# What is your favourite LVL4 mission running ship? **URL:** \ **Category:** Missions\ **Tags:** pve\ **Created:** [May 9, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318 "2026-05-09T23:13:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Syzygium](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/syzygium/32/510263_2.png) [@Syzygium](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Syzygium)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2026, 2:01pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/21 "2026-05-11T14:01:13Z")
> [@Arthur\_Aihaken](#): > > 0-15%+ EHP with the 40% resists (passive tank offers more ganking protection). using one also make a gank more profitable 🙂 > [@Arthur\_Aihaken](#): > > For the Golem - the Caldari Navy Bastion module is the ticket. +10% missile ROF and the -10% range can be mitigated with a T1 hydraulic rig (I like running a T1 hydraulic/T2 calefaction). The -10% resist reduction can be offset with simply fitting a DC. Thats a pretty bad trade. An efficient Golem will be a Torp-Golem, so you can’t fit a T1 hydraulic rig, because your fit will already have a T2 Hydaulic + T2 Rocket Fuel Rig to get maximum Torpedo range. Also if you are considering the risk of being ganked, your fit will _already_ have a Damage Control (+3 Ballistics). Or you don’t, then you will have 4 Ballistics and switching one out for a Damage Control doesn’t make much sense. In any way, I would not recommend to use those Faction Bastion Modules in Highsec. They are not needed to solve _any_ problem, they _will_ make you a more attractive target for gankers and the T1 variant simply stays the most balanced of them all. ---
**Author:** ![Arthur\_Aihaken](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/arthur_aihaken/32/504104_2.png) [@Arthur\_Aihaken](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Arthur_Aihaken)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2026, 2:07pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/22 "2026-05-11T14:07:21Z")
If you’re running a torpedo Golem - sure, it’s probably a step back (cruise Golem is an entirely different beast). There are all sorts of ways to mitigate or even eliminate the likelihood of ganks - but I’m not going to go into specifics here (those who’ve run high-sec L4s for any length of time know how to fit accordingly). You can always sport the Republic Fleet Bastion module on a Golem and get the 40% resists for minimal shield penalties. But those are all valid points. o7 ---
**Author:** ![Syzygium](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/syzygium/32/510263_2.png) [@Syzygium](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Syzygium)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2026, 2:11pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/23 "2026-05-11T14:11:51Z")
> [@Arthur\_Aihaken](#): > > (cruise Golem is an entirely different beast) Cruise Golem is maximum convenience, but so waaaay behind a Torp Golem in efficency, I wouldn’t even remotely consider to fit a 1B faction bastion module on it to get “more RoF” (to be more efficient). 10% more efficiency on a fit that is only 70% efficient still is only 77%. So, if efficiency is any goal in my Fit, yes, it’s going to be a Torp-Golem anyway. On which you wouldn’t want -10% range penalty. ---
**Author:** ![Arthur\_Aihaken](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/arthur_aihaken/32/504104_2.png) [@Arthur\_Aihaken](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Arthur_Aihaken)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2026, 2:14pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/24 "2026-05-11T14:14:23Z")
> [@Syzygium](#): > > Cruise Golem is maximum convenience, but so waaaay behind a Torp Golem in efficency As a primary L4 runner, quite possibly (it can depend on the mission). That’s why I run a Kronos as my main and cruise Golems for alts. You can potentially make an obscene amount of ISK with Marauders… so everything has to be looked at from a certain perspective. What else am I going to do with all these Warpath Intel points? For passive tank - Republic Fleet Bastion is definitely the way to go (or you can let the rest of us play with the cool new toys). 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![DeMichael\_Crimson](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/demichael_crimson/32/514115_2.png) [@DeMichael\_Crimson](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/DeMichael_Crimson)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/25 "2026-05-11T15:47:26Z")
> [@Christine\_Creed](#): > > TC3 Tengu. > > I have no idea what drew me in about this strategic cruiser but its been fun through the years. Its a choice i dont regret. > > It pretty much has to speed tank with an active tank…something that must be closely monitored in some level 4 missions…you know, nuets and statis’s can be your end. I agree… Except I use a T3 Loki Cruiser, mainly for Level 4 Epic Arcs and exploration.. I also use an active tank which helps to keep the sig radius low… I’ve also noticed T3 Cruisers have much more agility and speed compared to most other med to large hulls… Best thing I like about them is they can easily take out small hull’s and still have plenty of DPS for large hull’s… The only downside is like you said, newts and stasis… So other than ship fitting and skills, piloting tactics definitely plays a major role in using a T3 Cruiser for level 4 missions… ---
