[Vanguard] Combat and Navy BC Rebalance

It seems the BCs are finally getting a bit more love from CCP. Personally I would have suggested some sort of AB bonus to go along as a class buff but we will see where this goes. The original original post by CCP Fozzie can be found here.

Hello everyone! By now most of you know that we’ve been working on a Combat Battlecruiser balance pass, and we’re now ready to start getting your feedback on the planned specifics! These changes are currently scheduled for our Vanguard release on September 29th.

We’re giving the class in general a significant buff, with every individual ship benefiting. The centerpiece of this pass is a new role bonus that adds damage projection to each ship. The bonus helps provide a unifying element across the entire class and helps Battlecruisers deal with opponents at a variety of ranges. The turret version of the bonus applies to both optimal and falloff, which makes it applicable for a larger variety of weapons.

The class is also getting a noticeable boost to speed and agility across the board. Some ships benefit more than others, but on average the Combat and Navy BCs will move ~8.4% faster with a propulsion module running and require ~8.2% less time to align.

The ships that are weaker and/or less popular are generally receiving bigger buffs, and the more popular ships get smaller buffs (although every ship in the class gets a net buff of some kind).

When evaluating the existing states of these ships we are using a variety of factors, including subjective feedback from experienced players, our own personal experiences flying these ships on TQ, and usage metrics.

To give you a quick snapshot of the current popularity of each ship, here’s some metric snapshots from the past month:

Percentage of all T1 Combat BC jumps (gate+wormhole) by ship over the past 30 days
Drake 37.4%
Myrmidon 17.4%
Hurricane 11.7%
Prophecy 7.4%
Harbinger 7.3%
Ferox 7.3%
Brutix 7.2%
Cyclone 4.3%

Percentage of all T1 Combat BC PVP damage (from ship killmails, so does not count structure damage or ships that didn’t die) by ship over the past 30 days
Drake 19.5%
Brutix 19.4%
Hurricane 14.7%
Myrmidon 13.1%
Prophecy 11.9%
Ferox 7.8%
Cyclone 7.2%
Harbinger 6.5%

Percentage of all Navy Faction Combat BC jumps (gate+wormhole) by ship over the past 30 days
Drake Navy Issue 35.9%
Hurricane Fleet Issue 23.8%
Harbinger Navy Issue 21.6%
Brutix Navy Issue 18.7%

Percentage of all Navy Faction Combat BC PVP damage (from ship killmails, so does not count structure damage or ships that didn’t die) by ship over the past 30 days
Brutix Navy Issue 41.4%
Hurricane Fleet Issue 33.0%
Harbinger Navy Issue 22.8%
Drake Navy Issue 2.8%

Prophecy:
The Prophecy is a solid middle of the road in overall popularity, and is a flexible ship that’s fairly well-regarded in the community feedback. Accordingly, it’s buffs are a bit milder than those given to some of the other ships. Its version of the projection bonus is as 12.5% increase in drone microwarpdrive speed which is half of the bonus that the Algos, Dragoon and (max skilled) Vexor Navy Issue get. The significant increase in base mass alongside the big velocity and agility improvements are part of an overall trend in Amarr ships that allow them to mitigate the negative effects of fitting large armor plates (among other smaller effects).

Amarr Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
4% bonus to all Armor Resistances
10% bonus to drone damage and hitpoints
Role Bonus:
12.5% bonus to Drone max velocity
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 5H, 4M, 7L, 4 turrets, 4 Launchers
Fittings: 1100 PWG, 415 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 3000 / 5500 / 4000
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 3000 (+150) / 750s / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 170 (+20) / 0.57 (-0.134) / 15,300,000 (+2,400,000) / 12.09s (-0.5s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 75 / 225
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 50km / 210 / 7 (+1)
Sensor strength: 17 Radar
Signature radius: 270
Cargo capacity: 400

Harbinger:
The Harb is struggling a bit more in power level and popularity, and is therefore getting stronger than average buffs to speed and agility along with a bit more armor and some valuable capacitor. The falloff portion of the role bonus doesn’t do much for lasers, but we are leaving it in because we don’t see a good reason to break the consistency of the bonus across the class. The Harb is especially well placed to take advantage of the optimal portion of the role bonus with either pulses or beams.

Amarr Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
10% bonus to Medium Energy Turret Damage
10% bonus Medium Energy Turret capacitor use
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to Medium Energy Turret optimal range and falloff
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 7H, 4M, 6L, 6 turrets
Fittings: 1425 PWG, 375 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 3000 / 5250 (+250) / 4500
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 3500 (+375) / 875s (+53) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 175 (+25) / 0.57 (-0.12) / 15,500,000 (+1,700,000) / 12.25s (-0.95s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 50 / 75
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 65km (+10) / 210 / 7 (+1)
Sensor strength: 17 Radar
Signature radius: 270
Cargo capacity: 375

Ferox:
The Ferox is getting a very significant change in the form of a new skill bonus and slot changes. The shield resistance bonus is being swapped for hybrid damage, and a highslot (and turret) is being traded for a mid. This leaves the Ferox with 7.5 effective turrets (compared to 7 before) and the ability to use the new midslot to either compensate for the resistance bonus or to go in a completely different direction through tracking computers, webs, or whatever else you wish. The extra range provided by the role bonus is obviously valuable for fleet fighting with rails, and the addition of falloff helps the Ferox take advantage of its range advantage with blasters as well.

