In Eve Online we have two sayings. “Eve is better with friends” and “The best ship is friendship.” Of course in order to talk to your friends, you’ll need to use one (or several) of the voice chat software used by pilots in the game.
What is Voice Chat Software?
Voice chat software, also known as voice communication software, is computer software or phone apps that enable pilots to speak to each other in real time over the internet. It doesn’t matter where those pilots are in the world, they can all speak to each other as long as they’re using the same software and are on the right servers.
The voice chat software used by Eve Online players are:
- Discord
- Team Speak
- Mumble
Do I Have to Download ALL of the Voice Chat Software?
In 2023 it’s pretty common that all groups, public like Eve Rookies or an actual corporation like Brave, will have their own Discord server. This may or may not be the voice chat software that they actually use for fleet comms.
If this is the case, then you’d only have to download and use the other voice software that your corporation or alliance uses for different ops.
However, if you fly in the NPSI community or public groups in the incursion community, you may have to download and use all of the different voice chat software. It’s just part of playing Eve!
Do I HAVE to Talk on Fleet Comms?
While every group has it’s own rules and guidelines over fleet comms, for the most part FCs are ok with you staying muted (or on push to talk) and typing in fleet chat instead. It’s just important that you can hear the FC’s commands because this is the easiest way to give instructions quickly to a lot of people.
Here are some basic voice chat do’s and don’ts if you’re worried about speaking on comms. Just remember each group and even each FC may have different rules!
The Voice Chat Software Eve Players Use
In this section, we’re going to go over the voice chat software most commonly used by Eve Online players.
Discord
Discord is a free VoIP (voice over IP) and text communication platform that was designed for gamers.
Individuals can create their own server on Discord, called or branded to anything they like as long as it falls within Discord’s TOS. Within the server, the admin can create voice or text channels about various topics. For example, in the Eve Rookies Discord, we have sections for general Eve Chat, Incursions, PVE, and PVP.
How to Install Discord
Discord can be used via:
- browser
- computer app
- phone app
If you don’t want to download Discord, simply sign up for an account and use it via browser only. Otherwise simply install the .exe on your computer or the app on your phone or tablet.
How Many Discord Servers Can You Join
As a free user, you can join up to 100 servers. Once you hit the 100 mark you either need to delete some servers to add another, or purchase the premium Discord experience called Nitro.
I Can’t See the Voice or Text Channel I’m Supposed To
Discord allows a server administrator to set up emoticons to give out roles if the user clicks on it. Check for a channel where you need to click on an emoticon to get a role. If you still can’t see what you think you’re supposed to, let the leadership of the server know.
TeamSpeak
Like Discord, TeamSpeak is a free VoIP application. Unlike Discord, this voice chat software has to be installed on your device.
Why do groups use TeamSpeak over Discord? Unlike Discord who’s voice controls are pretty basic, TeamSpeak offers more in depth and advanced controls. For example, with Discord there’s no “back channels”. These would be channels the hunters could talk in without the core part of the fleet being able to listen in. It’s great for training and opsec.
How to Install TeamSpeak
TeamSpeak clients can be used on the following OS:
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- macOS
- iOS
How Many TeamSpeak Servers Can You Join
There is no limit to the number of servers you can join for free. If every group you fly with has its own TeamSpeak server, you can join each one for free.
In fact, TeamSpeak has a “bookmarking” system that allows you to switch seamlessly between servers.
How Do I Get the Server Information and Password?
Each group will have a different method to hand out this information. Check the MOTD (message of the day) in their in game channel, maybe they have it on their website or Discord server.
Be aware that unlike Discord voice channels, a TeamSpeak room can have a password. In order to join, you will need to find out what the password is.
Mumble
The last voice chat software that is used (though not as common as Discord or TeamSpeak) is Mumble.
If you’ve used TeamSpeak, Mumble is a clone. The biggest difference is TeamSpeak is more robust and Mumble is a lot simpler to use. Both have backchannels but Mumble’s don’t work quite as well. I personally have never seen them used in the Mumble servers I’ve joined.
How to Install Mumble
Mumble clients can be used on the following OS:
- Windows
- macOS
Unfortunately, Mumble has not developed any mobile or tablet apps.
How Many Mumble Servers Can I Join
You can join as many as you want for free!
How Do I Get the Server Information and Password
What was mentioned for TeamSpeak goes for Mumble. It really is a clone.
