventure.
Whether you’re a new pilot looking for guidance or a veteran wanting a fresh start, the corp offers:
A safe place to learn
A structured progression path
Community‑driven goals
Opportunities to grow alongside the challenge series
It’s the perfect environment for anyone who wants to experience EVE from the ground up — without the pressure of jumping straight into high‑end gameplay.
Search in game for the corp 'SOME TIME LATER' or search my dude 'CEO SquadB' and you will find the corp there.
We will base initially from IRO and JOPPAYA
A New Era of EVE Content
This series is designed to be equal parts educational, entertaining, and chaotic — a true reflection of what EVE Online feels like when you strip away the safety nets and embrace the sandbox as a new player.
If you’re ready to follow the journey, join the corp, or start your own Zero‑ISK run, this is the perfect time to dive in.
Check out the show here: https://www.youtube.com/show/VLPLRyysmkr-0zE?sbp=QAE%3D
Want to support us? Throw is a dollar / groat / etc in a base level membership and we will love you forever :)
Love and Manly Hugs - CEO