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Skyhook Enhancements Live Now + FAQ

Capsuleers,

The Upwell Consortium has rolled out an update for orbital skyhooks, bringing added security to their owners and reducing the logistical burdens of maintaining the structures. This enhancement addresses vulnerabilities that left skyhooks open to raiding at all times, placing the responsibility on capsuleers to monitor them constantly. More information about these enhancements is available here, and many of the most frequently asked questions are answered below. 

Security has been a big topic of discussion among capsuleers of late, following the siege of Zarzakh. After Drifter forces were pushed back, a mysterious shrouded structure appeared in the system. Today, pilots approaching it have reported being contacted by Caravanmaster Malaya Hrada of the Hrada-Oki clan with an invitation to assist in the Deathless Circle’s next step in their investigation into this new discovery.  

[h3]Enhancements and Efficiency[/h3]
The skyhook enhancements rolled out today bring greater efficiency. This leads to a significant increase in the amount of reagents extracted and, therefore, flowing into the market, directly impacting the entire economy of New Eden. The streamlined system will reduce operational friction while boosting overall productivity.  



These changes aim to encourage all nullsec groups to transition to the new sovereignty system today. Furthermore, the Upwell Consortium has announced that on 29 October, transitioning to the new system will become mandatory for all capsuleers. Those who have yet to make the switch are encouraged to do so before this deadline to ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions.  

For more in-depth information on the changes, see today’s patch notes.

[h3]Frequently Asked Questions[/h3]

What happens to my old upgrades and territorial claim units (TCUs)?
Your old upgrades and existing TCUs have had their reprocessing rates adjusted so you will get back the full bill of materials upon reprocessing them.

When will the grace period for removing rigs end?
On 29 October at 11:00 UTC.

What happens if I am in the process of building a supercapital manufacturing upgrade in a system that can no longer support it after the transition?
The building process will be paused. If your system cannot physically install the necessary upgrades, the Game Masters will refund you for your build’s bill of materials.



Where will information about skyhook vulnerability be visible?
Vulnerable skyhooks will appear in the Agency and on the map.

When can the secure bay be emptied?
The secure bay can be emptied at any time.

When a skyhook comes out of reinforced mode, is the next vulnerability period based on that timer or the original vulnerability timer?
Skyhooks will always use the reinforcement timer to determine their next vulnerability period.

How is the skyhook vulnerability window calculated?
The vulnerability window for the skyhook is determined by its reinforcement timer, which is calculated using a normal distribution within a 3-hour standard deviation. The next vulnerability window is 72 hours +/- the variance from the normal distribution, shown below.

Does this mean that the timer will start exactly every 3 days?
Not quite. Initially, timers may seem to follow an exact 3-day cycle, but as the system continues to generate timers with random offsets, they will gradually start spreading more evenly across the days. Below is a worst-case scenario simulation of how the vulnerability windows distribute in a hypothetical situation where every skyhook had the same reinforcement timer. In practice, this will even out much faster.

How long is the window to raid a skyhook before it becomes invulnerable?
A skyhook will remain raidable for one hour after the vulnerability window opens.

Will I see the skyhook timer anywhere in space, or will I have to warp to the skyhook to see it?
All vulnerable skyhooks are visible through the Agency and on the map, and all pilots belonging the same corporation as the skyhook owner, with the correct roles, can see the vulnerability timers in a new tab on the structure browsers.

However, if you do not belong to the same corporation as the owner, and if it is currently invulnerable, you will need to warp to the skyhook to see its timer.

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Crimson Harvest Looms

[h3]Vengeful capsuleers,[/h3]
The foreboding season of Crimson Harvest draws near, promising a month filled with sinister opportunities and shadowy deeds across New Eden. This year's event, from 3 October to 5 November, is set to be a chilling saga of loyalty, conflict, and dark rewards.

Prepare for hellish loot drops, brutal battles, and bloody challenges throughout the event period. Embrace the spirit of the Harvest and sink your teeth into the chaotic carnage awaiting in New Eden.



[h2]CRIMSON CLASH [/h2]
During Crimson Harvest, capsuleers are thrust into the deadly feud between the Blood Raider Covenant and the Order of Tetrimon. From 3 October to 5 November, pilots inhabiting highsec, lowsec, nullsec, and wormhole space can tackle a variety of combat and hacking sites, with the most valuable spoils lurking in lowsec’s Derelik and Blood Raider-occupied Delve. Those who brave the rarest of these sites take heed, though, as they may escalate for an even bigger challenge and greater reward.



To take part in this bloody conflict, align yourself with either side through the Agency and undertake unique missions that will test your resolve and reward your cunning.

[h2]FRIGHTFUL LOOTING [/h2]
Crimson Harvest is a season of slaughter. During the event, PvP kills will reward you with a 90% loot drop rate, rather than the usual 50%. Look for the pumpkin-marked wrecks of those who dared to challenge you and seize their hoards. Stay vigilant, however, for there may be devious fiends lying in ambush who could strike when least expected.



[h2]REAP THE GRIM REWARDS [/h2]
Every day of Crimson Harvest offers unholy login rewards. Both Alpha and Omega pilots can claim their due, with Omegas earning both tracks. Upgrading to Omega at any point during the event grants all prior Omega rewards. Among the treats awaiting you are boosters, SKINs, EverMarks, generous Skill Points, horrific SKINR components, and more. The 25th day holds a particularly devilish delight - 250,000 Skill Points for Omegas and 75,000 for Alphas. This means 650,000 SP for Omega pilots, so start your reign of terror on day one!

