In the vast, unending cosmos of EVE Online, pilots across the universe band together in their quest for glory, riches, and the unyielding power to carve out their own niche among the stars. Among the myriad of activities that these intrepid adventurers can undertake, one stands out for its complexity, danger, and the promise of substantial rewards: Incursions. This guide will serve as your comprehensive navigator through the treacherous yet rewarding world of Incursions, where collaboration, method, and skill are your best allies.
Understanding Incursions
Incursions are high-level, PVE (Player Versus Environment) content in EVE Online, representing a significant threat to the galaxy by the Sansha’s Nation, an NPC (Non-Player Character) faction. Pilots band together in large fleets to combat this menace, tackling various sites that range from Vanguard to Mothership encounters.
At their core, Incursions are not just about brute force; they demand a strong understanding of game mechanics, fleet composition, and effective communication. Participating in these events not only requires well-fitted ships but also a collective strategic approach to overcome the formidable Sansha forces.
Incursions can be found across New Eden and shift their location over time. Pilots can identify active Incursions and their respective states through the in-game Journal under the Incursions tab or by using third-party tools and websites dedicated to tracking these events.
Rewards and Risks
Incursions are lucrative, offering hefty financial incentives in the form of ISK (the game’s currency), loyalty points, and valuable items. However, the risks match the rewards. The Sansha fleets are powerful adversaries, capable of overwhelming unprepared or poorly coordinated fleets.
Preparing for an Incursion
Before embarking on your first Incursion, preparation is key. This phase can be broken down into several critical steps:
Ship Fitting and Roles
Choose Your Ship: Depending on your role (DPS, logistics, scout, etc.), select a ship that fits fleet requirements. Vanguards typically favor cruisers and battlecruisers, while larger sites might require battleships.
Fitting Your Vessel: Adhere to the fleet’s fitting guidelines. Incursion fleets often have specific requirements to ensure the fleet can handle the Sansha forces effectively. This includes both offensive and defensive modules, as well as rigs.
Role Understanding: Know your role inside and out, whether it’s providing DPS, electronic warfare, or keeping your allies alive as part of the logistics wing.
Skills and Training
Augment your character’s skills relevant to your chosen role. For pilots in DPS roles, focusing on weapon systems and ship mastery can be crucial. Logistics pilots, on the other hand, should prioritize skills that improve their healing capabilities.
Joining a Fleet
Communication platforms, such as Discord or in-game channels, are vital. Joining a community or corporation that regularly runs Incursions can provide you with valuable experiences and learning opportunities.
Incursion Tactics
Tackling Incursions requires more than just raw firepower; it demands tactical prowess and adaptability. Each type of Incursion site has its own dares and strategies.
Vanguard Sites
Vanguard sites are the most accessible, requiring 10-20 pilots. The key here is efficiency and speed, with fleets aiming to complete sites in under 10 minutes for optimal ISK per hour. Coordination between DPS and logistics is vital, as Sansha forces can quickly focus-fire unsuspecting ships.
Assault Sites
Assault sites step up the challenge, requiring larger fleets of 20-40 pilots. The complexity of these sites demands a higher degree of coordination and more specialized roles, such as crowd control (CC) and heavy logistics.
Headquarters and Mothership Sites
These sites represent the pinnacle of Incursion challenges, necessitating large and well-coordinated fleets. Special tactics, such as the use of capital ships in certain scenarios, can come into play. Surviving and thriving in these sites requires a deep-rooted understanding of fleet mechanics and individual pilot skill.
Surviving an Incursion
Surviving an Incursion requires more than just a strong ship and a good fleet; it requires awareness and adaptability.
Situational Awareness
Always keep an eye on the battlefield. Understand the priority targets, such as Sansha logistics ships, and adapt to the tactical situation. Listening to your fleet commander (FC) and maintaining flexibility can mean the difference between victory and a costly defeat.
Communication
Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful Incursion fleet. Whether it’s calling out targets, requesting assistance, or providing status updates, clear and concise communication can significantly refine your fleet’s performance.
Escalations
Be prepared for escalations. In certain situations, the Sansha forces may deploy additional reinforcements or employ devastating tactics. A calm and organized response to these escalations can ensure your fleet’s survival.
Advanced Incursion Strategies
Once you’ve mastered the basics of Incursions, it’s time to dive into the advanced strategies that can elevate your fleet’s effectiveness and efficiency.
Optimizing Fleet Composition
The makeup of your fleet can have a significant impact on your success. Balancing DPS, logistics, and support roles, while considering the specific requirements of the site, can upgrade your fleet’s performance. Advanced strategies may involve the use of capital ships or highly specialized vessels for specific roles.
Damage Application and Mitigation
Understanding how to maximize your damage output while minimizing incoming damage is crucial. This can involve advanced tactics such as transversal matching, optimal range positioning, and focus-firing targets to quickly reduce the enemy’s firepower.
Logistical Coordination
The backbone of any successful fleet is its logistics. Advanced coordination, such as pre-emptive healing, capacitor chains, and managing aggro, can significantly heighten your fleet’s sustainability in the field.
Learning from Failure
Every defeat is an opportunity to improve. Analyzing what went wrong, whether it was fleet composition, execution, or simply a lack of awareness, can provide valuable lessons for future Incursions.
In the unforgiving expanse of space, Incursions represent one of the most challenging and rewarding endeavors a pilot can undertake. Armed with the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, you are now better prepared to face the Sansha’s Nation and emerge victorious. Remember, success in Incursions is not just about individual prowess but about working as a cohesive unit towards a common goal. Fly safe, coordinate closely, and the riches of New Eden could be yours for the taking.