In this installment of the Core Skills series you will learn everything you need to know about warp mechanics and how you can use them to your advantage. Understanding these core rules to how warping works can get you more kills and prevent you from losing your ship.

One of the most powerful ways to get the edge in EVE Online (and any game) is to understand the underlying mechanics of how the game works. When you know these rules you can use them to your advantage or to your enemies disadvantage.

Watch Full Screen in HD for Best Results

To see this entire Article GOTO: Core Skills: EVE Online Warp Mechanics

In this first video on the new Core Skills series you will learn the basics of setting up Safe Spots and Tacticals in EVE Online. These allow you to travel safely, and avoid hostiles when you are in dangerous space.

Most PVPers will already know about these, however it’s important the basic fundamentals of EVE are covered so new players can reach the higher levels of PVP.

Watch Full Screen in HD for Best Results

To see this entire Article GOTO: Core Skills: Setting up Safe Spots and Gate Tacticals

After the very successful launch of the new SFI Pro Guide, it’s time to make some changes to EVE Pro Guides so that it can grow a little faster. These are relatively minor changes but hopefully they will lead to more new guides, free content, and a overall better user experience.

ISK for Guides

First of all, I have decided to start accepting ISK for guides. Up until now I turned down the many offers I had from people to buy the Guides for ISK because for one I didn’t really need the ISK and two I was unsure if the EULA allowed it. However, after consulting some people smarter than me about that type of stuff, it appears the EULA allows it. With a precedent being people paying ISK in game to take PVP Training courses, paying ISK to Blink to play their sweepstakes, etc.

You may be asking… Why are you accepting ISK now if you don’t really need it?

The answer to that is the next topic, which is that I will be hiring writers and video makers and paying them ISK to create new guides, articles, and other awesome content for the site. End result… More cool stuff!

BUT… At first the amount of orders taken via ISK will be limited on a month to month basis. Only 5-10 orders will be accepted at first.

Here’s how it works…

All Guide prices are based on the current price of a PLEX in Jita. So that’s about 520 million ISK right now. Each PLEX costs 15 dollars, so you can use that as a way to convert ISK to Dollars and back. So…

520 / 15 = 34.67 Million ISK to each dollar

The SFI PRO Guide is $19, to get the price in ISK you just multiply that by 34.67 to get 658 Million ISK.

To order a guide via ISK follow these steps:

1. Send me an Email at Abbadon@eveproguides.com and tell me which guide you want
2. I will get back to you within 24 hours and tell you if I am still accepting ISK orders
3. You will send the ISK to Abbadon21 in game (double check spelling) and Email me saying you paid, which guide you bought, and the Username you would like to use
4. I will create your account and email you the details so you can access your guide

NOTE: This process will take 24-72 hours due the need for back and forth emails and manual account setup.

Work For EVE PRO Guides

This is still under development but if you would like to get paid to write articles, create videos, or any other content that will help other players improve their skill level and enjoyment of EVE Online, then I will hire you to work for EVE Pro Guides.

This isn’t a JOB, it’s a way to make easy ISK by helping other players to get more out the game. You don’t have to be a PVP expert either, any area of the game you have an expertise in is valuable.

• If you are an expert at scanning plexes down. Make a video and short article about it.
• If you know a cool way to get tons of salvage
• If you are mission invader
• Suspect Baiter
• If you are good at ganking in high sec
• A level 4 or 5 mission master
• Expert at hauling through hostile space
• Wormhole exploration expert
• Master Manufacturer
• Trader
• Scammer
• If you just made a fun video about how to fly a Battle Barge / Hauler / whatever
• ECM Expert
• Logistics expert
• POS Setup Expert
• Planetary Interaction PRO
• etc

You see there are ENDLESS Topics that some players have an unique mastery of that they could share with others.

