In EVE Online’s latest patch notes, we’re introduced to a new sector of space and new spaceships. Although currently unavailable, more details are expected at this year’s FanFest event.
First up, we’re talking about the Jovian stargates. Previously, we wrote about the challenge that CCP laid out for capsuleers, to find ancient cloaked stargates using a series of clues pointing them in the right direction. After about 48 hours, all 4 stargates were found in the systems of Alsavoinon, G-0Q86, H-PA29 and Turnur. As of today, these gates are connected to their pairs at their destination location: a new system called Zarzakh.
Zarzakh is near the Dronelands (Etherium Reach, The Kalevala Expanse, Perrigen Falls, Oasa, Outer Passage, The Spire, and Cache) but it is not yet known whether or not the system will allow capsuleers to be in direct jump range of the Dronelands, something that some sects of players have been asking for for quite some time. Hoboleaks also suggests new NPCs for both Guristas and Angel Cartel, indicating potential combat sites.
Having a single system be accessible from all around the universe is a scintillating prospect. On one hand, reducing the distance between areas of space does have the potential to create more content all around the map but players are often leery of engaging in large-scale combat when they know that other groups can easily sway the tide of battle to one side or the other.
Notably, stargates avoid regions like Delve, Querious, and Period Basis, areas held by organizations like The Imperium. This supports the theory that Zarzakh may be positioned near the Dronelands, and the travel time to these gates may be a safeguard to prevent “mortal enemies” from being so close in proximity.
Today’s patch notes also unveil the Angel Cartel’s Mekubal and the Guristas’ Mamba destroyers. Initially teased through fragmented video files, their full designs are now visible in-game. Hoboleaks reveals specific bonuses: the Mamba favors missiles and drones, while the Mekubal excels with small projectile turrets and enhanced warp speed. While these ships lack a defined niche, they promise an enjoyable flying experience.
That wraps up this week’s patch notes. As anticipation builds for FanFest, stay tuned for live updates on EVE Online’s new features via upcoming streams. Follow us here and on Twitch to stay in the loop.
What are your thoughts on the new Zarzakh system? Are you eager to explore this uncharted territory? Share your insights in the comments below
While the Mekubal looks like a decent small gang alternative to thrashers and svipuls for arty gangs, the Mamba seems intentionally defanged on release, which is sad because there wouldn’t have been any reason to do so due to the critical pvp limitations destroyers have in between cruisers and frigates.
The most glaring issue with the Mamba is its identical bonuses to the worm. Hell, it even has the same mids and lows, so the only real saving graces it has is a higher buffer, double the drone bay, and a little more overall fitting space left over after filling up the missile slots than the Worm would have. Its higher sig radius and lower speed negate any usefulness that has outside of niche abyssal running, and so it is critically flawed from the start for being forced into the same roles as the Worm without any of its advantages, with all the disadvantages being a Destroyer has, and so it has tragically been hobbled even before a proper release.
There are two simple solutions to this which would put it in its proper place between the Gila and Worm:
-Give it the 25% drone speed bonus the other drone destroyers, the Algos and Dragoon, get.
The debate for the need of a class application bonus to battlecruisers and destroyers was settled LONG ago, and it has neither the versatility of the Sunesis or the adaptability of a tactical destroyer to merit not having it.
-Move a high slot to a low slot.
While destroyers generally have more hit points to play with than frigates, they are generally tuned more towards offense. Adding another lowslot allows it to take better advantage of its extra fitting space over the worm, allowing it to focus more on its substantial offensive power.
Both of these changes together would help move it away from the Worm’s niche, preventing it from being completely overshadowed by its more successful and well-rounded cousins, becoming an awkward afterthought people don’t speak of in polite company.