EVE Online Alliance Tournament XXII Rules Notes (23rd July 2026)
CCP has rolled out 0.72 for EVE Vanguard with quality-of-life improvements and combat tuning as Operation Avalon enters its final stretch.
EVE Vanguard's 0.72 patch lands as Operation Avalon counts down to its close on 20 July, and CCP has loaded it with tweaks designed to smooth the extraction shooter's rougher edges.
The standout change is straightforward: all squads now get a free reclone per deployment by default. That removes friction from squad composition experimentation and takes the sting out of a failed run. You'll also deploy with militia-grade variants of the Keshik, Praetorian, and Flayer at no cost, lowering the barrier to trying different loadouts without burning currency.
Beyond loadouts, CCP has retuned NPC behaviour across the board, improving their combat responses, reaction times, and movement patterns. The studio has also added more in-game tutorials and tips focused on extraction and expeditions, addressing a pain point for newer players trying to understand how to survive and escape. These aren't flashy changes, but they're the kind that make a playtest feel less punishing and more approachable. Read the full 0.72 patch notes for the complete breakdown of combat adjustments and tutorial additions.
Full Patch Notes
▲ Buff◆ TweakDenizens of New Eden,
Operation Avalon closes at downtime on 20 July. This is your final chance to fight across both fronts of the war, with the 0.72 patch for EVE Vanguard bringing a host of improvements to the player experience:
- All squads now receive a reclone in each deployment by default.
- You will now deploy with free milita-grade variants of the Keshik, Praetorian and Flayer.
- NPCs have been retuned to improve combat, reaction times, and movement.
- More tips and in-game tutorials have been added to assist you with extraction and expeditions.
And much more. Read the full patch notes for all the details.
Operation Avalon in EVE Vanguard
Now is the time to deploy into the Lost Convoy battlefield, master rebuilt gunplay and advanced weaponry, and risk everything in the redesigned extraction experience.
Return alive, or lose everything. Event ends 20 July!
Operation Avalon in EVE Online
In EVE Online, hunt AEGIS squalls carrying intel across New Eden. Destroy them for immediate rewards, or track them to hidden locations where greater riches and greater dangers wait.
Impact the Future of the Vanguard
If you’ve been a part of this first Alpha playtest, remember to fill out the survey to influence the future of EVE Vanguard.
Sources
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Written by
Nathan LeesGaming journalist and founder of XP Gained. Covering patch notes, breaking news, and updates across 160+ games.
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