EVE Frontier has officially moved into Cycle 2: Ash and Resolve, marking a fresh new chapter for CCP's space survival MMO. Launched on August 20, this second seasonal update is only available to Founder Access holders. 

A New Cycle Begins

Cycle 2 resets everything. All Founders now start from the same point, with no carryover from before. It's a fresh start where you can rebuild, grow fast, and climb your way back up. The update focuses on making the game more stable and reliable, with a range of fixes under the hood. On top of that, there are improvements that make daily play feel smoother and more enjoyable

These improvements lay the foundation for a wave of new content. Throughout the cycle, fresh missions and live in-game events will be added through the Mission Hub. This new content dives deeper into the lore, slowly uncovering the past of the Frontier and hinting at what lies ahead.

New Missions, Expanding Frontier

Cycle 2 continues what began in Cycle 1. New weekly missions will steadily expand the world, encouraging players to unite and explore faster than before. These missions come with choices that carry weight, shaping the state of the universe long after the cycle ends. Each mission brings the chance to rebuild lost hope or uncover buried secrets from the past.

Founders can also expect new event NPCs and shifted shipyard locations, as well as updates to known wreckage sites like Shipyard Ruins and Accelerator Facility. The world is changing, and players will need to adapt.

Key Gameplay Changes and Additions

This cycle introduces a redesigned version of the Small Gate assembly. These gates are smaller and more affordable than traditional stargates, but come with a shorter jump range of 55 light-years. They can only connect to other Small Gates owned by the same player. Once linked, the connection is now bidirectional, meaning Gate A connects to Gate B and vice versa.

Another new feature is the Broadcast Terminal. Found in the notification feed, this device shares ongoing news and event updates with Riders. It's a small but useful way to keep players informed while staying in the game.

Primal Tribe totems are also now available for Riders who purchased specific Primal Tribe packs. These can be built from the MISC section in Build Mode.

Earning Grace and EVE Points

With the leaderboard wiped clean, all Riders now have the same shot at climbing to the top. Grace, the temporary in-game currency, is earned by playing, completing missions, recruiting new players, or simply being active in the community. All Grace from Cycle 1 has been reset, so everyone begins Cycle 2 on equal ground.

But those who earned Grace during the first cycle haven't been forgotten. Founders will soon be able to claim EVE Points based on their Cycle 1 performance. These permanent points will be distributed in September, once the final totals are confirmed. CCP will share more about how to claim them later in the cycle.

Define Your Legacy

Ash and Resolve is more than just a new build. It's a challenge to players: rise again from the ruins of the last cycle, endure the trials ahead, and leave a lasting mark. EVE Frontier's seasonal cycle system resets short-term progress while letting long-term effort pay off. EVE Points, unlike Grace, carry through the resets and show your legacy over time.

Each decision made during the cycle could shape the game world for future players. It's a system that rewards commitment, pushing players to contribute to a shared evolving universe.

Patch Notes: Bug Fixes and Known Issues

Beyond the new features, a long list of bug fixes has also been included in this update. These include visual and interface improvements, smarter item stacking, persistent color changes in chat, and fixes to system view and mining mechanics. Over-encumbered ships can no longer jump, and turrets now retain ammo after server downtime.

Still, a few known issues remain. Most notably, loot in the Accelerator Facility won't refresh except after downtime. Players are encouraged to report other issues via Discord or the support system.

What Is EVE Frontier?

For those new to the name, EVE Frontier is a blockchain space survival MMO from CCP Games. It combines sandbox gameplay with survival mechanics in a galaxy shaped by player actions. Every gate, base, and structure can be built by players. The game is set in a fragmented world, where players must mine fuel, fight off drones, and survive alone or in Tribes.

Its third-person spaceship gameplay focuses heavily on tactics and awareness. Players control custom ships from a cloned Rider's body, allowing deep control over their ship's systems. Whether gathering crude matter for fuel, building sprawling settlements, or taking part in PvP battles, the focus is always on surviving and expanding.

Smart Assemblies and Modding

EVE Frontier also lets players mod objects inside the game. These "Smart Assemblies" are built and configured by players, with no coding needed to use mods. Players can reprogram items like storage units or turrets, changing how they function or behave in different situations. This feature is powered by Solidity and is designed to be open, flexible, and player-driven.

The long-term goal is to make the game fully moddable and eventually open-source. CCP is building tools to let players shape the entire world in real-time, as part of a persistent universe where every action counts.

Blockchain and Economy

Blockchain is used behind the scenes in EVE Frontier. The game will have two main currencies: LUX, which is used for in-game trading, and $EVE, an onchain utility token. While $EVE hasn't launched yet, it's designed to let players own their in-game assets beyond the Frontier itself.

Both currencies support an open player economy, but using blockchain features is optional. Players can enjoy everything the title offers with just in-game tools and systems.

Free Trials and Access

While Cycle 2 is only available to those with Founder Access, CCP has opened the game to the public before. Last month, a free trial was held in the 1st week of July. This gave players a full 10-day experience of base building, Grace earning, and survival challenges. It also let new users test out the mission system and explore the universe without any cost.

These free sessions are not always active, but they show CCP's intent to open up the world of EVE Frontier to a larger audience. For now, though, Cycle 2 remains exclusive to Founder Access holders.

Founder Access: Early Entry with Perks

Founder Access gives players early, 24/7 access to EVE Frontier as it continues development. The packs start at $39.99 and include extra benefits like name reservation, ship cosmetics, and premium subscription time for when the game fully launches.

Since the NDA was lifted in June, Founders are now free to share their experiences, stream gameplay, and build communities around their progress.

Looking Ahead

As Cycle 2 continues, EVE Frontier will see new missions each week, with updates gradually revealing the deeper mysteries of the world. It's a cycle built on action, teamwork, and the power to shape a universe one decision at a time. To learn more, visit the official blog for the latest updates.