Difference between revisions of "Timers"

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{{legality}}
 
{{legality}}
[[Category:Guides]]
 
[[Category:PvP]]
 
[[Category:PvE]]
 
 
A brief overview about the basics of timers and their impact on capsuleers in empire space.
 
A brief overview about the basics of timers and their impact on capsuleers in empire space.
  
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The Retribution expansion introduced a new and improved timers system called Crimewatch 2.0, which greatly improve upon the previous one by getting rid of the Global Countdown Timer and generally streamlining the system via the use of specific flags.
 
The Retribution expansion introduced a new and improved timers system called Crimewatch 2.0, which greatly improve upon the previous one by getting rid of the Global Countdown Timer and generally streamlining the system via the use of specific flags.
  
It's very important to be aware of and understand what the different timers mean and what the implications are in terms of legality. Timers can easily wreak havoc in the fleet causing issues with [[EVE_University_Rules#Rules_of_Engagement|rules of engagements]] and remote assistance.
+
It's very important to be aware of and understand what the different timers mean and what the implications are in terms of legality. Timers can easily wreak havoc in the fleet causing issues with [[EVE_University_Rules#Rules_of_Engagement|rules of engagements]] and [[remote assistance]].
  
 
See [https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/sections/201141682-Crimewatch CCP's support page on Crimewatch] for more details on the more intricate mechanics of legal timers.
 
See [https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/sections/201141682-Crimewatch CCP's support page on Crimewatch] for more details on the more intricate mechanics of legal timers.
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This means you will remain in space if you disconnect or close the client, until the timer runs out. The timer will be renewed if you are shot while already having disconnected or logged off. So if someone finds you after you logged out they can keep your ship in space indefinitely.
 
This means you will remain in space if you disconnect or close the client, until the timer runs out. The timer will be renewed if you are shot while already having disconnected or logged off. So if someone finds you after you logged out they can keep your ship in space indefinitely.
  
When your corporation or alliance is at war, the '''capsuleer log-off timer''' becomes deceptively dangerous in mixed fleets, see [[Timers#While_at_war|while at war]] below.
+
When your corporation or alliance is at war, the '''capsuleer log-off timer''' becomes deceptively dangerous in mixed fleets, see [[Remote_assistance#While_at_war|while at war]] for more details on that and other limitations of remote assistance.
  
 
==== Weapon Timer ====
 
==== Weapon Timer ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="vertical-align:middle;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="vertical-align:middle;"
 
| valign="top" style="padding:0px;" | [[image:flag_weapon.jpg|68px|'''Weapon''' flag]]
 
| valign="top" style="padding:0px;" | [[image:flag_weapon.jpg|68px|'''Weapon''' flag]]
| valign="top" nowrap style="background:#151515;" | {{co|red|'''Weapons Timer'''}}<br>'''Cause:''' Aggression against another capsuleer.<br>'''Consequence:''' Unable to dock or use stargates (60 seconds).
+
| valign="top" nowrap style="background:#151515;" | {{co|red|'''Weapons Timer'''}}<br>'''Cause:''' Using offensive modules against another capsuleer or activating a bastion or command burst module.<br>'''Consequence:''' Unable to jump, dock or eject from, store, refit or switch ships and prevents [[tethering]] (60 seconds).
 
|}
 
|}
You get a '''weapon timer''' whenever you activate an offensive module against another player (including webs, painters, damps, scrams, points, turrets, missiles, drones etc). This effect also happens upon activation of a bastion-module on a marauder (but not for other siege-like modules). Unlike the '''capsuleer log-off timer''', you do not get this flag simply by being shot by another player.
+
You get a '''weapon timer''' whenever you use an offensive module against another player (including webs, painters, damps, scrams, points, turrets, missiles, drones etc). This effect also happens when using a '''bastion''' module on a marauder (but not for other siege-like modules) as well as activation of '''command burst''' modules. Unlike the '''capsuleer log-off timer''', you do not get this flag simply by being shot by another player.
  
While this timer is active you cannot change sessions, which means you cannot jump, dock or eject from, store, refit or switch ships.
+
This timer behaves differently depending on what kind of offensive action you're taking. An immediate action such as firing a volley with your turrets or missiles as well as drones firing will instantly start the 60 second timer from the moment of the cycle starting. It would then re-initiate for each cycle, but at the start of the cycle when you activate the module. Modules with persistent effects such as webs, painters, damps, scrams and bastion mode, will both start the weapon timer upon activation as well as keeping it at 60 seconds for the duration of the module and won't start counting down until the cycle and effect is gone. The [[Command Burst]] module is an exception to this; it starts the weapon timer upon activation and will disappear at the end of the cycle and long before the burst effect dissipates.
 +
 
 +
While this timer is active you cannot change sessions, which means you cannot jump, dock or eject from, store, refit or switch ships. You also cannot be tethered by '''Upwell Structures''' such as [[Citadels]] or [[Engineering Complexes]] as long as you have a weapon timer.
  
 
== Legality Timers ==
 
== Legality Timers ==
 +
{{important note box|Remember that your onboard [[safety settings]] allow you to set your safeties in such a way that you can never accidentally go suspect or criminal.}}
 
The following timers directly determine whether or not you are a legal target.
 
The following timers directly determine whether or not you are a legal target.
  