How it works…

All work is paid on a case by case basis and is pending acceptance. That means you need to create the Article, Video, or other content first, then send it me at Abbadon@eveproguides.com. I will then approve it and pay you or ask you to improve it, or reject it.  To help ensure your content is not rejected, you should email me before creating it to see if I think it’s valuable enough to be added.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All content you submit will become property of EVEProGuides.com once you get paid for it. After you are paid the content will then be 100% owned by EVEProGuides.com.

Now you are probably wondering how much you will be paid?

It depends on the content you have. Articles are usually less valuable than videos but not always. A out of game piece of software that helps people learn might be even more valuable. Typically the pay will vary between 100-300 million ISK per submission. However there are bound to be exceptions that go lower or higher.

The Next Level

All of the content that is paid for with ISK will be posted here for the enjoyment of everyone. But that’s just one part of EVE Pro Guides. As you already know EVE Pro Guides offers very specialized and powerful guides to paying members. These guides surpass every other learning resource available and are highly regarded in the EVE Community for their quality and effectiveness.

Each one of these guides takes several months (or more) to create and is not an easy task by any means. It’s hard work and because of that it deserves more reward.

So if you would like to create a Paid Guide for EVE Pro Guides, you should contact me first and discuss it. If I like your idea and decide the content is valuable enough, EVEProGuides.com will buy your guide from you for cash upfront and then pay you a commission on all of it’s sales for 1 year from release.

You just make the guide (how to fly a Hyperion and get kills on stations and gates for example), submit it, and then get paid every month for a year or sooner if your guide gets discontinued by EVEProGuides.com.

If that sounds good to you, send me an email with the topic you are thinking of and we can discuss it. BUT keep in mind, it must be high quality and do a good job at teaching the subject matter!

Core Skills Series

Finally, at the request of several people I will be going back and doing some lessons of the very basic elements of EVE. Many of these things have been covered before, but it’s been awhile and there have been some minor changes to the game since (Ex: the tracking function on Directional Scanner).

These will be quick videos and articles covering one small topic at a time and should start in the next day or so then run for a week or two.

To see this entire Article GOTO: Updates to EVE Pro Guides

After MANY months of flying the SFI, Stabber, and Cynabal almost exclusively, I am very excited to bring you the new SFI PRO Guide. This Guide is quite possibly the largest guide I’ve made and currently sits at over 8 hours of Video Guides.

Flying the Nano SFI or Cynabal is almost like flying a frigate (with more firepower), you can hunt for targets anywhere in EVE with very little fear for camps or blobs. This mobility allows you to do things larger ships can’t, like flying solo through hostile null sec to find blobs you can get kills from. Because of how fast and agile these ships are, you will find the Adrenaline Rush of flying and fighting in them VERY addictive.

The Armor SFI and Tech 1 Stabber are less “balls to the wall” type ships, and more Tactical and Methodical. The Armor SFI is outrageously flexible and if you execute right (just look at the Cheat Sheet) you can take on 90% of the ships in EVE 1 on 1 with no fear.

The Tech 1 Stabber is a kill mail magnet!

Why? Because most people assume it’s a long range ship and go in close, this misdirection puts them in your “kill zone” where you can dominate multiple targets at once. In Faction Warfare, you can do some serious damage with this thing!

If you have any of the other EVE PRO Guides PVP Guides you know how detailed and powerful these guides are. But in case this is your first Guide, let’s go over what you’re getting…

• Detailed Fitting Guides that give you the exact fittings you need plus recommended (but not required) implants and drugs.
• Fitting Guide Discussion Videos that explain the fittings and how they effect your tactics.
• Illustrated Tactics Lectures where you learn the PRO Tactics that you will use for each ship to get the upper hand and teach you how to get fights and escape when things go bad.
• Narrated and Illustrated Real PVP Fight Footage – There’s no substitute for the real thing, so I’ve included over 5 hours of PVP Footage where I use my “sports replay” software to not just narrate, but stop the video and draw on the screen to help you learn even faster!
• Cheat Sheets you can print and keep beside you when PVPing that tell you exactly what tactics to use for every ship you are likely to encounter. This means less mistakes, and faster decision making. Both get you more kills!

