Empire-driven military campaigns, eight new ships and a new non-PVP starter space reshape galactic conflict
REYKJAVÍK, Iceland – May 15, 2026 – Today, Fenris Creations unveiled Cradle of War, the next expansion for the iconic sci-fi MMO EVE Online, launching June 9, 2026. The expansion introduces military campaigns, a new system that structures large-scale empire conflict across New Eden, a new non-PvP starter system where rookie capsuleers can train alongside others to prepare to make their mark on the universe, and eight new spaceships, including Navy Destroyers and command carriers, expanding options across all four Empires.
Set against escalating empire conflict following instability in high-security space, Cradle of War marks the opening chapter of the Theatres of War saga – a three-expansion arc focused on evolving player-driven warfare at scale.
(YouTube) – EVE Online: Cradle of War Trailer: https://youtu.be/-FA5Lc-9yBg
“Conflict in EVE has always been driven by players, but now its impact drives the next level of warfare,” said Bergur Finnbogason, Creative Director for EVE Online. “Military campaigns connect player actions into persistent, multi-front wars. Players still decide how conflict unfolds, but now those decisions shape the future of the empires.”
“Cradle of War makes large-scale conflict more accessible without reducing its depth,” said Snorri Árnason, Executive Producer for EVE Online. “Players can step into the war effort earlier and have their impact meaningfully – whether through combat, logistics, industry, or intelligence.”
Military campaigns introduce structured objectives and progression to empire conflict, connecting player activity into coordinated conflicts across multiple locations. Combat pilots, industrialists, haulers, explorers, and coordinators will all be able to contribute to the war effort.
To support this, eight new ships expand options from early frontline combat to endgame fleet coordination. New Navy Destroyers are built for factional warfare: fast to skill into and effective in coordinated fleets. New Tech II carriers introduce advanced support roles, amplifying allied effectiveness through command bursts, support fighters, and battlefield control.
Titles and Achievements introduce a new layer of progression tied to player identity. Achievements track activity across the full breadth of New Eden, providing direction for new players while recognizing long-term accomplishment. Completing Achievements unlocks Titles that visibly define a player’s reputation, while Campaign goals also reward Titles that help mark a player’s role in New Eden’s evolving conflicts. These Titles appear across interactions, from chat to contracts, showing experience, focus, and playstyle at a glance, as players build their identity and legacy over time.
Cradle of War also introduces a new non-PvP starter space designed to give rookie capsuleers a stronger path into New Eden. Built around focused training, gradual complexity, and a community of fellow new pilots, the starter system gives players room to earn their stripes before venturing into the wider security regions of space. From day one, rookies begin learning how to make an impact across New Eden, preparing them for military campaigns, fleet operations, and the larger conflicts that define EVE Online.
New Epic Arc missions are also available: playable, hyper-real simulations of defining battles from New Eden’s past. Across four pivotal moments, one for each Empire, rookie capsuleers step into history to understand each faction’s identity, enemies, and ideals, from the Caldari Prime Breakout and Battle of Pator to the Liberation of Intaki. At Golgothan Fields, many players will fight alongside a capital ship for the first time, experiencing a story even long-time capsuleers may have heard of but never lived.
EVE Online: Cradle of War key features include:
- Military Campaigns: Structured, multi-location conflict systems with defined objectives and progression. Players contribute across fleets, logistics, and territorial control, with permanent outcomes driven by participation at scale.
- New Ships: Eight new ships expand battlefield options, including four new Tech II Command Carriers that anchor fleet operations, providing unmatched boosts and utility while influencing the outcome of critical battles.
- New Starter System: A new non-PvP starter region where rookie capsuleers can learn the ropes, train alongside other new pilots, and begin making an impact on New Eden from day one before venturing into the wider security regions of space.
- New Epic Arc Missions: Play defining battles from New Eden’s past. Rookie capsuleers step into four pivotal moments, one for each Empire, to understand what each faction stands for, who they fight for, and where their own allegiance may lie.
- Campaign Progression: Campaigns advance through player-driven activity across multiple fronts, with objectives completed through coordinated action and sustained presence in contested space.
- Titles and Achievements: A new system that tracks player activity across New Eden, unlocking Titles that represent reputation, playstyle, and accomplishment. Titles are visible across interactions, allowing players to showcase their identity and progression.
In the weeks following the expansion launch, Fenris Creations will share further updates on Theatres of War, the three expansion arc focused on evolving large-scale conflict across New Eden.
For the latest happenings in and outside New Eden, visit EVE News. Assets for EVE Online are available in the press kit here. Play EVE Online free at eveonline.com — also on Steam and Epic Games Store.
About EVE Online®
EVE Online (PC/Mac) is a compelling, community-driven sci-fi MMO game where players can build and pilot a wide variety of spaceships, traverse vast solar systems for free, and choose their own path from countless options, experiencing space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry, and a sophisticated player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox. EVE is a captivating game in which hundreds of thousands of players compete for riches, power, glory, and adventure, forging their own destinies in a single thriving universe.
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About Fenris Creations
Fenris Creations is an independent video game developer headquartered in Reykjavík, Iceland, with studios in London and Shanghai. Founded in 1997 on the principle of pushing the envelope and breaking new ground on all levels, the company is on a mission to create virtual worlds more meaningful than real life. With the launch of EVE Online in May 2003, Fenris Creations established itself as a pioneer of massively multiplayer online games, earning critical acclaim worldwide for its single-shard universe, player-driven economy, and emergent gameplay. Fenris Creations continues to build deep, persistent virtual worlds designed to evolve over decades in close partnership with their communities.
Media Contact
Journalists seeking information about Fenris Creations or its products, or looking to arrange interviews or request further assets, should contact pr@fenriscreations.com.
Kaila Fuller