Just read the official FAQ
PvE vs. PvP
You can turn off the PA-X CPU and disable the PvE mode. Then you change into PvP status. This PA-X CPU is only availabe on this new server. The PA-X CPU is automatically added to your account and you can find it in the hotbar in „Extras“. It cannot be sold or removed from your account in any way. But you can lose your PvP protection by any hostile action. When this happens, the PA-X CPU goes into a cooldown of 24 hours. After that, your account will be set to PvE mode again automatically.
As soon as you go into PvP mode (triggered by any hostile action from your side), your ship gets a red orb. Other players that are in PvP mode will also be shown with a red orb around them. The visual effect won’t be applied in the R-Zone where the PvP protection doesn’t work anyways.
Both modes, PvE as well as PvP, are persistent. This means when you log out and log in again, you’ll stay in the mode you had when you logged out (or until the cooldown time for PA-X is up).
If two players are engaged in a PvP combat when the PA-X cooldown resets, the player with the cooldown reset can still be attacked as long as the opponent maintains a target lock on him.
· If the player with the cooldown reset stops attacking, the PA-X will not activate and he can still remain in PvE mode even while being attacked.
· If the player attacks back, he will be back into PvP mode on the next 15 seconds tick.
In general, your PvE mode will be removed if:
1. you use the following items:
- Mines (e.g. ACM-01, DDM-01)
- Special ammunition such as EMP-01
- Tech items that attack players such as Burning Trail, Explosive Charging Blob, Chain Impulse
2. you do the following actions:
- You enter Refraction zone
- You shoot a Spaceball
- You capture a beacon (during Capture the Beacon/Sector control event)
- You shoot a CBS