If you’re ready step up and take your place as a PRO SFI Pilot then you need to get your copy of the new SFI PRO Guide right now!

Click HERE To Get The SFI PRO Guide

To see this entire Article GOTO: The SFI PRO Guide is LIVE!!!

After I released my new PVP Video called Astro Zombies, I got a lot of feedback from people who wanted a Narrated Version. In the past, I have always followed my “Old Fashioned” PVP Videos (fast music and explosions) with slower Learn PVP Editions. So while I hadn’t yet planned to do a Narrated Version, the demand for one convinced me I needed to.

Keep in mind this is not part of the New SFI PRO Guide, although the content here is much more similar than the previous version of Astro Zombies. The SFI PRO Guide will contain far more detail and teach you everything from fittings, to tactics, to escape maneuvers, and much more.

This video contains two of the Fights from Astro Zombies that I think are the best in terms of Teachable Tactics that will help you to get more kills no matter what ship you fly. The first is my fight with Goons in the Nano SFI (Stabber Fleet Issue) and the second is with the Cynabal.

Pay close attention to how I use my movements to in a small way, control the enemy’s movements. By knowing their most likely reactions, I can often times guide an enemy into a position where I can kill them. This video will give you a good idea of how I do that.

Make sure you watch in 1080p with full screen to get the best results…

If you want to learn how to fly like this, then you need to get my new SFI PRO Guide which contains the fittings, tactics, and PVP videos for the Stabber Fleet Issue, Cynabal, and Tech 1 Stabber. These are amazing solo ships that can be used in almost every area of PVP. Also, once you have great skills for one, you probably have great skills for the others, so you are getting much more “Bang for your Buck.”

The SFI PRO Guide will be released on Friday April 5th at 20:00 EVE Time (That’s 4pm US Eastern Standard Time)

If you would like to be notified about special first day bonuses, use the “Go PRO” form on the side of this page to submit your Email Address.

To see this entire Article GOTO: Astro Zombies Solo EVE PVP Guide Video – Learn PVP Edition

As many already know, I’ve been hard at work creating a new SFI (Stabber Fleet Issue) Guide for a long time. When people asked how long until it was completed, I kept saying “next month” only to find out another cool fitting or tactic I wanted to add, so the Guide just grew bigger and bigger. Now finally it’s complete and contains over 8 hours of instructional PVP Video.  It’s HUGE.

While just a few of these videos is enough to get you out out of a station and rolling in solo killmails, the rest will make you a PVP King! These Videos cover several powerful fittings for the SFI, Tech 1 Stabber, and Cynabal, plus you’ll learn how to handle almost every situation you’re likely to face.

The New SFI PRO Guide will be released on Friday April 5th at 20:00 EVE Time (That’s 4 pm USA Eastern Time).

Like all of my PRO PVP Guides, the SFI PRO Guide will teach you the Fittings to use, the Tactics (in my awesome MS Paint Tactics Lectures), and use my “Stop Motion” video to demonstrate and teach you with real solo PVP fights. You’ll learn not just how to win fights, but how to find them, and how to turn one fight into many.

It has become a Tradition for me to release a “Preview” video for every new guide I release and this one is no different. BUT I have been getting ALOT of requests to make a new PVP Video (the old fashioned kind with music), so I figured why not do both at the same time?

So this Preview is footage from the SFI Guide that has been re-edited and synched up with some awesome music. Plus there’s also a cool theme to it that I think you’ll like based on my past use of old Movie’s as titles.

But keep in mind, the actual Guide is not like this, the Guide  is real time video with narration, drawing on the screen to illustrate tactics, and focused on Teaching. This video is just for fun!

Download link for those in Germany or who just want the high quality video file: http://eve-files.com/dl/261552

Watch in Full Screen Mode at Highest Quality

Here’s a list of the Music used:

• Astro Zombies by The Misfits
• Back off Bitch by Guns and Roses
• Kill Shit by Krizz Kaliko
• Bored by Deftones

Stay tuned for more info about the new SFI PRO Guide to be released on Friday April 5th at 20:00 EVE Time (That’s 4 pm USA Eastern Time).