**Author:** ![Lucy\_Alfrir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/lucy_alfrir/32/382506_2.png) [@Lucy\_Alfrir](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Lucy_Alfrir)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 11:49am UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/26 "2026-05-14T11:49:40Z")
I used to like running them in a Machariel, mostly because they’re quick with an AB But now probably a polarised Paladin, maybe a polarised Vargur in Angel territory. ---
**Author:** ![Syzygium](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/syzygium/32/510263_2.png) [@Syzygium](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Syzygium)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 12:28pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/27 "2026-05-14T12:28:08Z")
> [@Lucy\_Alfrir](#): > > But now probably a polarised Paladin, maybe a polarised Vargur in Angel territory. I would advise against that. If gankers scan you and notice the polarized weapons, they’ll gank you just for the lulz with 5 destroyers… And unless you want to use a scout anytime you take a gate back or to your mission system, you can’t really evade that. It’s one thing to move smart within a mission and check local/Dscan to dodge a gank attempt. But unless you dualbox a scout, you simply don’t know what is behind the gate on your next jump. ---
**Author:** ![Lucy\_Alfrir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/lucy_alfrir/32/382506_2.png) [@Lucy\_Alfrir](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Lucy_Alfrir)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 12:30pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/28 "2026-05-14T12:30:41Z")
Thanks for the good advice. I won’t be taking it, mostly because I don’t run level 4s any more, but also because if I did it would be in a safe system with adequate scouts etc. ---
**Author:** ![Syzygium](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/syzygium/32/510263_2.png) [@Syzygium](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Syzygium)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 12:35pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/29 "2026-05-14T12:35:30Z")
Okay then, that should work. It’s definitely a lot of fun just pulverizing the NPCs. I did it some years ago as well, but surprisingly the mission times aren’t _that_ much faster on average. For those missions where everything spawns close, of course. But you also lose quite a bit some range, which means there will be several missions where you could reach them with a non-polarized Pala (~100km) but with a polarized they are just out of range. And that means you have to either move with MWD or MJD before bastion up. Over all missions combined, they perform comparable, with the polarized version offering more fun, the classic one more safety and consistency. Both viable options if you can provide a basic amount of security in the running area. ---
**Author:** ![Syzygium](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/syzygium/32/510263_2.png) [@Syzygium](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Syzygium)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/30 "2026-05-14T15:34:21Z")
Ah, and a hint out of experience: On the normal fit I usually have all 4 Lasers grouped, it’s just more chill. On a _polarized_ one, _definitely_ use 2x2 Guns and attack 2 targets at once, they melt so fast, you’ll have problems locking at some point. 🤣 Also an Auto-Targeting System I (+2 Targets!) absolutely helps! Enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![Arthur\_Aihaken](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/arthur_aihaken/32/504104_2.png) [@Arthur\_Aihaken](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Arthur_Aihaken)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 4:09pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/31 "2026-05-14T16:09:34Z")
I think Polarized weapons are even more of a gank magnet than bling… _(addendum: not that there’s anything wrong with that_…) ---
**Author:** ![Lucy\_Alfrir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/lucy_alfrir/32/382506_2.png) [@Lucy\_Alfrir](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Lucy_Alfrir)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 10:20pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/32 "2026-05-14T22:20:09Z")
True true, and really if you’re going polarised you want some bling too, the fits I have in pyfa are 2-3B and I guess they’d want faction bastion modules now too. ---
