What level of pvp is required?

[gosumi]

New player here. I tried the beta but haven't really played again since yesterday.
Some of the older things I have been reading seem to say that pvp is 100% required after level 23, but so far I haven't been able to find any more info if this is still the case now even after all of the changes to the game.

I am wondering if there is an alternate pve oriented route to go. I don't mind a bit of pvp myself, but I have some other friends interested in playing who absolutely won't play if they will be forced to pvp to level/quest.

I understand that when you get to the point that you have your own ship, you can participate in ship battle pvp, is this optional or just a case of look out for other players?

Thanks!

[v_buster]

You can get to end-game without PVP. There is one zone at level 23ish where PVP is everywhere, but with a bit of patience and carefulness you can avoid it.

Even at end-game you can avoid PVP if you really want to.