I also plan on doing a special bonus for everyone who orders in the first 24 hours, but I’m not sure what it should be. Why don’t you tell me what you want?

Special Live PVP Stream? A crazy fleet PVP Roam with me? A lottery where 5 people win 1-on-1 PVP Lessons? Or win a customized PVP Lesson for your Corp / Alliance?

Do you have any ideas for something super cool? Leave a comment with your idea!

To see this entire Article GOTO: Announcing The Stabber Fleet Issue Guide and A New PVP Video: Astro Zombies

Retribution 1.1 is out, and the Battlecruiser changes along with the introduction of the new AAR (Ancillary Armor Repair) require some new fits and fitting tactics. This Article will suggest some early and awesome ideas for how to fit your new Battlecruisers.

Note: All fits are shown without Implants, Drugs, or Warfare Links/Fleet Bonuses. For most of these the addition of these things would make their already impressive stats jump to a awesome level.

The Prophecy

The Prophecy is basically the same ship except that now it has a big drone bay and can do considerable DPS with it’s drones. This makes it a flexible and powerful ship. The most common type of fit I would expect people to use is the big buffer tanked heavy tackler. Almost 150,000 EHP before Implants or Warfare links! Expect over 200k EHP when flown properly while doing 500 DPS.

As a side note I can’t help but envision some new fleet type coming from this. A fleet of Buffer Prophecies repped by Guardian Teams DPSing with either normal drones or even Sentry Drones.  Or how about a fun fleet where you take 5-10 of these fit with Remote Armor Repairs? Ball up and tank the world.

Click Image to Enlarge

[Prophecy, BUFF]
Damage Control II
1600mm Reinforced Steel Plates II
1600mm Reinforced Steel Plates II
Armor Explosive Hardener II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Drone Damage Amplifier II

10MN Microwarpdrive II
Warp Disruptor II
Warp Scrambler II
Stasis Webifier II

Small Focused Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency S
Small Focused Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency S
Small Focused Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency S
Small Focused Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency S
Small Energy Neutralizer II

Medium Trimark Armor Pump I
Medium Trimark Armor Pump I
Medium Trimark Armor Pump I

Ogre II x2
Hammerhead II x2
Hobgoblin II x1
Warrior II x5
Vespa EC-600 x5
Hornet EC-300 x5
Valkyrie II x5

Next up is a fit that will probably take a little while to catch on. This next fitting is a Active Tanked AAR Prophecy that has stats very similar to the Myrmidon except that it has more Hit Points. This setup both Reps and Does about 600 DPS while carrying about 50k EHP. That means you can fight outnumbered in this and have some very good fights. This is a setup I will be soloing in very soon…

Click Image to Enlarge

[Prophecy, Repage]
Damage Control II
Medium Ancillary Armor Repairer, Nanite Repair Paste
Medium Armor Repairer II
Armor Explosive Hardener II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Drone Damage Amplifier II

10MN Microwarpdrive II
Medium Capacitor Booster II, Cap Booster 800
Warp Scrambler II
Stasis Webifier II

Heavy Neutron Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Neutron Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Neutron Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Neutron Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Small Energy Neutralizer II

Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I
Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I
Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I

Ogre II x2
Hammerhead II x2
Hobgoblin II x1
Valkyrie II x5
Warrior II x5
Vespa EC-600 x5
Hornet EC-300 x5

The Drake

The Drake got a little nerf, but have no fear, it can still put the smack down. This high DPS fit is likely to surprise some people. With 70k EHP and over 700 DPS output this Drake can sit on top of a large range of ships and melt them quickly.

