Many adventures in EVE are best pursued in groups. The corporation is thus the most important social entity in the game. The fastest way to learn about EVE is by finding a group that matches your playstyle and online availability. In EVE Online there are two types of corporations: those run by non-player characters (NPC) and those run by players. Every pilot is always a member of a corporation. You begin the game assigned to an NPC corporation.

Player Corporations often grow to become self-sustaining entities which provide support for their members and open up gameplay such as capital ship production, moon-mining; and possibly control of lawless systems in the outer regions. NPC corporation members are free of such risks as corporate war, but cannot earn the rewards of being in a player corporation.

Alliances are groups of player corporations. Alliances are powerful entities that can control and defend entire regions of space, enjoying the benefits of the riches for themselves.

Becoming a member of a player corporation is one of the best things you can to do to enhance your experience in EVE Online. Once ingame, be sure to ask other players in chat or join the Recruitment Channel to find corporations looking for new pilots. If you have already joined a corporation then be sure to ask your fellow corp members if there are any missions you can join or projects you can contribute to. You'll often be surprised at how much is currently going on even within a single corporation.