Merlin
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The Merlin is the most powerful combat frigate of the Caldari. Its role has evolved through the years, and while its defenses have always remained exceptionally strong for a Caldari vessel, its offensive capabilities have evolved from versatile, jack-of-all-trades attack patterns into focused and deadly gunfire tactics. The Merlin's primary aim is to have its turrets punch holes in opponents' hulls. SHIP BONUSES
Caldari Frigate bonuses (per skill level):
Ship Attributes
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5 (4/2) 
5 
2
45 MW 
190 tf
290 m/sec
300 m³
Summary
The changes brought to the Merlin in the Inferno release have made it one of the best (if not the best) Tech 1 frigates in the game, especially for running Level I combat missions. You may fit this ship to fulfil almost any need, whether it be a swift shield tanked tackler, a very tough shield tank, or an above-average damage dealer.
Skills
Fitting
Tackle
Light Electron Blaster II
Light Electron Blaster II
Light Electron Blaster II
X5 Enduring Stasis Webifier
J5b Enduring Warp Scrambler
5MN Y-T8 Compact Microwarpdrive
Medium F-S9 Regolith Compact Shield Extender
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Overdrive Injector System II
Damage Control II
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Small Core Defense Field Extender I
Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge S x1
- Merlin tanky and high DPS, but low speed tackle; consider using Condor or another Race tackle frigate
Magic Merlin
Light Neutron Blaster II
Light Neutron Blaster II
Light Neutron Blaster II
X5 Enduring Stasis Webifier
J5b Enduring Warp Scrambler
5MN Y-T8 Compact Microwarpdrive
Medium F-S9 Regolith Compact Shield Extender
Damage Control II
Micro Auxiliary Power Core II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Small Core Defense Field Extender I
Small Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Void S x2000
Null S x2000
- Good for solo fight.
- For fleets usage consider replacing another tackling module by invulnerability field to increase tank.
Solo PvP Buffer
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
X5 Enduring Stasis Webifier
J5b Enduring Warp Scrambler
1MN Y-S8 Compact Afterburner
Medium F-S9 Regolith Compact Shield Extender
Damage Control II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Small Core Defense Field Extender I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Ancillary Current Router I
Void S x720
Null S x720
Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge S x720
Solo PvP ASB
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Stasis Webifier II
Warp Scrambler II
1MN Afterburner II
Medium Ancillary Shield Booster
Damage Control II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Small Auxiliary Thrusters I
Small Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Cap Booster 50 x14
Void S x720
Null S x720
Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge S x720
Tactics
The Merlin is a powerful frigate in that it can be fit for either DPS or tackle, whilst maintaining a respectable tank for a T1 frigate (thanks to its shield resist bonus). A Merlin fit for DPS with Tech 2 Neutron Blasters firing Void can reach around 160 dps. Even with Ion Blasters and a fit more geared to tackling in a fleet, the Merlin can put out over 100 DPS with ease.
When flying a blaster Merlin, get in close. Your minuscule optimal ranges means you basically have to face hug your enemies. This can cause serious problems when fighting Kitey frigates or cruisers, especially since the Merlin isn't the fastest frigate out there. In these cases it's best to either run from the fight, or wait until an ally can web/scram down the enemy allowing you to catch up/warp to them.
Because Merlins are slow but tough, tackle Merlins usually serve as second tackle, applying a scram and web to hold a target still after faster frigates secure the initial point. Their significant DPS is a bonus in this role.
Notes
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