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| valign="top" nowrap style="background:#0d1917;" | {{co|cyan|'''Limited Engagement Timer'''}}<br>'''Cause:''' Involved in a limited engagement with 1 pilot ''(or any number of pilots)''.<br>'''Consequence:''' These pilots may freely engage you while timer is active ''(5 minutes)''.
 
| valign="top" nowrap style="background:#0d1917;" | {{co|cyan|'''Limited Engagement Timer'''}}<br>'''Cause:''' Involved in a limited engagement with 1 pilot ''(or any number of pilots)''.<br>'''Consequence:''' These pilots may freely engage you while timer is active ''(5 minutes)''.
 
|}
 
|}
A '''limited engagement''' is a permission between two pilots to freely engage each other or their assets in combat without interference of CONCORD. Limited Engagements are created on attacks towards other pilots that are under a [https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/articles/203268571-Suspect-Timer suspect] or [https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/articles/203268591-Criminal-Timer criminal] flag to allow them to defend themselves, but can also be gained from accepting a Duel Request.
+
A '''limited engagement''' is a permission between two pilots to freely engage each other or their assets in combat without interference of CONCORD. Limited Engagements are created on attacks towards other pilots that are under a [https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/articles/203268571-Suspect-Timer suspect] or [https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/articles/203268591-Criminal-Timer criminal] flag to allow them to defend themselves, but can also be gained from accepting a '''Duel Request''' (see [https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/articles/203268611-Duels-Limited-Engagements Duels & Limited Engagements] for more information).
 
 
[https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/articles/203268611-Duels-Limited-Engagements Duels & Limited Engagements]
 
  
 
===== Consequences of being in a limited engagement =====
 
===== Consequences of being in a limited engagement =====
As long as a limited engagement is active, the involved pilots may freely engage each other, including attacks on capsules or any other assets. Any other pilot interfering in the combat between two pilots with active limited engagements, such as using remote support modules on one of the parties, will receive a suspect flag for the interference.
+
As long as a limited engagement is active, the involved pilots may freely engage each other, including attacks on capsules or any other assets.
  
 
Naturally in null security space or wormhole space, where you are allowed to freely engage anyone at any time, there would be no legality issues and no timers apart from the combat timers would be created in the first place.
 
Naturally in null security space or wormhole space, where you are allowed to freely engage anyone at any time, there would be no legality issues and no timers apart from the combat timers would be created in the first place.
  
== Remote assistance ==
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== Remote assistance, combat timers and legality ==
There are several modules that doesn't give you any bonuses, but instead is activated on a friendly ship to give them a boost. Below is a list of common assistance modules.
+
{{main|Remote assistance}}
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
+
Whenever you remotely assist someone, you will automatically inherit all the combat timers of the one you're assisting. Using [[remote assistance]] to aid a suspect or an outlaw is usually a {{icon|timer suspect|16}} {{co|#ffd75f|Suspect offence}} and assisting criminals is a {{icon|timer criminal|18}} {{co|red|Criminal offence}}. Interfering in a fight between two parties (war or limited engagement) in high security space is a {{icon|timer criminal|18}} {{co|red|Criminal offence}} but only a {{icon|timer suspect|16}} {{co|#ffd75f|Suspect offence}} in low security space.
! style="background-color:#222222;" | Remote assistance module
 
! style="background-color:#222222;" | Description
 
|-
 
| {{icon|st|24}} '''Remote shield boosters'''
 
| Repairs shield hit points of the targeted ship.
 
|-
 
| {{icon|remote armor repair|24}} '''Remote armor repairers'''
 
| Repairs armour hit points of the targeted ship.
 
|-
 
| [[image:icon_remote_capacitor_transmitter_i.png|24px|link=]] '''Remote capacitor transmitters'''
 
| Transfers capacitor energy to the targeted ship.
 
|-
 
| [[image:icon_tracking_computer_i.png|24px|link=]] '''Remote tracking computers'''
 
| Increases the tracking speed and range of the targeted ship's turrets.
 
|-
 
| {{icon|sensor resolution|24}} '''Remote sensor boosters'''
 
| Increases the scan resolution and locking range of the targeted ship.
 
|}
 
==== Remote assistance and combat timers ====
 
Whenever you remotely assist someone, you will automatically inherit all the combat timers of the one you're assisting. The time left will be whatever the recipient of your assistance has left, so if someone has 22 seconds left of their weapon timer when you assist them, your inherited weapon timer will also have 22 seconds left, assuming you don't have a weapon timer of your own with more than 22 seconds left on it.
 
 
 
Apart from inheriting timers, naturally legality puts itself on top of that, regulating what actions cause you to get a suspect or criminal timer.
 
==== Remote assistance and legality ====
 
As remote assistance can turn the tide of battle, certain actions are legal and some are not. In general, interfering in a fight between two parties, aiding a suspect or an outlaw is usually a {{co|darkorange|suspect offence}} and assisting criminals is a {{co|red|criminal offence}}.
 
 
 
===== While at war =====
 
{|
 
| valign="top" | [[image:icon_war.png|64px|At war]]
 
| valign="top" | When your corporation or alliance is at war, the capsuleer log-off timer can become an issue if you ever fly with people who aren't in your corporation. Because in order to assist someone with a capsuleer log-off timer who is at war will require all non-corporation members to turn your safety to yellow and go suspect. This includes alliance members who are at war with the same corporation or alliance as you are.
 
