CCP announced the “Depth of the Abyss” update to be launched this month. The update introduces capital module Mutaplasmids, two new tiers of Abyssal sites, new NPCs in those pockets, and changes to pockets to allow Abyssal sites to be run by two destroyers. The update is live on the Singularity test server and Hoboleaks information is available.
Mutaplasmids allow players to roll the attributes of the respective module for a chance of a superior module. With the update, Mutaplasmids will also be available for Heavy Warp Scramblers, Heavy Warp Disruptors, 10000MN Afterburners, 50000MN Microwarpdrives, Capital Armor Repairers, Capital Ancillary Armor Repairers, Capital Shield Boosters, Capital Ancillary Shield Boosters, Capital Energy Nosferatus, Capital Energy Neutralisers, and Siege Modules.
Abyssal sites are instanced pockets of PvE available for Cruisers and Frigates upon activation of a filament and have five levels of difficulty. Depths of the Abyss adds a new entry level tier 0 site, and a much more challenging tier 6 site. The sites are accessed with Tranquil and Cataclysmic filaments, respectively.
With the patch, players will encounter new NPC enemies in Abyssal sites. From the game files, there seem to be 41 new NPC types, including a full complement of Sansha and Angel ships, as well as CONCORD/EDENCOM opponents. In addition, Kikimoras, Drekavacs, and Rodivas are added to the Abyssal ship roster, and a Drifter Command Battleship and a ‘Endobenthic Abyssal Overmind’.
Currently, players can access Abyssal sites by consuming a single filament to enter the site with a cruiser, or three filaments to enter the site with up to three frigates. With the updates, players will also be able to consume two filaments to enter a site with up to two destroyers. With the current implementation, frigate sites return more loot. Whether the loot distribution will change with destroyer filaments remains unknown.
The game files also hint at some events to take place in the Abyssal proving grounds in September and October. The following text is taken from the game files currently on Singularity:
- September 18 – September 22: This filament allows a fleet containing a single capsuleer to enter an Abyssal Proving Ground for a fight to the death against three other capsuleers. The ships allowed to enter this proving ground event are the Omen, Caracal, Thorax, Stabber, Maller, Moa, Vexor, Rupture, Arbitrator, Blackbird, Celestis, and Bellicose. Pilots equipped with modules or implants with a meta level higher than 4 will not be able to enter this proving ground.
- September 25 – September 29: This filament allows a fleet containing a single capsuleer to enter an Abyssal Proving Ground for a fight to the death against one other capsuleer. The ships allowed to enter this proving ground event are the Punisher, Tormentor, Merlin, Kestrel, Incursus, Tristan, Rifter, Breacher, Imperial Navy Slicer, Crucifier Navy Issue, Caldari Navy Hookbill, Griffin Navy Issue, Federation Navy Comet, Maulus Navy Issue, Republic Fleet Firetail, and Vigil Fleet Issue. Pilots equipped with modules or implants with a meta level higher than 5 will not be able to enter this proving ground.
- October 2 – October 6: This filament allows a fleet containing two capsuleers to enter an Abyssal Proving Ground for a fight to the death against another fleet of two capsuleers. The ships allowed to enter this proving ground event are the Omen, Caracal, Thorax, Stabber, Maller, Moa, Vexor, Rupture, Arbitrator, Blackbird, Celestis, and Bellicose. Fleets entering this proving ground can include a maximum of one vessel of any single ship type. Pilots equipped with modules or implants with a meta level higher than 5 will not be able to enter this proving ground.
