Capital ship ratting in EVE Online refers to using capital ships, particularly carriers and dreadnoughts, to farm NPC pirates (rats) for bounties in null-sec or certain low-sec regions. This activity can be highly profitable, offering significant ISK per hour compared to subcapital ratting. However, it requires considerable investment in skills, ships, and knowledge of game mechanics. Here’s a guide to get started with capital ship ratting effectively and safely:

Choosing the Right Ship and Fit

• Carriers: Carriers are the preferred choice for many players due to their ability to deploy fighter squadrons that can be micro-managed to attack rats at range. The Thanatos and Nidhoggur, due to their bonuses to fighter damage and hitpoints, are particularly effective.
• Dreadnoughts: Dreadnoughts, such as the Phoenix or Revelation, can also be used for ratting, especially against high-value targets like NPC Sotiyos or for blitzing certain anomaly sites. However, they’re generally less flexible and more situational than carriers.

Skills

• Maximizing your capital ship’s effectiveness requires a significant skill investment. For carriers, focus on:
  • Fighter skills: Improve your fighter squadron’s performance.
  • Carrier skills: Enhance your ship’s capabilities directly.
  • Navigation and tanking skills: Essential for maneuverability and survivability.

Finding the Right Location

• Sovereignty and Upgrades: Ratting in null-sec space controlled by your alliance or corporation, where military upgrades have been installed in the Infrastructure Hub, provides access to higher-tier anomaly sites that spawn more lucrative rats.
• Intel Channels and Local: Utilize intel channels to stay aware of potential threats, and always keep an eye on the local chat for unfamiliar players who might pose a risk.

Ratting Tactics

• Anomaly Selection: Focus on combat anomalies like Havens or Sanctums for the best ISK/hour ratio. Use your ship’s scanners to identify these sites.
• Micro-managing Fighters: Effective use of fighter squadrons is key to maximizing your damage output and efficiency. Learn to manage aggro, pull fighters back when targeted, and switch targets as needed.
• Awareness and Response: Always be prepared to warp out at the first sign of danger. Having a safe spot or the ability to quickly dock up in a nearby structure can save your capital ship from being caught by hostile players.

Safety Measures

• Cynosural Field Generator: Having a fitted «cyno» allows you to call in reinforcements from your allies in case of an attack. Ensure you have a plan and available support before activating it.
• Intel and Scouts: Use alt characters or collaborate with corp mates to scout surrounding systems and keep an eye on potential incoming threats.
• Standing Fleet: If available, join your alliance or corporation’s standing fleet while ratting for additional security and rapid response capability.

Advanced Tips

• Site Optimization: Learn the spawn patterns and behaviors of NPCs in anomaly sites to optimize your fighter management and reduce site completion time.
• ISK Management: The significant income from capital ratting should be balanced with ISK-saving practices, such as using appropriate fits and being mindful of repair costs.
• Escalations: Certain anomalies can escalate to DED-rated sites or lead to valuable drops. Keep track of these opportunities for additional income.

Capital ship ratting in EVE Online offers high rewards but comes with its risks, particularly from PvP encounters. Proper preparation, awareness, and connection with your community are crucial to making the most out of your ratting sessions while minimizing the risks involved.