  
As such, it's important to avoid accidentally shooting corporation members in mixed fleets, since that is a legal action in and by itself, but it will give you both capsuleer log-off timers that will be spread to the logistics and anyone else who's offering remote assistance.  The best way to avoid accidentally shooting corporation members is to '''''never target them without a very good reason''''', especially if you are flying an offensive role. Most necessary fleet actions, like keep at range and orbit, can be accomplished without first targeting the other person by just putting them on the watch list and right-click them.
+
Even [[Command Bursts]] are affected by legality in high security space, removing the benefit of fleet members in high security space if they involve themselves as third parties to wars or limited engagements.
|}
 
  
===== During peace =====
+
= Other timers=
{|
+
There are several other timers in the game, most {{co|lightgreen|visible}} but some are {{co|crimson|hidden}} and will only show you an error message when you attempt something that cannot be done.
| valign="top" | [[image:icon_peace.png|64px|At peace]]
 
| valign="top" | Even when you're at peace there is a chance that timers might come into play. If someone enters a limited engagement, like if you make or suffer an unprovoked attack by someone in low and high security space, then any assistance to the person involved (with a limited engagement) would require logistics to turn their safety to yellow and go suspect. Once someone goes suspect it would force the other logi and everyone else who wants to lend assistance to go suspect as well. While being a suspect is fairly trivial in low security space, it presents a number of issues if you then travel back into high security space while the timer is still active.
 
|}
 
 
 
= Other Timers=
 
 
== Session Change Timer (SCT)  ==
 
== Session Change Timer (SCT)  ==
 +
{{anchor|Session timer}}
 +
[[Image:Sct.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The '''Session Change Timer''' is displayed in the top left corner of your screen and you can mouse-over the icon to show the exact time remaining on the timer.]]
 +
The '''Session Change Timer (SCT)''' is a {{co|lightgreen|visible}} 10 second timer initiated after performing one of the following things:
 +
* Logging into the game.
 +
* Jumping through a stargate, wormhole or jump bridge.
 +
* Using a jump drive.
 +
* Docking or undocking.
 +
* Joining a fleet or moving to a different command position within that fleet.
 +
* Leaving your ship, either through ejecting or having it destroyed.
 +
* Boarding a ship.
 +
* Performing a clone jump or a clone swap.
 +
* Being podded.
 +
* Joining or leaving a corporation
 +
* Changing corp wallet divisions.
 +
As long as the '''SCT''' is active it prevents you from doing any of the things that cause a session change (i.e. anything on the list above) and will give you various error messages depending on what you're trying to do (often highly amusing error messages). While some session change actions performed during an existing session change will simply fail, others will be queued up and will follow through one at a time once the session change is over.
  
The SCT is a 10 second timer initiated after performing one of the following things:
+
Here's an example of when a session change due to changing positions in a fleet ruins your day:
 
+
{{example|You're scouting low security systems in a covert ops ship for a fleet and the fleet commander moves you to another wing or squad without telling you. This gives you a '''Session Change Timer''' which will prevent you from jumping through the gate you just arrived on. Unfortunately there happened to be a hostile there, and because you were decloaked by the stargate, you are destroyed. So be sure to move when you have time to wait out the timer, and make sure you ask people if they can take a session change before moving them yourself.}}
*jumping through a stargate, wormhole or jump bridge
+
Here's another example of a session change due to having your ship destroyed leads to further losses:
*using a jump drive
+
{{example|You're ambushed by war targets landing on a station and they destroy your ship. You try to dock up with your pod, but cannot due to having a '''Session Change Timer''' from leaving your ship as it's destroyed. Since you wasted time trying to dock up, the enemy promptly pods you as well. So be sure to warp away from stations, gates, citadels, wormholes etc if your ship is destroyed, because you will not be able to dock up or jump through immediately after.}}
*docking or undocking
 
*joining a fleet or moving to a different command position within that fleet
 
*upon booster/role changes applied to you in that fleet
 
*leaving your ship, either through ejecting or having it destroyed  
 
*boarding a ship
 
*performing a clone jump  
 
*being podded
 
*joining or leaving a corporation
 
*changing corp wallet divisions
 
  
 +
== Location Change Timer ==
 +
[[File:Location Change Timer.png|thumb|300px|The '''Location Change Timer''' was once hidden, but since circa-2018 is now shown in the top-left corner like Crimewatch, jump, and gate cloak timers.]]
  
Whilst the SCT is active it prevents you from doing any of the things that cause a session change timer (i.e. anything on the list above), and will give you a sometimes amusing error message. Some of these things, if you attempt them with the SCT active, will 'queue', and will be executed as soon as it wears off.
+
Whenever you undock from a station, there's a {{co|lightgreen|visible}} timer that makes you invulnerable for 30 seconds or until you move, activate a module or target someone. While in this state you're practically ''"invulnerable"''; you cannot be locked and cannot bump against other ships, intentionally or not. The timer is 60 seconds long after using a jump drive.
  