Equinox Update: Enhanced Skyhooks

[h3]Strategic capsuleers, [/h3]
The Upwell Consortium has closely monitored the performance of its revolutionary Equinox suite, and following extensive feedback from power users, significant enhancements are set to be rolled out in an orbital skyhook security update coming in early October. A certain vulnerability to raiding will be addressed, taking some of the advantage away from attackers seeking to raid skyhooks. These changes will bolster the attractiveness of the structures by improving their output while also reducing the logistical burdens placed on their owners. 



[h2]TIMED RAIDING WINDOWS [/h2]
To address the imbalance in raid dynamics, orbital skyhooks will only be vulnerable to raids during specific windows that are visible to all pilots. These periods are based on the structure owner’s preference, but feature a significant randomized offset, introducing an element of unpredictability. As a result, defenders will have better opportunities to plan their defenses, while raiders must operate within tighter, more strategic timeframes. This shift will reduce the constant pressure on skyhook owners, who will no longer need to be on high alert around the clock, while still preserving the opportunities for intense, tactical conflict. 

[h2]SECURE & SURPLUS BAYS [/h2]
An important adjustment to orbital skyhooks coming with this update is the employment of a dual storage system that splits resource output between a secure bay and a surplus bay. The secure bay will ensure that half of all produced reagents (magmatic gas or superionic ice) are protected, available only to the owner and their approved access list, or upon the destruction of the skyhook. This ensures a stable flow of resources for owners without overwhelming loss to raids. Meanwhile, the surplus bay will hold the other half, which will be vulnerable during the raiding windows. Attackers can claim the entire contents of the surplus bay, which has a 100% drop rate during raids, offering significant rewards while maintaining the competitive drive in nullsec. 



[h2]LET THE REAGENTS FLOW! [/h2]
Another important aspect of these skyhook enhancements will result in greater efficiency, leading to a significant increase in the amount of reagents extracted and, therefore, flowing into the market, directly impacting the entire economy of New Eden. The streamlined system will reduce operational friction while boosting overall productivity. Alliances operating in nullsec can expect more consistent resource yields from their orbital skyhooks, as well as less logistical work, making them an even more valuable asset for holding territory and fueling war efforts. 



[h2]WHY TRANSITION TO THE NEW SYSTEM NOW? [/h2]
With the upcoming enhancements to skyhook operations, this is a great time to adopt the Equinox sovereignty system. These updates will significantly reduce the daily burden of managing orbital skyhooks while offering greater output, making them more valuable to owners and alliances alike. 
In addition, the Upwell Consortium has announced that on 29 October, transitioning to the new system will become mandatory for all capsuleers. Those who have yet to make the switch are encouraged to do so before this deadline to ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions. 

The Siege of Zarzakh has Ended

[h3]Valiant capsuleers, [/h3]
The siege of Zarzakh has ended! After their attempt to overcome its defenses using strange breach engines in systems with gates to Zarzakh was thwarted by courageous capsuleers, Drifter forces have been pushed back for now. 

Subsequently, a shrouded structure of unknown origin, possibly the target of the siege, has appeared in Zarzakh without explanation. Intercepted messages indicate that something of note is set to occur soon, although the exact timing is currently unclear.



Capsuleers are invited to investigate the mysterious structure in Zarzakh for themselves, but as of yet, no official explanation for its sudden appearance has been offered.  Furthermore, rumors are circulating that Thukker ships are preparing for maneuvers in the Altrinur system. 

[h2]THE SIEGE IN NUMBERS [/h2]
The siege of Zarzakh has been bloody and intense, taking its toll on capsuleers’ fleet as well as enriching the most intrepid pilots. Over 500 ships, worth well over 100 billion ISK, have been lost to Tyrannos Strategos, while Drifter officers have dropped more than 700 modules. At the same time, capsuleers have destroyed well over 3,000 Horizon Breach Engines. 

The Drifter forces have been driven back for now, but what is next for Zarzakh? 

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Fanfest 2025: Take the Stage as a Player Presenter!

[h3]Esteemed capsuleers, [/h3] 

EVE Fanfest is coming to Harpa conference hall in Reykjavik in May 2025, and the stage is set for capsuleers to shine! Step up and captivate the EVE community with your stories, knowledge, and creativity. This is your moment to lead New Eden!

Whether you’re an expert in the intricate mechanics of EVE or a passionate capsuleer with a special area of interest - be it play style, community, activity, lore, leadership, or anything else - we want to hear from you!



All players, seasoned veterans, and new pilots alike, are encouraged to seize this opportunity to share their stories, experiences, and knowledge with space friends. To apply, send a detailed outline of your proposed topic to [email protected] by 1 December 2024.  

Presentations should be a maximum of 30 minutes long, with an allotted 15 minutes for Q&A afterward. Any accepted applicant’s PowerPoint presentation must be submitted for review by March 2025.



In addition to the excitement that comes with presenting your passion to your fellow capsuleers, all accepted presenters will receive a free ticket to Fanfest 2025 (or a refund for those who have already purchased one), as well as access to special facilities at the venue to relax and prepare for their appearances. 
 
Whether or not you’re looking to present, there’s still room for more space friends at Fanfest! ❤️
Get your tickets while they’re still available! 
 
Fly Safe - we’ll see you in space and in Reykjavik next May!  
 
o7