Incursions in EVE Online represent high-level PvE (Player vs. Environment) content where players team up to combat the Sansha’s Nation invasion across various star systems. These events are lucrative, providing substantial rewards in the form of ISK (the game’s currency), loyalty points, and valuable items, while also offering a challenging cooperative gameplay experience. Successfully running incursions requires coordination, the right ship fittings, and a solid understanding of incursion mechanics. Here’s a guide to getting started with incursion running:

Understanding Incursions:

• Incursions are temporary events where Sansha’s Nation NPCs invade space, creating several combat sites in a constellation. These sites range from Scout sites (easiest) to Headquarters sites (most difficult).
• The presence of an incursion affects all systems in the constellation, reducing shield, turret, and missile effectiveness, making it harder for players to operate as usual in these systems.

Joining an Incursion Community:

• Due to the complexity and difficulty of incursions, joining a dedicated community or fleet is highly recommended. Communities like «The Valhalla Project,» «Warp To Me Incursions,» and others welcome new incursion runners and often provide fitting advice, fleet invitations, and operational guidance.
• These communities use external communication tools like Discord for organization and coordination.

Preparing Your Ship:

• Fleet Roles: Incursion fleets typically consist of DPS (damage dealing), logistics (healing), and sometimes specialized roles like scouts or webbers. Choose a role that fits your skills and interests.
• Ship Fittings: Each community has recommended or required fittings to ensure the fleet’s effectiveness and survival. These fittings are tailored to maximize damage output, resistances, or healing capabilities, depending on the role.
• Investment: Participating in incursions requires a significant upfront investment in a properly fitted ship. This can range from hundreds of millions to over a billion ISK, depending on the role and ship type. However, the high rewards from incursions can quickly offset this initial cost.

Running Incursions:

• Fleet Operations: Incursion fleets operate under the direction of an FC (fleet commander). It’s crucial to follow the FC’s instructions for targeting, movement, and other tactics.
• Site Mechanics: Each type of incursion site has specific mechanics, including triggers (which spawn additional waves of NPCs), priority targets that need to be taken down quickly, and environmental hazards.
• Safety: Always be aware of the potential for PvP engagements, especially in low-sec space incursions. Some players prey on incursion runners, so traveling to and from incursion sites in expensive ships carries risk.

Rewards:

• Direct Payouts: Players receive ISK directly deposited into their wallets upon the completion of each site, divided among fleet members.
• Loyalty Points (LP): In addition to ISK, players earn loyalty points for the empire faction navy whose space the incursion is in. These can be exchanged for items like faction ships, modules, or sold on the market for ISK.
• Salvage and Loot: Incursion NPCs can drop valuable salvage materials and items. However, looting and salvaging during fleet operations is usually discouraged unless specified by the FC.

Tips for Success:

• Start in High-Sec: High-security space incursions are the safest option to begin with, as they eliminate the risk of PvP encounters inherent to low-sec and null-sec.
• Communication: Clear communication is key. Listen closely to the FC and communicate any issues (e.g., if you’re being targeted excessively or if your ship is in danger).
• Learn and Improve: Each run is an opportunity to learn more about incursion mechanics, fleet operations, and effective ship handling. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from more experienced players.

Incursion running in EVE Online offers a challenging but rewarding activity for players seeking cooperative PvE content. With the right preparation, a supportive community, and a willingness to learn, incursions can become a significant and enjoyable source of income and gameplay satisfaction.