The SCT is displayed in the top left corner of your screen. The exact time remaining will be displayed upon mouse-over.  
+
While most actions break this ''"invulnerability"'' you can still press {{button|Ctrl}} + {{button|Space}} to stop your ship (or use the {{button|&#8211;}} button on your HUD right next to your speed bar) while keeping your ghost-like status. This can allow you to undock, remain protected and wait out the '''Session Change Timer''' and dock back up before the ''"invulnerability"'' wears off.
  
[[Image:Sct.jpg]]
+
Be aware that there are stations, so called ''"kick-out"'' stations that have such a small docking range that even if you immediately stop your ship you'll be too far away from the station to immediately dock up again. For those stations you'd be forced to turn around and move back towards the docking ring, which will give enemies or gankers ample time to lock and attack you.
  
 +
== Jump Cloak Timer ==
 +
[[image:jump_cloak_timer.png|thumb|300px|The '''Jump Cloak Timer''' is displayed in the top-left corner of your screen and you can mouse-over the icon to show the exact time remaining on the timer.]]
 +
The '''Jump Cloak Timer''' is a {{co|lightgreen|visible}} 60 second timer that keeps you cloaked after jumping through a stargate or a wormhole, as long as you take no actions after jumping through. Remember that jumping through a stargate or a wormhole will also give you the above mentioned '''Session Change Timer''' for 10 seconds.
  
Examples of the SCT in action:
+
During the minute your Jump Cloak Timer is active, you'll not appear visibly on grid and you will be invulnerable to damage from such effects as bombs, smartbombs and ECM Bursts. During the effect of this timer it's also impossible to be decloaked by someone coming within 2000 meters, or bumped by ships occupying the same spot in space.
  
''1: You are scouting lo-sec systems in a CovOps for a fleet and the FC moves you to another wing or squad without telling you. You arrive on a stargate to jump through, but the SCT&nbsp;prevents you from jumping.&nbsp; Unfortunately there happened to be a hostile there, and because you were decloaked by the stargate, you are destroyed.''
+
While they cannot see your ship, there are many ways to know that someone entered or left the system. A wormhole or a stargate will have both a visual and audible notification that the wormhole was activated and if you're in known-space you will also show up in the member list of the local window as soon as you enter the system.
  
''2: You are fighting on a wormhole and your ship is destroyed''. ''You attempt to jump your capsule through the wormhole to get away, but your SCT&nbsp;from your ship being destroyed prevents you jumping (and so your capsule is destroyed too!).''
+
Here's an example of how you can use this timer to your advantage:
 +
{{example|You're jumping through hostile space and encounter a gate camp on the other side of a gate. You can now relax, calm down, run your [[directional scanner]], appraise the composition of the gate camp and consider your options for the full minute of the '''Jump Cloak Timer'''. This will allow you to make a calm and tactical decision which will greatly increase the odds of you making it through the camp alive.}}
  
=== Station undock invulnerability timer ===
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== Jump Fatigue and Jump Activation Cooldown ==
  
The game grants you a 30 second protection after undocking. If you do not activate any modules, or target anyone, or move your ship in any direction after undocking you cannot be targeted or bumped at all for 30 seconds. This can be used to wait out your SCT and re-dock.
+
{{main|Jump Drives and Cynosural Fields}}
 
+
[[File:Icon timer jump fatigue.png|right|link=]]
You can still press Ctrl+Space to stop your ship (or click the small - icon on the HUD) and retain your invulnerability, this action does not break it.
+
[[File:Icon timer jump activation.png|right|link=]]
 
+
Jump fatigue and jump activation cooldown are two timers that are relevant to ships that use jump drives or jump portals (i.e. via capital ships or blackops battleships). They dictate how long ships must wait between jump drive activations, while also factoring in how often the ship has jumped recently.
'''Important note:''' There are certain stations that will eject you (kick-out) outside of docking range and prevent you from using this tactic without reapproaching the station's docking radius. A prominent example would be the old EVE-University HQ at Aldrat IX – Pator Tech School. Even if you immediately stop your ship on undocking, by the time your SCT has worn off you are likely to be out of immediate docking range
 
 
 
[[Image:Hq75.jpg]]
 
 
 
== Gate cloak timer  ==
 
 
 
After jumping through a stargate or wormhole you will have an SCT for 10 seconds, however the entire gate cloak timer is 60 seconds. For this entire 1 minute period you are invulnerable to damage from such effects as bombs, smartbombs and ECM Bursts. For the entire duration of the cloak you cannot be de-cloaked by someone coming within 2000 meters. For the entire period you cannot be bumped to cause you to lose your cloak.  
 
 
 
You are effectively completely invulnerable and invisible - however, the gate or wormhole will have flashed to signify a ship has jumped through it (and in k-space you will immediately appear in Local chat), so if anyone happens to be watching they are likely to know you are there.
 
 
 
This timer allows you a period of safety to scout out the system, with d-scan or otherwise, before deciding what course of action to take.
 
