Exploration in EVE Online is one of the most exciting and rewarding paths a capsuleer can take. From hacking relic sites in deep nullsec to scanning down wormholes and discovering forgotten relics, exploration offers both thrill and ISK.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best ships for exploration in 2025, from beginner-friendly frigates to advanced covert ops ships, and how to fit them for success.
Why Explore?
Exploration offers a unique gameplay loop in EVE. Unlike combat or mining, it focuses on stealth, mobility, and puzzle-solving. You can travel deep into hostile space with minimal risk (if you’re smart) and walk away with rare loot worth millions of ISK—all without firing a shot.
What Makes a Good Exploration Ship?
When choosing an exploration ship, look for:
Scanning Strength – For probing cosmic signatures quickly
Hacking Bonuses – For relic/data site success
Agility & Cloaking – To avoid combat and escape traps
Cargo Space – To hold loot, probes, and equipment
Tech II or Tech I Options – Based on your skill level
Best Exploration Ships by Category
1. 🥇 Heron (Caldari Tech I Frigate)
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: Low
Best Use: Highsec/Lowsec exploration & hacking practice
The Heron is one of the most forgiving and effective beginner exploration ships. It has built-in bonuses for hacking and scanning, plus plenty of midslots for modules.
Key Bonuses:
+5 to relic and data analyzer strength
7 midslots for fitting flexibility
Can be rigged for cargo or scanning efficiency
Suggested Fit:
Core Probe Launcher I
Relic and Data Analyzer
5MN Microwarpdrive
Nanofiber Structure for agility
2. 🥈 Astero (Sisters of EVE Frigate)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: Medium
Best Use: Lowsec, Nullsec, and WH exploration
The Astero is a stealthy beast. With covert ops cloak capability and a strong bonus to both scanning and hacking, it’s perfect for explorers looking to venture deeper into dangerous space.
Why It Rocks:
Covert Ops Cloak = Stay hidden
Drone bay for light defense
Excellent hacking strength
Pro Tip: Always align and cloak quickly when entering systems with other players!
3. 🥉 Buzzard (Caldari Covert Ops Frigate)
Skill Level: Advanced
Cost: Medium–High
Best Use: Wormhole scouting and stealth operations
The Buzzard is a full-on scanning machine. It’s not designed for hacking sites directly (you can, but it’s less efficient), but for wormhole scanning, recon, and fleet intel, it’s top-tier.
Ideal For:
Mapping wormholes
Stealth intel operations
Pairing with hacking alts or scouts
4. 🏅 Tengu (Exploration Subsystem)
Skill Level: Expert
Cost: High
Best Use: Solo Nullsec/Wormhole hacking + combat hybrid
For pilots with deep skill trees, the Tengu can be fit with a scanning subsystem to become an exploration beast with teeth. While expensive, it offers the unique blend of combat + hacking, making it perfect for deep WH space.
Word of Warning: It’s not cheap to lose, so don’t fly it unless you can afford it.
Exploration Fit Tips
Use Sisters Core Probes for maximum scan strength.
Carry Mobile Depot for refitting in deep space.
Always bring a Cloak, even on non-covert ships.
Use rigs like Memetic Algorithm Bank or Emission Scope Sharpener to boost analyzers.
How Much ISK Can You Make?
Here’s what explorers are pulling in (estimated):
Site Type | Region | ISK/hr Potential |
|---|---|---|
Relic Sites | Nullsec | 40M – 120M |
| Data Sites | WH Space | 30M – 80M |
| Ghost Sites | High/Lowsec | 60M+ (riskier) |
| Sleeper Caches | All regions | Varies (complex) |
Exploration is a core part of what makes EVE Online so legendary. Whether you’re day-tripping from highsec or diving into wormholes with an Astero, you’re always just one scan away from a jackpot—or a trap.
For newer players, start small and cheap. For veterans, consider investing in Covert Ops or even T3Cs like the Tengu. The stars are calling.
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