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EVE Online Equinox Guide: Skyhook Defense Strategies

Defend your passive income in Nullsec. A guide to the new Skyhook mechanics in the Equinox expansion and how to use Lancer Dreadnoughts effectively.

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Eve Online: Equinox Expansion - Skyhook Defense Strategy

The Equinox Expansion has revolutionized Nullsec resource gathering with the introduction of Orbital Skyhooks. These massive structures autonomously harvest moon goo and planetary resources, removing the need for active mining fleets on lower-tier moons. However, they are juicy targets for roaming gangs.

Understanding Skyhook Vulnerability

Unlike Citadels, Skyhooks have a unique vulnerability profile designed to encourage conflict.

  • Autonomy: They harvest resources automatically over time into a “Siphon Bay”.
  • The Heist: Attackers can link to the Skyhook and steal the contents of the Siphon Bay without destroying the structure.
  • Reinforcement: If the structure itself is attacked, it enters a vulnerability window.
  • Window: The Skyhook is vulnerable for only 4 hours per week, which the owner can set.

Defense Doctrine: The Lancer Dreadnought

The absolute meta for Skyhook defense right now involves the strategic use of Lancer Dreadnoughts (specifically the Bane or Karura).

Attackers usually come in fast, kitey cruisers or covert ops fleets to steal from the Siphon Bay quickly. Standard capital ships struggle to track them.

Why Lancer Dreads?

  1. Area Denial: The Lancer’s disruptive lance weapon creates a massive zone of denial.
  2. Warp Inhibition: The lance prevents warping. If you catch the raiding fleet on the Skyhook grid with a lance, they are trapped.
  3. Support: Once the enemy fleet is pinned by the lance, your sub-capital support fleet (HACs or even Destroyers) can warp in and wipe them out.

Setting Up Your Defense

  1. Tether Range: Position a Fortizar or Athanor on the same grid if possible, or create a bookmark at tactical range (200km+).
  2. Intel: Skyhooks alert the alliance when a siphon attempt begins. You have about 5-10 minutes before the bay is emptied.
  3. The Trap: Warp the Lancer Dreadnought to the tactical bookmark. Align to the Skyhook. Wait for the enemy to commit to the link. Fire the Lance to cut off their escape route, then drop the hammer.

Warning: Do not leave Skyhooks undefended. The sheer value of passive moon goo means that “Skyhook Raiding” is becoming a primary income source for low-sec pirate groups.