Caldari Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
5% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret damage (Was shield resistances)
10% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret optimal range
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret optimal range and falloff
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 7H (-1), 6M (+1), 4L, 6 (-1) turrets
Fittings: 1250 PWG, 530 (+20) CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 5250 (+250) / 3500 / 4000
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 2900 (+150) / 725s (+1.5) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 150 (+10) / 0.63 (-0.03) / 13,250,000 / 11.75s (-0.55s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 25 / 25
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 75km (+10) / 195 / 8
Sensor strength: 19 Gravimetric
Signature radius: 295
Cargo capacity: 475

Drake:
The Drake is not particularly favoured among elite pvpers these days, but remains extremely popular overall. It has benefited significantly from the Aegis missile changes, especially the Heavy Missile damage buff. The extra powergrid and mobility will prove valuable to this ship and we expect it to remain of the most commonly flown Battlecruisers in New Eden. The range bonus in this case is especially useful for fleet fits with heavy missiles. I know some players will be dissapointed that the damage bonus continues to be restricted to kinetic, but we do believe that damage specific bonuses are a useful tool for creating interesting distinctions between ships and we have no plans to phase them out.

Caldari Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
4% bonus to all Shield Resistances
10% bonus to heavy and heavy assault missile kinetic damage
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to missile velocity
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 7H, 6M, 4L, 6 Launchers
Fittings: 830 (+30) PWG, 500 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 5500 (+250) / 3250 / 3750
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 2500 / 625s (-32.9) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 150 (+10) / 0.65 (+0.01) / 13,500,000 (-1,310,000) / 12.16s (-0.98s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 25 / 25
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 65km (+5) / 195 / 8
Sensor strength: 19 Gravimetric
Signature radius: 295
Cargo capacity: 450

Brutix:
The Brutix is receiving significant mobility buffs, taking the title of most agile T1 BC as well as gaining extra hull HP and spare drone capacity. The combined optimal and falloff bonus fits especially well with blasters, helping the Brutix apply its excellent DPS more consistently across more combat situations.

Gallente Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
10% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret damage
7.5% bonus to Armor Repairer effectiveness
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret optimal range and falloff
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 7H, 4M, 6L, 6 turrets
Fittings: 1125 PWG, 435 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 3500 / 4500 / 5000 (+250)
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 3100 (+100) / 775s (-14) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 160 (+5) / 0.68 (-0.024) / 11,800,000 (-700,000) / 11.12s (-1.08s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 50 / 75 (+25)
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 60km (+5) / 200 / 7
Sensor strength: 18 Magnetometric
Signature radius: 305
Cargo capacity: 475

Myrmidon:
As one of the most powerful and popular T1 BCs, the Myrm is receiving the smallest buffs in this package. The drone velocity bonus matches the Prophecy, and the mobility buffs here are a bit milder than average.

Gallente Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
7.5% bonus to Armor Repairer effectiveness
10% bonus to drone damage and hitpoints
Role Bonus:
12.5% bonus to Drone max velocity
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 5H, 5M, 6L, 5 turrets
Fittings: 1050 PWG, 400 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 3500 / 4500 / 4750
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 2900 (+50) / 725s (-25) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 145 / 0.7 (-0.004) / 12,700,000 (-400,000) / 12.32s (-0.46s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 100 / 200
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 55km / 200 / 7
Sensor strength: 18 Magnetometric
Signature radius: 305
Cargo capacity: 400

Cyclone:
The Cyclone is probably the most underestimated of the T1 BCs. It’s quite powerful in the right hands, with strong defenses and solid mobility. It is receiving the same missile velocity role bonus as the Drake, and gaining an above average mobility buff to help emphasize its strengths.

Minmatar Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
5% bonus to Heavy Missile and Heavy Assault Missile rate of fire
7.5% bonus to shield boosting amount
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to missile velocity
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 7H, 5M, 5L, 2 turrets, 5 Launchers
Fittings: 1100 PWG, 525 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 5250 (+250) / 3750 / 3750
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 2900 (+50) / 725s (-25) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 180 (+15) / 0.68 (-0.024) / 12,400,000 (-100,000) / 11.69s (-0.51s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 50 / 50
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 50km (+5) / 220 / 6
Sensor strength: 17 Ladar
Signature radius: 250
Cargo capacity: 450

Hurricane:
The Hurricane remains one of the most popular BCs, although at a more moderate usage level than it has seen during certain parts of its past.It benefited significantly from the autocannon falloff buffs earlier this year, which will be magnified by the new role bonus. Extra drone bandwidth and bay, more powergrid and significantly increased speed round out the overall package.

