The day has finally arrived. CCP Games has announced the launch of ‘First Strike,’ the first limited-time live event for EVE Vanguard, the new multiplayer sandbox FPS module set within the EVE Online universe which was teased last September during Fanfest 23. This event, accessible to EVE players with an active Omega account, runs from midday UTC on December 7 to midday UTC on December 11, 2023.
In EVE Vanguard, players assume the role of the Vanguard, war clones embarking on dangerous missions across chaotic planets. These events will gradually reveal the Vanguard’s story and purpose.
EVE Vanguard First Strike Is a Proof of Concept
Importantly, during the ‘First Strike’ event, participants will play a pivotal role in delivering resources to fuel EVE’s player-driven economy and complete contracts that influence the war zones of New Eden. This event also marks the beginning of EVE Vanguard’s Founders’ Access program, offering Omega subscribers the chance to shape the development of EVE Vanguard through regular participation in limited-time live events.
Snorri Árnason, Game Director for EVE Online, emphasized the importance of evolving EVE Vanguard to align with the game’s core identity, stating, “With EVE Vanguard, our goal is to deliver a sandbox shooter that innovates while staying true to its EVE identity.” Árnason assures players that EVE Vanguard will continue to evolve with new features and deeper integration with EVE Online.
Bergur Finnbogason, EVE Online’s Creative Director, highlighted the role of the EVE community in shaping the game, inviting players to contribute to EVE Vanguard’s development. Finnbogason stressed the value of community feedback in CCP’s decision-making process. He said as part of today’s press release:
“This is an early look – we are inviting the EVE community to join us in EVE Vanguard’s development cycle as part of the module’s Founders’ Access program so they can have a voice in shaping its future evolution. This is not just lip service – community feedback is an invaluable part of CCP’s decision-making process, and that will only increase over time as EVE Vanguard is put into more players’ hands.”
EVE Online: Havoc Patch and Future Developments
Following ‘First Strike,’ a new Havoc patch will be released on December 12, 2023. This update introduces the Ice Refinery Heist, a fleet-oriented activity with unique rewards, and AIR Daily Goals, offering Capsuleers new daily challenges with substantial rewards.
Celebrating 20 Years of EVE Online
As EVE Online concludes its 20th year, players can anticipate new content expansions, in-game events, and the ongoing evolution of this vast sci-fi universe in 2024 and beyond.
If you haven’t already, do check out The Nerd Stash’s interview with CCP CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, which we conducted earlier this year at Fanfest 23. Stay tuned for more exclusive content about the game from that event which we’ll be sharing over the coming days.