Click Image to Enlarge

[Drake, Solo Gank]
Damage Control II
Ballistic Control System II
Ballistic Control System II
Ballistic Control System II

Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Large F-S9 Regolith Shield Induction
Large F-S9 Regolith Shield Induction
Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
Warp Scrambler II
Stasis Webifier II

Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Scourge Rage Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Scourge Rage Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Scourge Rage Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Scourge Rage Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Scourge Rage Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Scourge Rage Heavy Assault Missile
[empty high slot]

Medium Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Core Defense Field Extender I
Medium Core Defense Field Extender I

Hobgoblin II x5

The Brutix

Not much has changed with the Brutix, and there are quite a few interesting fits out there, some good and some not so good. This fit sports a Medium Neut which is a great way to get the edge in fights, especially against frigates. The tank is good and the DPS output reasonable.

Click Image to Enlarge

[Brutix, AAR]
Damage Control II
Medium Ancillary Armor Repairer, Nanite Repair Paste
Medium Armor Repairer II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Energized Explosive Membrane II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II

Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Medium Electrochemical Capacitor Booster I, Cap Booster 800
Stasis Webifier II
Warp Scrambler II

Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Medium Unstable Power Fluctuator I

Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I
Medium Nanobot Accelerator I
Medium Ancillary Current Router I

Hammerhead II x5

The Myrmidon

Like the Brutix, little has changed other than a few minor tweaks. The big change is that by running a Dual Rep setup with one AAR and one Tech 2 Rep you can boost the repping ability even further than it used to be. This is still a great ship to use for fighting on Gate or Station outnumbered.

Click Image to Enlarge

[Myrmidon, Double Rep]
Damage Control II
Medium Ancillary Armor Repairer, Nanite Repair Paste
Medium Armor Repairer II
Armor Explosive Hardener II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II

Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Medium Electrochemical Capacitor Booster I, Cap Booster 800
ECCM – Magnetometric II
Stasis Webifier II
Warp Scrambler II

Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M

Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I
Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I
Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I

Valkyrie II x5
Warrior II x5
Hammerhead II x2
Ogre II x3

The Cyclone

The Cyclone got switched to a Missile Boat and received some small buffs that make it a little better than it used to be. I can’t help but want to compare it to the Ganking Drake. The Cyclone has the active tank to tank the Drake for almost a minute but the DPS isn’t all that amazing. Honestly I can see uses for both, but the Drake would most likely win a 1vs1 unless the Cyclone was using some combination of Crystal Implants, Blue Pill, and Warfare Links, which would make it Awesome. The basic tactic here is to get in close, tank them and kill them before your tank runs out. That means lower HP targets are ideal (Cruisers and below) even when there are 2-5 of them.

Click Image to Enlarge

[Cyclone, Minute to Win It]
Damage Control II
Ballistic Control System II
Ballistic Control System II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II

Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Large Shield Extender II
X-Large Ancillary Shield Booster, Navy Cap Booster 400
Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
J5b Phased Prototype Warp Scrambler I

Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Caldari Navy Inferno Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Caldari Navy Inferno Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Caldari Navy Inferno Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Caldari Navy Inferno Heavy Assault Missile
Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II, Caldari Navy Inferno Heavy Assault Missile
Small Energy Neutralizer II
Small Energy Neutralizer II

Medium Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Processor Overclocking Unit I

Hammerhead II x5

The Kiting Cyclone

Another Awesome Fit for the Cyclone now that it has been switched to a missile boat is that of a Kite. This is how I would fly it! Orbit 19km and pulse tank only as needed. I can’t wait to try this ship!

