CCP Games has officially launched Legion, the latest expansion for EVE Online, promising sweeping changes across the game. From daily rewards to redesigned UI and ship visuals, it’s a push to re-engage the community. You can read the full official blog here.
Daily Rewards and Design Shifts
Login campaigns return with a 14-day Legion-themed track. Capsules who log in earn boosters, EverMarks, cosmetics, and a noticeable chunk of skill points—up to 70,000 if you’re Omega.
These rewards are undeniably useful. But they follow a trend: short-term engagement incentives over lasting progression. It works for bringing players back. Whether it keeps them around is another question.
New Tasks, Same Grind?
The revamped AIR Opportunities feature stands out. It now functions like a contract board, allowing players to filter options by region, difficulty, or content type. You can choose freelance jobs that include exploration tasks, ship kills, and PVE missions.
It’s a more focused version of past systems. Clean UI, helpful filters, and a rewarding loop. But ultimately, you’re still optimizing routes, tracking ISK, and surviving the meta.
The gameplay remains the same, but it now feels smoother.
Visual Updates and Ship Redesigns
CCP expanded its efforts beyond cosmetics. Several cruiser models, particularly from the Amarr, Minmatar, and Caldari factions, underwent complete visual overhauls. These updates are more than just SKIN changes; they involve full model redesigns that provide older ships with modern shapes and textures.
Add a new color palette for the corps, tweak the engine trails, and improve the lighting. Legion feels like a visual upgrade overall. Not revolutionary, but noticeable.
System Effect Rebalance and Combat Tuning
The system effects in Pochven and other environments have been adjusted to enhance both PvP and PvE experiences. The bonuses and penalties associated with these systems are now more significant and clearly communicated to players.
This could lead to more exciting battles and changing fleet plans near wormholes or areas controlled by Triglavian forces.
Exploration Actually Matters Again
Legion brings real changes to exploration. New relic and data sites have been seeded across Nullsec. Site distribution has been reworked. Loot tables have been updated.
The new Skyhook Capturing mechanic allows players to seize high-value sites, which can yield powerful rewards. It’s a smart way to make exploration matter in the power struggle between Nullsec blocs.
Industry, Nullsec, and the Meta
Beyond the headline features, CCP also introduced:
- Colony Resource Conversion upgrades for PI users.
- Improved site spawning to reduce “dead system” syndrome.
- Backend enhancements to EVE Swagger Interface (ESI) to support third-party dev tools.
While they may not be flashy, these elements enhance the core mechanics for industrialists and alliance planners.
PLEX Sales and SKIN Push
As with any EVE expansion, monetization rides alongside new content. Legion comes with a 20% PLEX sale, exclusive bundles, and limited-time ship SKINs.
This serves as a reminder that EVE’s economy is closely linked to real-world currency. While most updates steer clear of pay-to-win scenarios, the desire to keep up with trends in appearance or gameplay frequently results in spending.
Better Flow, Same Foundation
Legion is a polished expansion that enhances gameplay. It streamlines the user interface, revitalizes exploration as a viable career option, and refines existing content.
This isn’t a complete overhaul. The fundamental mechanics stay the same. The meta continues, and the grind remains.
This might be exactly what long-time players have been seeking: a more refined version of EVE.
For returning pilots, Legion offers a practical re-entry point. For veterans, it honors the past while simplifying the present. Just don’t anticipate a major overhaul.
