Introduction
In this guide, you’ll learn how to capture level 10 grids (also known as tiles) in Eve Galaxy Conquest. I’ll share strategies, preparation tips, necessary tools, and advice on how to accomplish this efficiently and repeatedly.
Table of Contents
As the first 11 servers approach the end of their season cycle, many players are eager to complete all main missions before time runs out. One of the most challenging objectives is capturing a level 10 grid. You might also find my articles on seasonal resets and preparation guide to maximize reward for additional context.
Surprisingly, many players struggle with this mission. Even within my corp, numerous members haven’t completed it. Some suggest deploying all five fleets simultaneously and hoping for the best—don’t do this! You risk losing all five fleets against powerful Oracle or Vexor fleets, potentially losing over 80k components, which will cost 3 million in resources and five hours of production. This guide will help you capture level 10 grids safely, efficiently, and with a strategy you can repeat.
Level 10 Grids – A Leap in Difficulty
Many players struggle with level 10 grids due to the significant jump in difficulty compared to level 9, requiring a completely different approach. A level 9 grid typically has two fleets with a defender power of 412k—manageable with a strong fleet composition. In contrast, level 10 grids feature three fleets with a power of 672k each, representing a difficulty increase of 2.44 times!
Resorts (ISK grids) are even tougher, with three guards boasting 774k power each, a further 15% increase. While the capture method remains the same, you’ll need stronger fleets or highly optimized compositions.
Update: Season 3 introduced a significant increase in fleet power and squad sizes. For reference and comparison, you can check the power and fleet table here. If you’re currently playing in Season 3, you can find my detailed tactical guide here.
Prerequisites
Before attempting to capture level 10 grids, you need:
- At least three fleets with a power of 700k+ (six commanders at level 44+).
- Two backup fleets with around 500k power.
You will defiantly need to upgrade Control Tower to level 20 for this.
Fleet diversity is crucial. While having all four fleet types with a 15% bonus isn’t necessary, aim for at least 10%. Proper fleet formations provide both damage boosts and reductions, essential for these challenging battles. So proper counter and synergy > than comp or faction bonuses.
Preparation Checklist
Minimize your losses by following this checklist:
- Build fleet compositions. Ensure formations counter specific enemies. Create double Encirclement fleets to handle tanky Vexors effectively.
- Optimize commanders and ships. Distribute all skill points and promotion files, obviously you need to unlock all skills and modules upgrade till level 15.
- Check implants and rigs. You do not want empty slots! For damage preferably +12% grid damage.
- Pick a target grid. Conduct recon to determine the first enemy fleet’s formation and plan your counter.
- Prepare the battlefield. Ensure nearby grid are captured to enable immediate engagement as you ready without a delay. Don’t worry about stamina on extra maneuvering or temporary captures. Resources and fleets take priority at this stage.
Strategy
NPC guards fully recover in 150 seconds. A draw lasts 120 seconds, meaning you can only afford one draw max during the whole operation and have 30 seconds for the remaining steps. To completely eliminate 10 seconds travel time, ensure all fleets are positioned on top of the target grid.
- Deploy fleets. Position all fleets on the targeted level 10 grid without initiating capture.
- Check fleet capacitors. Ensure capacitors are at 100% to avoid damage penalties.
- Attack with the first fleet. Use a direct counter to the reconned enemy formation.
- Analyze the battle log. If the first fleet fails, determine the next step: use a backup fleet to finish the first enemy if needed or allow one Draw if you sure you going to win it. Remember you can have only one draw so use it wisely.
- Continue to the next fleet: After defeating the first enemy, the second enemy formation will be revealed. Your first fleet most likely will go home wounded, but the mission accomplished. Deploy next counter fleet and repeat the process.
- Defeat the third fleet: Once the second fleet is down, engage the final enemy fleet with your remaining counter.
Congratulations on your first level 10 grid capture! Ideal scenario: you get 2 fleets injured and 3rd capping the grid. Total time ~30 seconds.
Recommended Fleet Compositions for Level 10 Grid Captures
For Season 1, I listed 10 of my favorite fleets that carried me and my alts with ease.
For Season 2, I updated the meta fleets. That doesn’t mean the Season 1 fleets no longer work — I still use many of them myself — but in Season 2, you have access to a broader set of tools. Feel free to experiment and discover new strong combinations too!
Plan B: Ask for Help
If you fail due to insufficient fleet strength, don’t worry. Request assistance from a neighbor or corp mate. This activity can be completed collaboratively—only the player who defeats the last NPC fleet receives credit. A friend can send fleets to weaken the guards, leaving you to finish them off.
Can You Solo Level 10 Grids?
The short answer: Yes, it’s possible. Before the Vepas nerf, I managed to capture level 10 Resorts with minimal losses. Players report success with Rifter fleets or combinations like Dragoon / Tristan and Yorlas fleets, leveraging rapid-fire, barrage. and direct drone attacks stacking to trigger Yorla’s passives. My test result was defeating two out of three fleets with this comp – impressive but not a complete capture. The key commander for multi-guard engagements is Falek. If you have him, experiment and build a fleet around his damage reduction ability.
I hope this guide helps you capture level 10 grids and achieve your objectives in Eve Galaxy Conquest. With careful preparation and strategic execution, you’ll master these challenges and thrive in the galaxy.
Fly smart, not hard!
o/