EVE Online: Legion Expansion Launches May 27; EVE Vanguard Public Test Set for September 16 Ahead of 2026 Early Access Release

At this year’s EVE Fanfest in Reykjavík, developer CCP Games unveiled the next chapter in its long-running space MMO with EVE Online: Legion, a major expansion scheduled for release on May 27, 2025. The announcement also included updates for EVE Vanguard, CCP’s upcoming FPS spin-off, which will receive a public test in September 2025, ahead of its Steam Early Access launch in Summer 2026.

Legion: Freelance Jobs Bring Player-Driven Career Paths to New Eden

The Legion expansion introduces a transformative Freelance Jobs system, allowing players — both new and veteran — to contribute to EVE's colossal wars without the requirement of permanent corporation affiliation. From courier runs and industrial endeavors to frontline PvP battles, capsuleers can now pick up player-created contracts that serve as a bridge into the deeper mechanics of EVE’s player-led economy and conflict.

“With Legion, we’re opening a direct path to joining the fight in gaming’s largest war: the record-breaking space-spanning conflicts that can only be found in EVE Online,” said Bergur Finnbogason, Creative Director at CCP.

New players entering New Eden through Freelance Jobs can immediately start contributing to player organizations while earning ISK, building reputation, and even participating in massive fleet operations. These jobs are more than tasks — they’re stepping stones into the social and strategic fabric of EVE.

Two New Warships to Shift Battlefield Dynamics

Legion also introduces two new capital-class warships, adding fresh tactical depth to ongoing nullsec conflicts. These ships promise to “break open the frontlines”, offering corporations and alliances new tools to reshape territorial control across the galaxy.

“With Freelance Jobs and fresh blood entering the battlefield, the power to expand your influence and define your legacy has never been greater,” added Snorri Árnason, Game Director of EVE Online.

EVE Vanguard: Final Test in September, Early Access in 2026

Alongside Legion, CCP also confirmed that EVE Vanguard, the FPS module built in Unreal Engine 5, will enter public testing during the Nemesis event on September 16, 2025. This will mark the final opportunity for players to experience the game before it heads into Steam Early Access in Summer 2026.

As a persistent, planetary-scale shooter, EVE Vanguard integrates directly with the economy and politics of EVE Online. In this shared universe, player actions in Vanguard may influence events in New Eden — a bold evolution for the EVE metaverse.

Duck-IT’s Kai Tatsumoto is reporting live from the showfloor in Reykjavík, with more event coverage and interviews coming soon. Stay tuned for deeper insights into the Legion expansion, Vanguard development roadmap, and exclusive comments from CCP developers.

Are you excited to try Freelance Jobs in EVE Online or test out Vanguard before it hits Early Access? What do you think about the new direction CCP is taking with New Eden? Share your thoughts with us below!