Click Image to Enlarge

[Cyclone, Kite]
Damage Control II
Ballistic Control System II
Ballistic Control System II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II

Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Large F-S9 Regolith Shield Induction
X-Large Ancillary Shield Booster, Navy Cap Booster 400
Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
Warp Disruptor II

Heavy Missile Launcher II, Inferno Fury Heavy Missile
Heavy Missile Launcher II, Inferno Fury Heavy Missile
Heavy Missile Launcher II, Inferno Fury Heavy Missile
Heavy Missile Launcher II, Inferno Fury Heavy Missile
Heavy Missile Launcher II, Inferno Fury Heavy Missile
Small Unstable Power Fluctuator I
[empty high slot]

Medium Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Processor Overclocking Unit I

Valkyrie II x5

The Hurricane

Prior to this Patch I was VERY worried the Cane would get nerfed to the point of being unusable in the way I use it to Solo PVP and the way I teach in The Hurricane PRO Guide. Luckily the changes ended up being very mild. In fact, the changes are so small that all of the Fittings I used before still work. The exception being that my Autocannon Setup can now use bigger guns due to the loss of the high slot. Here is that fit with (mostly) larger guns, which will give better DPS output when used with the tactics I teach in the Guide.

Click Image to Enlarge

[Hurricane, Solo Nano Gank More PG]
Damage Control II
Gyrostabilizer II
Gyrostabilizer II
Tracking Enhancer II
Tracking Enhancer II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II

Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Large Shield Extender II
Large Shield Extender II
Warp Disruptor II

425mm AutoCannon II, Barrage M
425mm AutoCannon II, Barrage M
425mm AutoCannon II, Barrage M
425mm AutoCannon II, Barrage M
425mm AutoCannon II, Barrage M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Barrage M
Medium Unstable Power Fluctuator I

Medium Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Core Defense Field Extender I
Medium Core Defense Field Extender I

Warrior II x4
Valkyrie II x1

You have the fittings, now it’s time to unleash some destruction on the other pilots of EVE Online!

————————-

At the Request of those leaving early comments, I am posting fits for the Ferox and Harbinger also…

The Ferox

This is a pretty standard Ferox fit. You can tank alot of DPS for a short amount of time, so make sure you can win the fight pretty quickly. A well rounded ship, however once your ASB runs out, you really don’t have many options left.

Click Image to Enlarge

[Ferox, XL ASB]
Damage Control II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II

Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
X-Large Ancillary Shield Booster, Navy Cap Booster 400
J5b Phased Prototype Warp Scrambler I

Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M
Small Energy Neutralizer II

Medium Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Core Defense Field Extender I
Medium Core Defense Field Extender I

Warrior II x5

The Harbinger

I really struggled to find a “great” fit for the Harbinger. It’s not a bad setup but I think I would rather fly the Repping Prophecy or Myrmidon. It’s another up close ganker, but I almost want to try a Kite Harb with Scorch. The DPS would be awesome but speed would be lacking. Perhaps a role best filled by Tier 3′s like the Talos and Tornado?

Click Image to Enlarge

[Harbinger, Tight Squeeze]
Damage Control II
Medium Ancillary Armor Repairer, Nanite Repair Paste
Medium Armor Repairer II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Armor Explosive Hardener II
Heat Sink II

Experimental 10MN Microwarpdrive I
Medium Capacitor Booster II, Cap Booster 800
Fleeting Propulsion Inhibitor I
Faint Epsilon Warp Scrambler I

Heavy Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency M
Heavy Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency M
Heavy Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency M
Heavy Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency M
Heavy Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency M
Heavy Pulse Laser II, Imperial Navy Multifrequency M
[empty high slot]

Medium Anti-Kinetic Pump I
Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I
Medium Auxiliary Nano Pump I

Hammerhead II x5
Warrior II x5

To see this entire Article GOTO: New PVP Battlecruiser Fits for Retribution 1.1

As many of you have probably noticed the Screen Resolution on my videos has changed a few times. This video is from the “Square” days when my main monitor was Square (I have since upgraded and all new videos I’m making are 1080p).

I created this video while updating my Frigate PVP PRO Guide about 6 or so months ago, then I completely forgot to upload it for some reason. A few days ago I found it on my hard drive and decided I should post it.

The Video is of me in a Republic Fleet Firetail, which is one of my favorite frigates. The reason for that is because they are currently dirt cheap for how capable they are AND most importantly people tend to underestimate them. Unlike the Dramiel, people will actually fight a Firetail instead of running to get Dramiel Killing ships.

