In a massive director’s letter to Capsuleers, EVE Online just revealed its plans for 2026, and many things are coming to New Eden, including expansions, updates, and EVE Vanguard information later in the year.
EVE Online had a massive year in 2025. It was a year of developers strengthening EVE’s core experiences, and Capsuleers could finally embody their inner spelunker through the improvements to the mining industry in Catalyst. With the Legion update, developers expanded the job system by connecting job seekers and job creators across all New Eden with ‘Freelance Jobs’ and the introduction of ACLs (access lists). Today, EVE Online is ready to go beyond 2025, with a director’s letter (and video) showing the major developments for 2026 and beyond.
EVE Online Director’s Letter: All Major Announcements!
- To make EVE Online more approachable for new players, especially those who start without a built-in group to play with. So, EVE Online is making it easier to onboard as a new player. Introducing Military Campaigns, which are the foundation of that solo start-up experience. This is a new way for pilots to take on contracts from rival Empires and immediately become part of something larger than themselves. EVE Vanguard will play a direct role in upcoming Military Campaigns, strengthening the bridge between ground combat and the wider conflicts shaping New Eden in space.
- Fans will also have the chance to jump into a new crossover EVE Online and Vanguard World Event, while continuing to explore the mysteries of Avalon, the culture of Warclones, and combined-arms gameplay. EVE Vanguard’s Steam Early Access release has been delayed from Summer 2026 — giving developers more time needed to deliver a stronger, more fully realized experience for players. More news regarding Vanguard will be revealed at Fanfest.
- Two new expansions are coming in 2026 (but not limited to two), beginning with Evolved in February, and an unnamed expansion set to land in Q4 2026. On top of that, EVE Online is committed to strengthening the Catalyst experience, dropping a major update in Q1. Capsuleers have already witnessed a large Catalyst-based update, with Freelance and ACLs arriving in December 2025 after Catalyst launched in November 2025.
EVE Online Fanfest 2026 has also been detailed. While the Director’s Letter gives a boatload of news for New Eden Capsuleers, Fanfest 2026 is set to reveal even more and expand on how EVE Vanguard will play alongside EVE Online. EVE Fanfest 2026 will take place between May 14 and May 16. Tickets are reported to have low stock and usually sell out, so fans on the fence can snag them here.
