Clone states
Template:Current Clone States is the new free-to-play system that will be implemented in the Ascension expansion (November 2016). There will two different types of clones:
- Alpha clones, which are limited in which skills they can train, but which cost no subscription fee to play
- Omega clones, can train and use all skills, but which require a monthly subscription fee to play
Any characters on an account with an active subscription (paid for with time cards, monthly payments, PLEX...) are Omega clones, whereas any characters on an account without an active subscription are Alpha Clones. Since the clone state of a character is solely determined by whether their account has an active subscription, it can be helpful to think of "Alpha accounts" and "Omega accounts" as well as "Alpha clones" and "Omega clones".
There is no way to tell an Alpha from an Omega clone in-game. The conversion from Alpha to Omega or vice-versa will always happen at the start of a new game session.
If an Omega clone is downgraded to an Alpha clone (because the account's subscription has run out), any skills that character has trained which are not part of the Alpha skill set are locked and become inactive, i.e. they cannot be used, but the invested skill points will not be lost. Any items or ships which require the locked skill become inactive, and the skill training queue will be paused (but can be resumed by logging into the game). If the account's subscription is renewed, then the character is automatically upgraded back to an Omega clone and can once again use all the skills they have previously trained.
Alpha Clones
Compared with Omega characters, Alpha characters are limited in the following ways:
- They may only train certain skills
- They train skills more slowly and have a shorter skill queue
- They may not use skill extractors to extract skillpoints from the Alpha skill list (see below)
- If you are logged into the game with an Alpha character you may not log in simultaneously (multibox) with any other character (on any account)
Skills
The limited set of skills that Alpha characters may train limits them to:
- Their race's preferred weapon system and ships, as well as basic industrial ships
- Ship sizes up to cruisers
- Tech 1 modules and ships
They may only train the following skills:
Gameplay
While they are well suited for getting introduced to EVE Online, Alpha characters should be seen more as an "indefinite trial" rather than as a "free-to-play" option.
Combat
Alpha characters are perfectly viable in low-level PvP and PvE, and in support roles in larger-scale PvP (such as EWAR or tackle for a fleet).
Industry
Alpha characters can mine (ore or gas) in a Venture (but not use more advanced mining ships), and can perform basic (only Tech 1, no invention) manufacturing. While they will not be as efficient as an Omega character (with access to more advanced ships and skills which improve manufacturing efficiency), they can nonetheless participate in basic industry. They can salvage wrecks, but they cannot, however, do Planetary Interaction.
Alpha characters can trade, but they will pay higher taxes on their transactions and have fewer options at their disposal (e.g. they can only sell items located within 5 jumps, whereas an Omega character has the option to train skills allowing them to sell items anywhere in the current region)
Basic hauling is an option for Alpha characters as they have access to their races' Tech 1 industrial ships.
Exploration
Alpha characters can do basic exploration.
Omega Clones
Omega clones may use any skill, ship and item in the game. Additionally, you may log into the game with more than one account at a time (multiboxing), but only as long as all the accounts being logged in have Omega status.
External links
- Dev blog: Introducing Clone States (August 2016)
- Patch Notes for the Ascension expansion (November 2016)
