Ultimate New Player Guide to Planetary Industry in EVE Online

Starting out in EVE Online can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to dive into planetary industry. This system offers a steady source of income and resources, but it requires understanding several steps to get it right. This planetary industry guide breaks down the process into clear, manageable parts so new players can build efficient colonies and start producing valuable materials.

Planetary colony interface with extraction and factory modules

Setting Up Your First Planetary Colony

The first step in planetary industry is choosing the right planet. Each planet type offers different resources, so check the planet’s resource map before starting. You can find planets by opening the Planetary Interaction (PI) window from your character’s inventory or the Neocom menu.

• Pick a planet with multiple resource types to diversify production.

• Check the planet’s security status; low-security systems have better resources but higher risk.

• Consider your skills: some skills improve extraction and factory efficiency.

  
  

Once you select a planet, launch a Command Center. This acts as your colony’s hub. You can place it anywhere on the planet’s surface, but placing it near rich resource deposits reduces transportation time.

Extracting Resources Efficiently

After placing your Command Center, set up Extractor Control Units (ECUs) on resource-rich areas. ECUs gather raw materials automatically, but they need to be configured properly.

• Set extraction cycles: Longer cycles yield more resources but risk depletion.

• Balance extraction rates: Extract too fast, and the resource depletes quickly; too slow, and you lose potential income.

• Use Launchpads to collect extracted materials and send them to your factories or storage.

  
  

Keep an eye on resource depletion rates. You can adjust extraction settings or move ECUs to new spots to maintain steady production.

Building Factories and Managing Production

Factories turn raw materials into finished goods. There are two main types: Basic Industry Facilities and Advanced Industry Facilities. Basic facilities produce simple items, while advanced ones create complex products.

• Place factories close to Launchpads to reduce transportation delays.

• Set up routes to move materials between extraction, storage, and factories.

• Use the Planetary Production window to queue up manufacturing jobs.

  
  

Start with simple products like mechanical parts or robotics, which sell well on the market and require fewer resources. As you gain experience, you can produce more valuable items like fuel blocks or planetary commodities used in advanced manufacturing.

Planetary factory layout showing interconnected buildings and transport routes

Transporting and Exporting Goods

Once your products are ready, you need to export them off the planet. Use Interplanetary Consolidation Ports to gather goods from different factories. Then, send them to your ship via Export Customs Offices.

• Plan export routes carefully to avoid bottlenecks.

• Use multiple Launchpads if your colony grows large.

• Check customs office fees; some systems charge less, improving your profits.

  
  

Transporting goods to trade hubs like Jita or Amarr can maximize your sales. Use hauling ships or contracts to move items safely.

Tips to Maximize Profit and Efficiency

• Train PI skills such as Command Center Upgrades and Interplanetary Consolidation to increase output and reduce cycle times.

• Monitor market prices to produce items with the best profit margins.

• Expand to multiple planets to increase resource diversity and production capacity.

• Automate as much as possible by setting up routes and extraction cycles that require minimal daily management.

  
  

Planetary industry can be a passive income source once set up properly, letting you focus on other parts of EVE while your colonies run in the background.

Player inventory with planetary industry products ready for sale