Minmatar Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
5% bonus to Medium Projectile Turret damage
5% bonus to Medium Projectile Turret rate of fire
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to Medium Projectile Turret optimal range and falloff
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 7H, 4M, 6L, 6 turrets, 3 Launchers
Fittings: 1140 (+15) PWG, 400 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 4500 (+250) / 4500 / 3500
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 2300 (+50) / 575s (-17) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 180 (+15) / 0.67 (-0.034) / 12,800,000 / 11.89s (-0.6s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 40 (+10) / 40 (+10)
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 60km (+10) / 220 / 6
Sensor strength: 16 Ladar
Signature radius: 250
Cargo capacity: 425

And now on to the Navy BCs. These ships have always been specialized towards improved damage application to small and fast targets. We are emphasizing this existing specalization through more tracking bonuses and spare drone flights, while also passing along the damage projection bonuses from their T1 counterparts.

Harbinger Navy Issue:
The Navy Harb is one of the strongest Navy BCs, taking advantage of plentiful midslots and excellent laser tracking. We’re adding the projection bonus and mass benefits from the T1 Harb while also pushing its speed advantage even further.

Amarr Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
10% bonus to Medium Energy Turret Damage
7.5% bonus Medium Energy Turret tracking speed
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to Medium Energy Turret optimal range and falloff
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 7H, 5M, 6L, 6 turrets
Fittings: 1495 PWG, 410 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 4500 / 7875 (+375) / 6750
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 3500 (+375) / 875s (+53) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 175 (+25) / 0.52 (-0.17) / 15,500,000 (+1,700,000) / 11.17s (-2.03s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 50 / 75 (+25)
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 70km (+15) / 210 / 7 (+1)
Sensor strength: 21 Radar
Signature radius: 270
Cargo capacity: 375

Drake Navy Issue:
The Navy Drake is getting a changed skill bonus, with the previous missile velocity bonus leaving to make room for the shield resistance bonus enjoyed by the T1 Drake. Extra powergrid and drones open up a lot of new options for this ship, and it’s gaining some of the biggest mobility bonuses (making it the most agile of the Navy BCs).

Caldari Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
4% bonus to all Shield Resistances (Was missile velocity)
5% bonus to Heavy Missile and Heavy Assault Missile explosion radius
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to missile velocity
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 8H, 6M, 4L, 8 Launchers
Fittings: 950 (+50) PWG, 550 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 8250 (+375) / 4875 / 5625
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 2500 / 625s (-32.9) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 180 (+30) / 0.53 (-0.11) / 13,500,000 (+171,000) / 9.92s (-1.91s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 50 (+25) / 75 (+50)
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 70km (+10) / 195 / 8
Sensor strength: 23 Gravimetric
Signature radius: 295
Cargo capacity: 450

Brutix Navy Issue:
The already-strong Navy Brutix doesn’t need as much help as many other ships in the class, but it will benefit greatly from the projection role bonus, increased hull HP and improved mobility.

Gallente Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
10% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret damage
7.5% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret tracking speed
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret optimal range and falloff
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 7H, 4M, 7L, 6 turrets
Fittings: 1235 PWG, 455 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 5250 / 6750 / 7500 (+375)
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 3100 (+100) / 775s (-14) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 165 (+10) / 0.63 (-0.074) / 11,800,000 (-75,000) / 10.31s (-1.28s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 50 / 75 (+25)
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 65km (+10) / 200 / 7
Sensor strength: 22 Magnetometric
Signature radius: 305
Cargo capacity: 475

Hurricane Fleet Issue:
The Fleet Cane is getting a new set of skill bonuses, the previous double damage bonus replaced with 10% damage and 10% tracking per level. With the addition of extra PG, extra drones, and extra mobility, this ship is receiving some of the most significant buffs of the whole balance pass.

Minmatar Battlecruiser skill bonuses:
10% bonus to Medium Projectile Turret damage (Was 5%)
10% bonus to Medium Projectile Turret tracking speed (Was projectile rate of fire)
Role Bonus:
25% bonus to Medium Projectile Turret optimal range and falloff
Can fit Warfare Link modules
Slot layout: 8H, 4M, 6L, 6 turrets, 3 Launchers
Fittings: 1380 (+30) PWG, 420 CPU
Defense (shields / armor / hull) : 6750 (+375) / 6750 / 5250
Capacitor (amount / recharge rate / average cap per second): 2300 (+50) / 575s (-17) / 4 (+0.2)
Mobility (max velocity / agility / mass / align time): 185 (+20) / 0.61 (-0.094) / 12,800,000 (+300,000) / 10.82s (-1.38s)
Drones (bandwidth / bay): 50 (+20) / 50 (+20)
Targeting (max targeting range / Scan Resolution / Max Locked targets): 65km (+15) / 220 / 6
Sensor strength: 20 Ladar
Signature radius: 250
Cargo capacity: 425