  
 
== Logout timer ==
 
== Logout timer ==
 +
Whenever a character logs out while in space, there's a {{co|crimson|hidden}} 1 minute timer to removing that character and their ship from the game. The same applies to simply killing the client or crashing (although see the bug mention below). In combination with this timer the ship will try to do an ''"emergency warp"'' to a random location (1 million km away) where it will remain until the logout is triggered.  The emergency warp will only be attempted once and is subject to normal [[warp disruption]], so if the ship is warp disrupted at the time of the disconnect, the ship will not warp away but will continue to count down towards the potential logoff. Be aware that both the {{icon|timer npc|16}} [[Timers#Non-Capsuleer_Log-Off_Timer|Non-Capsuleer]] and {{icon|timer pvp|16}} [[Timers#Capsuleer_Log-Off_Timer|Capsuleer Log-Off Timer]] mentioned above will prolong this timer, keeping you in space for longer (even indefinitely in the case the capsuleer timer).
  
When logging out in space, your ship (if not warp-disrupted/scrambled) will warp off to a random location and remain there for 1 minute until disappearing.
+
Logging out or simply closing the client while docked is instantaneous and there is no delay (assuming the server gets the call from the client that you closed it).
 
+
{{bug|Sometimes when you crash or lag out, the server doesn't get the call from the client that you've disconnected. It can sometimes take a long time for the server to realize you're no longer there, delaying the emergency warp and 1 minute logout timer for several minutes which results in your ship being left out in space for much longer than intended.}}
This timer will extend to 5 minutes if you were involved in combat with NPC ships.
+
==== Log Off Safely ====
 
+
There is a '''Log Off Safely'''-feature with a {{co|lightgreen|visible}} 30 second timer that allows you to monitor your ship as well as using the directional scanner in space while preparing to safely log out of the game. In order to use this feature you'll need to meet the following requirements:
It will get extended to 15 minutes if you were involved in pvp, whether it you being aggressive or being aggressed by someone else. Should your ship be destroyed during this time, another 15 minute timer applying to your pod will start.
+
* Turning on or have any active modules running.
 +
* Ejecting from the ship.
 +
* Aggressed by players or NPCs, ie having a {{icon|timer npc|16}} [[Timers#Non-Capsuleer_Log-Off_Timer|Non-Capsuleer]] or a {{icon|timer pvp|16}} [[Timers#Capsuleer_Log-Off_Timer|Capsuleer Log-Off Timer]].
 +
* Exploding or having initiated a self-destruct.
 +
* Moving or initiating a moving command.
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* Launching or ejecting anything from your ship's cargo hold or its bays and hangars.
 +
* Being fleeted or joining a fleet.
 +
* Deploying or having drones deployed or being in the process of reconnecting to them.
 +
* Locking, being locked or having a lock on something.
 +
* Issuing a warp command or being in warp.
 +
* Being cloaked, including the [[#Jump Cloak Timer|Jump Cloak Timer]] from taking stargates or wormholes.
 +
Doing any of the above mentioned actions will not only stop you from initiating the safe logoff, but also cancel a previously activated safe logoff.
 +
{|
 +
| valign="top" | [[image:logoff_timer_options.png|thumb|300px|To use the '''safe logoff''' you right-clck your HUD's capacitor and select the '''Log Off Safely''' option.]]
 +
| valign="top" | [[image:logoff_timer_error.png|thumb|282px|If the requirements aren't met, an error message will be displayed to highlight the reason you cannot; in this case because you have active modules still running.]]
 +
| valign="top" | [[image:logoff_timer_countdown.png|thumb|300px|When you initiate a '''safe logoff''' in space you'll see this window until you're safely logged off.]]
 +
|}
  
 
== Wormhole polarization timer ==
 
== Wormhole polarization timer ==
 +
You can make a maximum of 2 jumps through a specific [[Wormholes|wormhole]] in 5 minutes. If you try to jump a third time through the same wormhole inside those 5 minutes, you will receive a message informing you how long you have to wait before you can jump again.&nbsp; This timer doesn't apply to jumping through different wormholes.<br>
  
You can make a maximum of 2 jumps through a specific [[Wormholes|wormhole]] in 5 minutes. If you try to jump a third time through the same wormhole inside those 5 minutes, you will receive a message informing you how long you have to wait before you can jump again.&nbsp; This timer doesn't apply to jumping through different wormholes.<br>
+
== Active Boosters timer ==
 +
{{see also|Medical boosters}}
 +
[[File:Active_Boosters_hoverover.png|thumb|200px|The icon will also have a number next to it, showing the number of active boosters.]]
 +
Active boosters and cerebral accelerators will have their remaining duration shown under an [[File:Icon_timer_booster.png|link=|16px]] active booster timer. The icon can be hovered over to see all active boosters, the time remaining for each, and any bonuses or side effects they impart.
  
 
== Trade modification timer ==
 
== Trade modification timer ==
 
 
When you place or modify a buy or sell order in the market, you will not be allowed to modify that order or delete that order until 5 minutes have elapsed.
 
When you place or modify a buy or sell order in the market, you will not be allowed to modify that order or delete that order until 5 minutes have elapsed.
  
 
== Corporation roles & titles timer ==
 
== Corporation roles & titles timer ==
 
 
While the timer does still exist, members can quit corporation even without waiting 24 hours after dropping roles by right clicking their portrait in chat and choosing quit corporation? and confirm quit corporation.
 
While the timer does still exist, members can quit corporation even without waiting 24 hours after dropping roles by right clicking their portrait in chat and choosing quit corporation? and confirm quit corporation.
  