Here is the fitting:

Click for Full Size Image

EFT Export Fitting:

[Republic Fleet Firetail, Dual Prop]
Overdrive Injector System II
Damage Control II
Micro Auxiliary Power Core II

Medium Shield Extender II
J5b Phased Prototype Warp Scrambler I
Limited 1MN Microwarpdrive I
Experimental 1MN Afterburner I

200mm AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet Phased Plasma S
200mm AutoCannon II, Republic Fleet Phased Plasma S
Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Inferno Rocket

Small Projectile Burst Aerator I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Core Defense Field Extender I

———————————————————————————————–

When I created this fitting, I was basically trying to create a “Cheap Dramiel” and in all respects it is just that. The biggest differences are slightly less speed, agility, and DPS output. The fitting is pretty tight so depending on your skills you may have to adjust certain modules to make it work.

The primary targets are Interceptors and Tech 1 frigates. Beyond that you can safely engage almost everything except for some Destroyers, some Recons, and a few other ships.

In the full video that I posted to the Frigate PVP PRO Guide I show how it can engage larger targets when I use it to take down a Drake.

Watch in Full Screen at 720p

To see this entire Article GOTO: Narrated Firetail PVP Video Lesson

Some of the changes here and in the previous article about Battlecruiser Rebalancing are still not finalized, and it looks like they may change slightly before implementation, but I think the actual changes will be very close to what is listed here. In this update, I wanted to point out a few m0re changes that will most likely be hitting the game in the next month…

There is now talk about some pretty big changes to Armor Tanking as a whole.

It looks like they are going to introduce a AAR (Ancillary Armor Repairer) with slightly different mechanics to the ASB. There will be a limit of only one AAR per ship, and it will use capacitor even when it is loaded with cap boosters. The total amount repaired per cycle will more than double compared to current Armor Reps, but cycle time will stay the same. The Cycle Time will be much longer than ASB reps because of this.

Next, they are adding a new rig called a Nanobot Overcharger, which will increase the overload bonus on Armor Repairers by 30% for the Tech 1 rig and 40% for the Tech 2 rig. I’m guessing this could work in conjunction with the AAR to give a short burst of huge tank.

Finally, they plan to reduce the mass penalty of the 800mm, 200mm, and 50mm Armor plates by 20% AND add a new skill called Armor Upgrades which will reduce the mass penalty by 5% per level of Armor Plates.

These new Armor changes mean big things for the new Prophecy. The buffer Prophecy will be able to move better when weighed down by all those plates and the new AAR Prophecy will be able to rep incredible amount of damage for over 1 Minute. (Longer than ASB because of greater cycle time)

I have a feeling the new “HOT” ship will be the Prophecy and it will get a lot of solo use, as well as some fun fleet concepts built around it.

To see this entire Article GOTO: Update to New Retribution Changes – Ancillary Armor Repairers, New Skills, and Even Better Prophecy

It’s hard to find exact dates, but it looks like sometime before the end of February CCP plans to change ALL of the Battlecruisers, give Black Ops a slight Buff, and add a new Dueling system (reminds me of Runescape, and that’s not a good thing).

First up the Battlecruisers…

The changes to the Hurricane, are the most irritating. Across the board they are making it slower, heavier, less agile, AND reducing the Shield Hit Points! Then to rub salt in the wound they are removing one high slot. As a result, the old “Shield Nano” will definitely be less effective, and possibly even useless. But I’ll need to see it in EFT first.

The Cyclone is getting a buff. They are increasing the Drone Bandwidth from 40 to 50, increasing capacitor and hit points across the board, adding CPU, removing 1 high slot, and adding one low slot. The theme here seems to be an even better shield tank with increased Missile DPS output. This will possibly be the new Minmatar BC of choice.

