Capital Bottlenecks
[p]Capital production is one of New Eden’s most complex economic chains — and with that complexity come pressure points, many of which are tied to solo explorers who supply critical inputs. To support both explorers and industrialists, we’ve revisited exploration site mechanics and increased drop rates, helping solo players earn more ISK while fueling the capital economy. [/p][p][/p][p]A key issue has been the inconsistent availability of Capital Control Items, which are essential for capital ship construction. These components weren’t entering the ecosystem at sufficient volume, especially after major destruction events like dread brawls. These items are mainly sourced through exploration, and the feedback was clear: The sites weren’t consistent enough relative to their rarity and difficulty. Some were too hard, some were too punishing, and in many cases, the risk-to-reward ratio just didn’t justify the trip. [/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/3952729/c9e3ccdfc391dbcf73954609420e02e6ac0df928.png"][/img]Enhanced Neurolink Protection Cell — one of the major bottlenecks relieved Source: Ravworks [/p][p][/p][p]Our aim with this update is to reduce friction — both in acquiring these components and in moving them back to market — without eliminating the challenge entirely. [/p][p][/p]Exploration Sites and Loot Drop Tuning
[p]We’ve taken a fresh pass on Covert Research Sites (Ghost Sites), which have long been one of the more intimidating forms of exploration content. The changes here were surgical: [/p]- [p]Timer ranges tightened: Players should experience more consistency in site behaviour, with a tilt toward more time to complete them [/p][/*]
- [p]Danger-to-reward rebalanced: Ghost sites remain risky, but the payout is now more aligned with the hazard [/p][/*]
- [p]Component volume reduced: Several Capital Control Items (such as Life Support Backup Units and Power Couplings) had their volume reduced, allowing explorers to carry more in frigate-sized hulls [/p][/*]
- [p]Minefields in Aegis Capital Sites have been reduced for smoother navigation [/p][/*]
Industry Tax Relief – SCC Surcharge Cut
[p]In parallel, we made a precision adjustment to industry taxes, specifically targeting the SCC surcharge applied to blueprint research: [/p]- [p]The SCC surcharge is now calculated as 50% of the baseline, which effectively reduces it from 4% to 2% for both Material Efficiency and Time Efficiency research [/p][/*]
