Fenris Creations has launched EVE Online's winter expansion, Fractured Sky, and kicked off persistent 24/7 live alpha access for EVE Vanguard. With this update, the two games are permanently connected around the clock for the first time.
At the core of this connection, boots-on-the-ground operations create opportunities for activity in space. When EVE Vanguard players complete contract missions, temporary combat, mining, and exploration sites spawn in EVE Online's high-security and low-security space. Capsuleers can leverage these sites to contribute to their empire's campaign.
Fractured Sky introduces four Military Campaigns—one for each empire. Capsuleers who do not participate in Factional Warfare can also contribute through combat, mining, and exploration to earn ISK, Loyalty Points, and faction equipment. Achieving campaign objectives unlocks system-wide bonuses, which will be activated starting January 5.
Campaign outcomes will also influence the showdown between the four major empires in mid-January. The empire that completes its objectives first chooses the showdown battlefield, where only that empire's bonuses will apply. Following this, the seasonal Factional Warfare conflict known as Conquests will begin in February 2027. Each season features massive siege warfare in low-security space, where an empire's Conquest Engine and surrounding battlefields face the threat of destruction.
New fitting options have also been added for ships and modules. The Naga Navy Issue, Oracle Navy Issue, Talos Navy Issue, and Tornado Fleet Issue are Navy Attack Battlecruisers obtainable from Factional Warfare Loyalty Point stores. Among these, the Naga Navy Issue utilizes missiles. Additionally, nine Synchronizer Rig sets corresponding to the four major empires and five pirate factions have been introduced. These rigs grant larger bonuses as more modules from the same faction are fitted.
In the beginner region of Exordium, 13 pre-fitted AIR Academy Ships are provided for combat, exploration, and mining. Operable exclusively within this PvP-free region, they allow new players to experience various activities without needing to learn ship fitting first. The AIR Career Program is now integrated into the Achievements menu, and guides for dozens of level 1 security missions have been updated for clearer readability. The first phase of the redesigned HUD is available as an opt-in via Feature Preview.
The EVE Vanguard alpha now operates as a continuous 24/7 service rather than limited-time playtests. Players can secure weapons and equipment, develop their Warclone, and deploy back to the battlefield. This alpha introduces three new maps corresponding to security levels: High Castle is a high-security PvE map, Vorago is a low-security PvPvE map, and The Vault is a null-security PvP map. Higher-risk maps offer greater rewards. The Lost Convoy map from previous playtests also returns with improved visual polish.
Weapon Telemetry, earned by using specific weapon families, has been added to player progression. Spending telemetry unlocks more powerful weapon variants and additional loadout options. The new Gallente BR-60 Battle Rifle and a new Warclone suit have been added, alongside improvements to the movement system and interface.
The tutorial for new players has been revamped to offer story-driven missions. A newly introduced Jobs Board allows players to complete short contracts to earn rewards and resources. Full controller support and quality-of-life improvements are scheduled for December.
In Q2 2027, Warclones will gain the ability to enlist in Factional Warfare and support their empire's Conquests. During the same period, plans include introducing a new Underground Sector map, heavy dropsuits, and an expanded weapon progression system. EVE Vanguard is currently targeting a Steam Early Access launch and entry into beta in Q3 2027.
Snorri Árnason, Executive Producer for EVE Online and EVE Vanguard, said, “Fractured Sky opens a new chapter in EVE Online’s Factional Warfare.” Scott Davis, Game Director for EVE Vanguard, stated, “For the first time, players can jump into EVE Vanguard whenever they want.”
Fractured Sky is available on PC and Mac. The EVE Vanguard alpha is available through the EVE Launcher on PC.
