The Case for Linking Positive Factional Warfare Standings and Ranks to LP Payouts in EVE Online
EVE Online’s Factional Warfare (FW) system has long been a battleground for capsuleers seeking wealth, status, and strategic dominance. However, a persistent issue within FW is the problem of awoxing—where friendly pilots betray their own militia for personal gain. While current mechanics cause pilots to lose standings when they kill their allies, there is no strong deterrent preventing them from doing so. Additionally, FW ranks—earned through participation in the war effort—offer little beyond prestige and NPC mission accessibility. But what if standings and ranks played a more critical role in shaping the rewards and stability of FW?
Preventing Awoxing Through Standing Incentives
One of the most effective ways to discourage awoxing would be to tie high positive FW standings to increased Loyalty Point (LP) payouts. Right now, while standings influence access to faction missions, they do not impact standard FW activities like capturing plexes (complexes that contribute to warzone control). By linking positive standings to LP boosts, pilots would have a direct financial incentive to maintain good standing rather than sabotage their own militia.
For example, a pilot with high faction standings and rank could receive a 10-20% LP bonus when completing FW objectives. This would make friendly fire and betrayal far less appealing, as the long-term loss of income would outweigh any short-term gain from awoxing.
Boosting Plexing Engagement
Currently, pilots engage in FW plexing primarily to generate LP and contribute to system control. However, tying higher LP rewards to faction standings and ranks would encourage more meaningful participation. Newer players would have a reason to build and maintain their standings over time, fostering a more dedicated player base within FW.
Higher ranks could also provide tiered bonuses to LP payouts, rewarding veteran FW players who have consistently contributed to their faction’s success. This system would encourage long-term commitment rather than short-lived farming efforts, reinforcing a sense of loyalty within each militia.
A More Meaningful Progression System
By integrating positive faction standings and ranks with tangible rewards, EVE Online could revitalize FW participation. Players would have an incentive not just to fight for their militia but to do so honorably, avoiding friendly fire and reinforcing faction loyalty. It would also create a more structured and rewarding progression path, where increasing one’s standing translates directly into greater profitability.
Final Thoughts
Factional Warfare is a dynamic and ever-evolving aspect of EVE Online, but it suffers from mechanics that do not fully incentivize honorable participation. By linking positive FW standings and ranks with increased LP payouts, CCP could create a more rewarding and self-sustaining system. This would not only discourage awoxing but also boost plexing participation, ultimately leading to a healthier and more immersive FW experience for all players involved.