The Myrmidon is getting a nice buff as well. It will receive an extra 25 Drone Bandwidth (bringing it to 100m3) which means it will be able to launch 3 Heavy and 2 Medium Drones now, plus they are adding 25m3 to the Drone bay as well. The capacitor is getting buffed, which is great for active tanking Myrms but they are reducing shield and armor HP while adding structure HP. The high slots on the Myrm are being reduced from 6 to 5, highlighting the push towards a Drone Boat. In the end it looks like it will be a better active tanked drone boat that is easily counterable with Alpha Strike Arty ships like the Tornado.

The Brutix will get better cap, more agility, more powergrid, more armor and structure hit points, and an extra low slot. Reminds me a lot of the Thorax changes. An agile high DPS ship that can be buffer tanked or active tanked.

The Drake will get a fitting nerf, but probably not enough to make a real difference. Next they are Nerfing the hit points across the board, denting the iconic tanking ability. Then to really kick it in the nuts, they are dropping one high slot, and reducing the already weak capacitor. The only real buff for the Drake appears to be a very small boost to agility.

The Ferox is getting a much needed buff across the board. One extra low slot, better agility, better cap, more hit points, more targeting range, and more PG + CPU for fitting. I think this will earn the ship some new followers and I’m curious what the new fitting of choice will be? Passive Buffer? X-Large ASB?

The Harbinger is getting some interesting changes… A bigger Damage output bonus (10% instead 5% to Medium Energy Turret Damage), increased drone bay from 50m3 to 75m3, better sensor strength, and a little more agility. Counter that with less hit points across the board, less powergrid, less CPU, one less high slot. The result? I’m not sure, but I would think a slightly more flexible, probably short range gank ship. The reduced powergrid makes Beam Lasers very unlikely, so I would guess Pulse Lasers and ECM drones as an escape mechanism.

Finally we come to the Prophecy, which is getting a huge “repurposing” if that’s even a word (spell check says no). The Prophecy, once only usable for Baiting and soaking up damage, will now be a very interesting Drone Boat. The changes are many, but rather than list the Technicals, I will just say this… It will be a Myrmidon, with a MASSIVE Armor Buffer Tank. It gets the same 10% Bonus to Drone Damage and Hit Points per Battlecruiser Level as the Myrmidon, but only 75m3 Bandwidth and not the 100m3 that the Myrm will.

This makes the Prophecy the most exciting of the changes (followed by the Cyclone). The fitting will be clear, buffer tank with slave implants and T3 cruiser Armor bonus so you get 300,000 or so EHP. Then Sit on a gate or station and kill people while they curse their LCD Monitors and complain on Comms “This thing won’t die!” Followed by the Prophecy de-aggroing at 60% Armor and jumping or docking. I’m guessing the DPS output on this will be somewhere between 400-500 DPS.

 Next up, the Black Ops Buff

From what I’m seeing they are hoping to do this by February 12th and the major change will be increasing the Base Jump Range to 3.5 Light Years, while reducing the fuel needed to jump. If my math is right that will mean a 8.5 Light Year Range with Jump Drive Calibration 4 (pretty much doubling the range).

The hope here is that this will make Black Ops more popular, and I think it definitely will to a small degree. But I personally would like to see a new Ship Bonus added. Something unique to the class.

Then we have the new Dueling System

 First let me express my dislike of the whole idea of formal dueling. It feels like it’s simplistic and outdated as a game mechanic.

To simplify the whole system, it’s basically the ability to issue a “Challenge” to another player that, if accepted results in a mutual Limited Engagement Timer. Should neutral Logistics get involved, they will get a Suspect Flag making them targets to everyone. This would seem to make it more advantageous to fight on busy stations because cheaters are more likely to be punished by other players there.

I know the old, drop a can system was bulky or even odd, but it made more sense to me. That old way is now less likely due to Suspect Flag being global instead of only to one person or corporation.

I can’t say it’s bad, but it just seems cheesy to me. “You have dishonored my Retriever! I demand satisfaction good sir!” Haha

To see this entire Article GOTO: Upcoming Changes – Battlecruiser Balance, Black Ops Buff, and Dueling