EVE's Next Expansion Lands Tomorrow — and Its Shooter Goes Always-On

Fractured Skies lands November 10

Fractured Skies launches November 10, 2026 — the second of three Theaters of War expansions, following Cradle of War in June 2026. The update adds four new Military Campaigns, one per empire, and four new Attack Battlecruisers: the Naga Navy Issue, Oracle Navy Issue, Talos Navy Issue and Tornado Fleet Issue, earned through Factional Warfare loyalty points. The first seasonal Conquest follows in February 2027. EVE Online posted the Fractured Skies patch notes on November 9.

Vanguard goes always-on

The same day, EVE Vanguard opens its paid 24/7 alpha on November 10 at 11:00 UTC (6:00 a.m. EST), available through the EVE Launcher only. Access comes through a Founder’s Pack, starting at $15 for the Resonant Pack, which gives permanent access through full release. The alpha adds three new maps — High Castle, Vorago and The Vault — plus deeper weapon progression, including the Gallente BR-60 Battle Rifle. Steam Early Access (beta) is planned for Q3 2027.

A free event runs alongside the expansion

The expansion does not arrive alone. “The Fall of the Empire,” a free-to-play event, runs November 10–24 with no subscription needed: daily launch rewards including up to 800,000 Skill Points, and 7 days of free Omega claimable until November 20 (once per account, up to three accounts per email). It is the on-ramp for anyone who has not played EVE in a while — the expansion, the event and the Vanguard alpha all land in the same two weeks.

Two dates for Vanguard players to note: controller support is coming in December 2026, and Factional Warfare enlistment for Warclones is planned for Q2 2027. The Vanguard alpha itself runs through the EVE Launcher only — not Steam or Epic.

The first permanent link between the two games

This is the first permanent gameplay connection between EVE Online and EVE Vanguard. Jobs completed in Vanguard increase combat, mining and exploration site spawns in EVE Online, and from February, Vanguard expeditions feed Conquest Power — so ground fighting in Vanguard will directly shape the space war in the expansion’s campaigns.

What it means for buyers

The expansion itself is part of EVE Online — nothing extra to buy there. Vanguard’s alpha is different: it is paid Founder access, from $15, and it is separate from an EVE Online Omega subscription, so Omega time does not include it. If you are buying in, make sure the listing names the Founder access itself, not an Omega subscription. See the EVE Online page and the EVE Vanguard page for the verified sellers listed there.

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