Drifter crisis (2025)

Main article: Drifters

The Drifter crisis of early 2025 marks a significant escalation in Drifter hostilities within New Eden. This event introduces new Crisis Sites, culminating in the Crisis Resolution Operation, offering capsuleers new PvE challenges and rewards.

Overview

In January 2025, Drifter-controlled forces launched coordinated attacks across high-security and low-security space, primarily targeting civilian infrastructure. Empire factions responded with military action, but capsuleers are called upon to assist in countering the Drifter threat.

Central to this crisis are structures known as Vigilant Dreamers, believed to be key to Drifter operations in affected systems. The full purpose of these sites remains unknown.

Crisis Sites

Capsuleers can engage in Crisis Sites to weaken Drifter presence. Each site has specific ship restrictions and objectives. Successful completions contribute to unlocking the Crisis Resolution Operation.

Crisis: Field Rescue

• Objective: Salvage wreckage from an empire assault on a Drifter facility to locate and rescue survivors.
• Recommended Fleet: At least 3 capsuleers.
• Ship Restrictions: T1 frigates and destroyers.
• Notes: Teamwork is essential to manage salvage and enemy reinforcements.

Crisis: Observatory Infiltration

• Objective: Retrieve valuable relics from the remains of an emergent Jovian Observatory.
• Recommended Fleet: 3 capsuleers.
• Ship Restrictions: T1 frigates, destroyers, and standard T1 cruisers.
• Notes: Scanning skills are crucial; beware of Drifter traps.

Crisis: Deathless Research Outpost

• Objective: A Deathless research base is under Drifter attack. Capsuleers can defend the structure with remote repair modules or destroy it for Hyperspace Telemetry data.
• Recommended Fleet: 5 capsuleers (for defense).
• Ship Restrictions: T1 frigates, destroyers, and standard T1 cruisers.
• Notes: Logistics ships play a key role in defense; destruction provides alternative loot opportunities.

Rewards

Loot from Crisis Sites includes salvage, blueprint copies, and novel Drifter-related materials. Some items appear to be components of a larger, undisclosed Drifter technology.

References

• Drifter Crisis: Defend New Eden – Official EVE Online news article.