 
== Character termination timer ==
 
== Character termination timer ==
 
 
If you choose to terminate one of the characters owned by your account, it will enter the recycling queue for a 10 hour waiting period. When the 10 hour timer expires, you can complete the termination of the character and re-use the slot for a new character.
 
If you choose to terminate one of the characters owned by your account, it will enter the recycling queue for a 10 hour waiting period. When the 10 hour timer expires, you can complete the termination of the character and re-use the slot for a new character.
  
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*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyjBwWcFGe0 Pirating Timer Video]
 
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyjBwWcFGe0 Pirating Timer Video]
 +
 +
 +
[[Category:Game mechanics]]

Revision as of 18:24, 19 July 2020

A brief overview about the basics of timers and their impact on capsuleers in empire space.

Combat and legality timers

The Retribution expansion introduced a new and improved timers system called Crimewatch 2.0, which greatly improve upon the previous one by getting rid of the Global Countdown Timer and generally streamlining the system via the use of specific flags.

It's very important to be aware of and understand what the different timers mean and what the implications are in terms of legality. Timers can easily wreak havoc in the fleet causing issues with rules of engagements and remote assistance.

See CCP's support page on Crimewatch for more details on the more intricate mechanics of legal timers.

Combat Timers

The following timers have no direct impact on the legality of actions, but serve as a consequence for your actions. Keep in mind that the capsuleer log-off timer can indirectly cause legality issues if you are also at war.

Non-Capsuleer Log-Off Timer

NPC flag Non-Capsuleer Log-Off Timer a.k.a. NPC-flag
Cause: Combat with a non-capsuleer
Consequence: Ship will remain in space on log-off until timer expires (5 minutes)

The non-capsuleer log-off timer is created when you either shoot or get shot by an NPC.

This means you will remain in space if you disconnect or close the client, until the timer runs out. The NPC timer will not be renewed if you are shot while already having disconnected or logged off.

Capsuleer Log-Off Timer

PvP flag Capsuleer Log-Off Timer a.k.a. PvP-flag (complicated timer, see comments below)
Cause: Combat with another capsuleer.
Consequence: Ship will remain in space on log-off until timer expires (15 minutes).

The capsuleer log-off timer is created when you either shoot or get shot by a fellow capsuleer.

This means you will remain in space if you disconnect or close the client, until the timer runs out. The timer will be renewed if you are shot while already having disconnected or logged off. So if someone finds you after you logged out they can keep your ship in space indefinitely.

When your corporation or alliance is at war, the capsuleer log-off timer becomes deceptively dangerous in mixed fleets, see while at war for more details on that and other limitations of remote assistance.

Weapon Timer

Weapon flag Weapons Timer
Cause: Using offensive modules against another capsuleer or activating a bastion or command burst module.
Consequence: Unable to jump, dock or eject from, store, refit or switch ships and prevents tethering (60 seconds).

You get a weapon timer whenever you use an offensive module against another player (including webs, painters, damps, scrams, points, turrets, missiles, drones etc). This effect also happens when using a bastion module on a marauder (but not for other siege-like modules) as well as activation of command burst modules. Unlike the capsuleer log-off timer, you do not get this flag simply by being shot by another player.

This timer behaves differently depending on what kind of offensive action you're taking. An immediate action such as firing a volley with your turrets or missiles as well as drones firing will instantly start the 60 second timer from the moment of the cycle starting. It would then re-initiate for each cycle, but at the start of the cycle when you activate the module. Modules with persistent effects such as webs, painters, damps, scrams and bastion mode, will both start the weapon timer upon activation as well as keeping it at 60 seconds for the duration of the module and won't start counting down until the cycle and effect is gone. The Command Burst module is an exception to this; it starts the weapon timer upon activation and will disappear at the end of the cycle and long before the burst effect dissipates.

While this timer is active you cannot change sessions, which means you cannot jump, dock or eject from, store, refit or switch ships. You also cannot be tethered by Upwell Structures such as Citadels or Engineering Complexes as long as you have a weapon timer.

Legality Timers

Remember that your onboard safety settings allow you to set your safeties in such a way that you can never accidentally go suspect or criminal.

The following timers directly determine whether or not you are a legal target.

Suspect Timer

Suspect flag Suspect Timer
Cause: Committed a "suspect"-level offense.
Consequence: Capsuleers may freely engage (15 minutes).

The suspect timer means that anyone can freely attack you without CONCORD interfering. If someone engages you, a limited engagement timer is created between both of you, to allow you to shoot back at the aggressor. This causes issues with assistance however, due to interfering with a limited engagement (for more information, see limited engagement below).

Criminal Timer

Criminal flag Criminal Timer
Cause: Committed a "criminal"-level offense.
Consequence: Capsuleers may freely engage. CONCORD will engage in high-sec space (15 minutes).

The criminal timer means that anyone can freely attack you without CONCORD interfering.

If someone engages you, a limited engagement timer is created between both of you, to allow you to shoot back at the aggressor. This causes issues with assistance however, due to interfering with a limited engagement (for more information, see limited engagement below).