**Author:** ![Arthur\_Aihaken](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/arthur_aihaken/32/504104_2.png) [@Arthur\_Aihaken](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Arthur_Aihaken)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 1:09am UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/33 "2026-05-15T01:09:51Z")
Depends. Most of the Faction Bastion modules trade range for damage, so they’re not necessarily the best choice for polarized weapons. ---
**Author:** ![Syzygium](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/syzygium/32/510263_2.png) [@Syzygium](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Syzygium)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 9:27am UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/34 "2026-05-15T09:27:09Z")
The Basic T1 looks most balanced to me for HS missionrunning, _especially_ when considering that the faction ones are pretty expensive and alone will pay for a successful gank if they drop. The Faction Bastion Modules are more for Ultrablingy PvP Marauders where range and cost don’t matter because you want to bait a fleet into attacking you. Or need maximum buffer HP to dip in and out of Bastion under fire. Maybe even useful for making Solo C6 wormhole fits more convenient. But for HS? No. ---
**Author:** ![Arthur\_Aihaken](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/arthur_aihaken/32/504104_2.png) [@Arthur\_Aihaken](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Arthur_Aihaken)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 4:16pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/35 "2026-05-15T16:16:54Z")
> [@Syzygium](#): > > But for HS? No. The Republic Fleet that grants the extra 10% shield and armor resistance is certainly nothing to shrug off… ---
**Author:** ![Syzygium](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/syzygium/32/510263_2.png) [@Syzygium](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Syzygium)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 5:02pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/36 "2026-05-15T17:02:41Z")
But for what purpose? There is no mission in EVE where your tank comes under pressure at all, I run them with barely any tank at all. And against a gank, trading for 10% resistances but adding a billion ISK more loot to your ship is always gonna be a bad decision. Maybe in HS wars (PvP) or Incursion fits these things can be used. But mission ships? Not a good advice imho. Missions are way too weak for justifying that investment. Well, they don’t justify any investment beyond T2 really… ---
**Author:** ![Arthur\_Aihaken](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/arthur_aihaken/32/504104_2.png) [@Arthur\_Aihaken](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Arthur_Aihaken)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/37 "2026-05-15T17:03:31Z")
Sh\*ts and giggles, really. There really isn’t any activity that you can justify the investment in hull and modules (especially L4 missions). My Kronos has already paid for itself about 100 times over, so it’s not like I haven’t recouped the original investment. ---
**Author:** ![Syzygium](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/syzygium/32/510263_2.png) [@Syzygium](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Syzygium)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 5:27pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/38 "2026-05-15T17:27:44Z")
> [@Arthur\_Aihaken](#): > > There really isn’t any activity that you can justify the investment in hull and modules (especially L4 missions). On other spaces than HS, sure. There is content a T2 fitted Marauder simply can’t run. So the investment is justified to _enable_ you to access that higher-payout / higher-challenge content. Of course, any “investment” can always be justified with “fun”. Absolutely okay to do that. I have built Amarr ships with only “Imperial Navy” modules, just for the fun of it. The stats increase over the T2 standard is then just a gimmick tho… especially if you use the ship in an environment that is no challenge to the upgraded equipment. ---
**Author:** ![Kestrix](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/kestrix/32/420684_2.png) [@Kestrix](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Kestrix)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/39 "2026-05-17T19:43:03Z")
I use a Golem now. Previously I used a Rattlesnake and before that a Dominix. ---
**Author:** ![Arthur\_Aihaken](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/eveonline/user_avatar/forums.eveonline.com/arthur_aihaken/32/504104_2.png) [@Arthur\_Aihaken](https://forums.eveonline.com/u/Arthur_Aihaken)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2026, 10:52pm UTC](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318/40 "2026-05-17T22:52:12Z")
And once you’ve become bored with missiles you’ll switch to the Vargur, Kronos or Paladin. [Previous page](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forums.eveonline.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-lvl4-mission-running-ship/511318.md?page=3)