Eve Online Faction Warfare Guide: Fighting for Control of New Eden
Faction Warfare is a major gameplay feature in Eve Online that allows players to engage in large-scale Player vs. Player (PvP) combat between the four main empires: the Amarr Empire, the Caldari State, the Gallente Federation, and the Minmatar Republic. Joining faction warfare gives players the opportunity to take part in system-wide conflicts, earn rewards, and directly impact the sovereignty of low-security space.
What Is Faction Warfare?
Faction Warfare is a type of militia-based PvP where players can enlist in one of the four empire factions to fight for control over specific star systems in low-security space (also known as low-sec). Players who join faction warfare become part of their faction’s militia, participating in conflicts over key systems and engaging in skirmishes against opposing factions.
Players can join a faction warfare militia as individuals or corporations, and each faction’s militia fights to capture systems from the opposing empires. The primary goal is to control star systems by capturing Faction Warfare Complexes (FW Plexes) and accumulating Victory Points to influence system control.
How to Join Faction Warfare
To join faction warfare, you must enlist in one of the four empire militias. You can do this by visiting a Factional Warfare NPC station within a system that belongs to your chosen empire. Once enlisted, you’ll be able to participate in faction warfare missions and battles.
- Amarr Empire: Known for its focus on lasers and armor tanking, the Amarr Empire often engages in battle with the Minmatar Republic.
- Caldari State: Specializes in missiles and shield tanking, frequently clashing with the Gallente Federation.
- Gallente Federation: A drone and hybrid weapons-focused faction that battles the Caldari State.
- Minmatar Republic: Known for fast, versatile ships and projectile weapons, the Minmatar fight against the Amarr Empire.
Note that once you join a militia, you’ll be considered an enemy of the opposing factions, meaning you can be attacked in low-sec and high-sec space by both NPC and player-controlled faction forces.
Capturing Systems
The core mechanic of faction warfare is capturing and defending systems from opposing factions. Each system has a Faction Warfare Index that shows how contested the system is. The higher the contestation, the closer the system is to flipping from one faction to another.
To capture a system, militia members must enter Faction Warfare Complexes (FW Plexes), which are located in contested systems. Once inside, players must hold the Plex for a set amount of time to reduce the defending faction’s control. Each successful capture of a Plex contributes to the system’s contestation level.
Victory Points and System Control
Faction Warfare is a tug-of-war for system control, with each Plex capture and battle contributing to your faction’s war effort. Accumulating Victory Points (VP) through Plex captures and successful engagements shifts the balance of power, allowing your faction to capture or defend star systems.
When a faction successfully captures enough systems, it can trigger an Offensive or Defensive Campaign to take control of a key system. Victory in these campaigns can change the course of the war and influence your faction’s overall dominance in low-sec space.
Loyalty Points and Rewards
As you fight for your chosen faction, you’ll earn Loyalty Points (LP), which can be exchanged for rewards such as faction ships, modules, and other valuable items. Each faction has its own Loyalty Point Store where you can spend your LP to purchase exclusive items.
In addition to LP, you’ll also earn ISK for completing faction warfare missions and capturing Plexes. Faction warfare provides a lucrative opportunity for players interested in PvP, as the rewards scale with your participation and performance.
Ranks and Progression
As you contribute to your faction’s war effort, you’ll also rise through the militia ranks. Your rank increases as you earn Victory Points and Loyalty Points, unlocking additional rewards and recognition within your faction.
The highest-ranking players in faction warfare become key figures in their faction’s war efforts, often commanding fleets and directing strategic objectives in large-scale conflicts.
Tips for Faction Warfare Success
- Fly Cheap, Fly Often: PvP in faction warfare can be intense and unpredictable, so avoid flying expensive ships. Focus on using affordable ships with effective fits so that losing them doesn’t hurt your wallet.
- Work in Teams: Faction warfare is best experienced with allies. Join a militia corporation or fleet to improve your chances of success in battles and Plex captures.
- Choose Your Battles: Avoid rushing into battles unprepared. Scout contested systems, check local chat, and assess the strength of opposing forces before engaging.
- Focus on Plexes: Capturing Plexes is the key to controlling systems. Prioritize Plex capture objectives and defend key systems that are vital to your faction’s strategy.
Conclusion
Faction Warfare in Eve Online is a dynamic and rewarding way to experience PvP while contributing to the broader conflict between New Eden’s empires.
Whether you’re fighting for the glory of the Amarr Empire, defending the Minmatar Republic, or battling for control of Caldari and Gallente systems, faction warfare offers endless opportunities for both personal and faction-wide victories.
Enlist today and make your mark on the galaxy!