Consequences of being a criminal

Being a criminal means that CONCORD will engage and kill you in high security space. The response-time of CONCORD depends on the security of space, anything between a few seconds up to half a minute. During that time, while piloting a ship with a criminal flag you'll be unable to enter warp, jump through gates, dock up in stations, eject from, store or switch ships. Those restrictions are lifted once your ship is destroyed and you're in your capsule. That doesn't necessarily mean you can do these things, as all those actions (with the exception of warping away) would also be prohibited by an active weapon timer.

Being a criminal in low security space is practically the same as being a suspect, as long as you or anyone who assists you have no plans of jumping into high security space for the next fifteen minutes.

Jumping into or undocking a ship in high security space as a criminal will allow you to benefit from the session change timer invulnerability, but it only delays the inevitable demise of your ship. Even if your criminal timer runs out during the invulnerability, CONCORD will still follow through and destroy your ship, even though you're no longer a criminal when the invulnerability wears off.

Limited Engagement Timer

Hovering over the limited engagement icon will show all current engagements, the pilot's name and corporation as well as the time left.
Limited Engagement flag Limited Engagement Timer
Cause: Involved in a limited engagement with 1 pilot (or any number of pilots).
Consequence: These pilots may freely engage you while timer is active (5 minutes).

A limited engagement is a permission between two pilots to freely engage each other or their assets in combat without interference of CONCORD. Limited Engagements are created on attacks towards other pilots that are under a suspect or criminal flag to allow them to defend themselves, but can also be gained from accepting a Duel Request (see Duels & Limited Engagements for more information).

Consequences of being in a limited engagement

As long as a limited engagement is active, the involved pilots may freely engage each other, including attacks on capsules or any other assets.

Naturally in null security space or wormhole space, where you are allowed to freely engage anyone at any time, there would be no legality issues and no timers apart from the combat timers would be created in the first place.

Remote assistance, combat timers and legality

Main article: Remote assistance

Whenever you remotely assist someone, you will automatically inherit all the combat timers of the one you're assisting. Using remote assistance to aid a suspect or an outlaw is usually a Icon timer suspect.png Suspect offence and assisting criminals is a Icon timer criminal.png Criminal offence. Interfering in a fight between two parties (war or limited engagement) in high security space is a Icon timer criminal.png Criminal offence but only a Icon timer suspect.png Suspect offence in low security space.

Even Command Bursts are affected by legality in high security space, removing the benefit of fleet members in high security space if they involve themselves as third parties to wars or limited engagements.

Other timers

There are several other timers in the game, most visible but some are hidden and will only show you an error message when you attempt something that cannot be done.

Session Change Timer (SCT)

The Session Change Timer is displayed in the top left corner of your screen and you can mouse-over the icon to show the exact time remaining on the timer.

The Session Change Timer (SCT) is a visible 10 second timer initiated after performing one of the following things:

  • Logging into the game.
  • Jumping through a stargate, wormhole or jump bridge.
  • Using a jump drive.
  • Docking or undocking.
  • Joining a fleet or moving to a different command position within that fleet.
  • Leaving your ship, either through ejecting or having it destroyed.
  • Boarding a ship.
  • Performing a clone jump or a clone swap.
  • Being podded.
  • Joining or leaving a corporation
  • Changing corp wallet divisions.

As long as the SCT is active it prevents you from doing any of the things that cause a session change (i.e. anything on the list above) and will give you various error messages depending on what you're trying to do (often highly amusing error messages). While some session change actions performed during an existing session change will simply fail, others will be queued up and will follow through one at a time once the session change is over.

Here's an example of when a session change due to changing positions in a fleet ruins your day:

You're scouting low security systems in a covert ops ship for a fleet and the fleet commander moves you to another wing or squad without telling you. This gives you a Session Change Timer which will prevent you from jumping through the gate you just arrived on. Unfortunately there happened to be a hostile there, and because you were decloaked by the stargate, you are destroyed. So be sure to move when you have time to wait out the timer, and make sure you ask people if they can take a session change before moving them yourself.

Here's another example of a session change due to having your ship destroyed leads to further losses:

You're ambushed by war targets landing on a station and they destroy your ship. You try to dock up with your pod, but cannot due to having a Session Change Timer from leaving your ship as it's destroyed. Since you wasted time trying to dock up, the enemy promptly pods you as well. So be sure to warp away from stations, gates, citadels, wormholes etc if your ship is destroyed, because you will not be able to dock up or jump through immediately after.

Location Change Timer

The Location Change Timer was once hidden, but since circa-2018 is now shown in the top-left corner like Crimewatch, jump, and gate cloak timers.

Whenever you undock from a station, there's a visible timer that makes you invulnerable for 30 seconds or until you move, activate a module or target someone. While in this state you're practically "invulnerable"; you cannot be locked and cannot bump against other ships, intentionally or not. The timer is 60 seconds long after using a jump drive.

While most actions break this "invulnerability" you can still press Ctrl + Space to stop your ship (or use the button on your HUD right next to your speed bar) while keeping your ghost-like status. This can allow you to undock, remain protected and wait out the Session Change Timer and dock back up before the "invulnerability" wears off.

Be aware that there are stations, so called "kick-out" stations that have such a small docking range that even if you immediately stop your ship you'll be too far away from the station to immediately dock up again. For those stations you'd be forced to turn around and move back towards the docking ring, which will give enemies or gankers ample time to lock and attack you.

