EVE Vanguard Playtest Feedback
Theme & Identity
Right now, Vanguard doesn’t feel connected to the EVE universe in any meaningful way. What is Avalon supposed to be? It comes across like a new, random faction created just for Vanguard instead of building on the rich factions that already exist. Why am I not dropping in as a Gallente Black Ops commando, a Guristas raider hitting Caldari space, or even a mercenary company if you don’t want players tied to empires?
There’s very little in the visuals — weapons, suits, environments — that communicates “this belongs in EVE.” Faction identity should be instantly recognizable. Materializing 20 feet in the air also feels odd; drop pods similar to Breacher pods would fit the universe better and add immersion.
Long‑term, Vanguard could benefit from leaning into EVE’s strengths: station‑based or ship‑based maps would be incredibly unique in the extraction genre and open up far more interesting map design options.
Gameplay
Gunplay currently feels floaty and not very responsive. Coming off Marathon (for all the criticism it gets), Bungie’s gunplay is still the gold standard — and Vanguard doesn’t hit that level of tightness or feedback.
Looting is clunky and unintuitive. The map itself is fine, but POIs aren’t easily recognizable and the sightlines between them feel too large. Extraction warnings also need to be much more urgent and obvious; Marathon nails that “get out NOW” feeling, and Vanguard should aim for something similar.
Movement
Modern FPS titles — especially futuristic ones — need movement options. Vanguard feels stiff without them. Introducing power armor or suits (think Battletech Elementals) could solve multiple problems at once:
- Preserve character identity
- Add varied movement options
- Enable customization similar to EVE ship fitting
This would give players meaningful choices and reinforce the sci‑fi identity.
UI
EVE’s UI is famously clean and functional. Vanguard’s UI feels old, unintuitive, and disconnected from the visual language CCP already established. Honestly, this part needs a full rethink.
Social Systems
Corporations and communities are a massive part of the EVE experience. Vanguard needs in‑game social structures — companies, corps, squads — to capture that same sense of belonging and long‑term identity. I assume this is planned, but it’s essential.
Final Thoughts
I don’t usually give feedback, but I genuinely want Vanguard to succeed — and right now, it kinda sucks. There’s potential here, but it needs stronger identity, better gunplay, clearer UI, and more movement options to stand out in a crowded genre.