Jump Cloak Timer

The Jump Cloak Timer is displayed in the top-left corner of your screen and you can mouse-over the icon to show the exact time remaining on the timer.

The Jump Cloak Timer is a visible 60 second timer that keeps you cloaked after jumping through a stargate or a wormhole, as long as you take no actions after jumping through. Remember that jumping through a stargate or a wormhole will also give you the above mentioned Session Change Timer for 10 seconds.

During the minute your Jump Cloak Timer is active, you'll not appear visibly on grid and you will be invulnerable to damage from such effects as bombs, smartbombs and ECM Bursts. During the effect of this timer it's also impossible to be decloaked by someone coming within 2000 meters, or bumped by ships occupying the same spot in space.

While they cannot see your ship, there are many ways to know that someone entered or left the system. A wormhole or a stargate will have both a visual and audible notification that the wormhole was activated and if you're in known-space you will also show up in the member list of the local window as soon as you enter the system.

Here's an example of how you can use this timer to your advantage:

You're jumping through hostile space and encounter a gate camp on the other side of a gate. You can now relax, calm down, run your directional scanner, appraise the composition of the gate camp and consider your options for the full minute of the Jump Cloak Timer. This will allow you to make a calm and tactical decision which will greatly increase the odds of you making it through the camp alive.

Jump Fatigue and Jump Activation Cooldown

Main article: Jump Drives and Cynosural Fields
Icon timer jump fatigue.png
Icon timer jump activation.png

Jump fatigue and jump activation cooldown are two timers that are relevant to ships that use jump drives or jump portals (i.e. via capital ships or blackops battleships). They dictate how long ships must wait between jump drive activations, while also factoring in how often the ship has jumped recently.

Logout timer

Whenever a character logs out while in space, there's a hidden 1 minute timer to removing that character and their ship from the game. The same applies to simply killing the client or crashing (although see the bug mention below). In combination with this timer the ship will try to do an "emergency warp" to a random location (1 million km away) where it will remain until the logout is triggered. The emergency warp will only be attempted once and is subject to normal warp disruption, so if the ship is warp disrupted at the time of the disconnect, the ship will not warp away but will continue to count down towards the potential logoff. Be aware that both the Icon timer non-capsuleer.png Non-Capsuleer and Icon timer capsuleer.png Capsuleer Log-Off Timer mentioned above will prolong this timer, keeping you in space for longer (even indefinitely in the case the capsuleer timer).

Logging out or simply closing the client while docked is instantaneous and there is no delay (assuming the server gets the call from the client that you closed it).

Bug icon red.png Bug: Sometimes when you crash or lag out, the server doesn't get the call from the client that you've disconnected. It can sometimes take a long time for the server to realize you're no longer there, delaying the emergency warp and 1 minute logout timer for several minutes which results in your ship being left out in space for much longer than intended.

Log Off Safely

There is a Log Off Safely-feature with a visible 30 second timer that allows you to monitor your ship as well as using the directional scanner in space while preparing to safely log out of the game. In order to use this feature you'll need to meet the following requirements:

  • Turning on or have any active modules running.
  • Ejecting from the ship.
  • Aggressed by players or NPCs, ie having a Icon timer non-capsuleer.png Non-Capsuleer or a Icon timer capsuleer.png Capsuleer Log-Off Timer.
  • Exploding or having initiated a self-destruct.
  • Moving or initiating a moving command.
  • Launching or ejecting anything from your ship's cargo hold or its bays and hangars.
  • Being fleeted or joining a fleet.
  • Deploying or having drones deployed or being in the process of reconnecting to them.
  • Locking, being locked or having a lock on something.
  • Issuing a warp command or being in warp.
  • Being cloaked, including the Jump Cloak Timer from taking stargates or wormholes.

Doing any of the above mentioned actions will not only stop you from initiating the safe logoff, but also cancel a previously activated safe logoff.

To use the safe logoff you right-clck your HUD's capacitor and select the Log Off Safely option.
If the requirements aren't met, an error message will be displayed to highlight the reason you cannot; in this case because you have active modules still running.
When you initiate a safe logoff in space you'll see this window until you're safely logged off.

Wormhole polarization timer

You can make a maximum of 2 jumps through a specific wormhole in 5 minutes. If you try to jump a third time through the same wormhole inside those 5 minutes, you will receive a message informing you how long you have to wait before you can jump again.  This timer doesn't apply to jumping through different wormholes.

Active Boosters timer

See also: Medical boosters
The icon will also have a number next to it, showing the number of active boosters.

Active boosters and cerebral accelerators will have their remaining duration shown under an Icon timer booster.png active booster timer. The icon can be hovered over to see all active boosters, the time remaining for each, and any bonuses or side effects they impart.

Trade modification timer

When you place or modify a buy or sell order in the market, you will not be allowed to modify that order or delete that order until 5 minutes have elapsed.

Corporation roles & titles timer

While the timer does still exist, members can quit corporation even without waiting 24 hours after dropping roles by right clicking their portrait in chat and choosing quit corporation? and confirm quit corporation.

Character termination timer

If you choose to terminate one of the characters owned by your account, it will enter the recycling queue for a 10 hour waiting period. When the 10 hour timer expires, you can complete the termination of the character and re-use the slot for a new character.

Links

  • Log off mechanic threads here and here on the official Eve Online forum.