Updated 06012025-044652
D0BD97A4-6D2B-4135-A10D-718DB6F412A9In the sprawling universe of Eve Echoes, a pilot's progression is often measured by their Tech Level. This numerical indicator represents an accumulation of knowledge and expertise, unlocking access to increasingly sophisticated ships, modules, and skills.1 Advancing through Tech Levels is a testament to a pilot's dedication, typically requiring a substantial investment in Skill Points (SP) to master the underlying technologies.2 Each new Tech Level achieved opens up new avenues for gameplay, warfare, and economic pursuits.
Tech Level 9 (T9) stands as a particularly significant threshold in a Capsuleer's journey. It is at this juncture that pilots gain the ability to command some of the most formidable assets and leverage advanced capabilities available in New Eden. Reaching T9 often signifies a pilot's readiness to engage in more complex and demanding aspects of the game, including high-level Player versus Environment (PvE) encounters, decisive Player versus Player (PvP) engagements, and large-scale industrial operations. The journey to T9 is not trivial; it demands a considerable accumulation of 24,950,000 skill points, underscoring the commitment required to attain this level of technological mastery.2 The types of ships, modules, and skills that become available at T9 strongly suggest that this tier is not merely an incremental upgrade but a gateway to specialized, end-game roles. While lower tech levels often provide versatile, generalist equipment, T9 introduces assets like dedicated Freighters, advanced mining barges such as the Procurer and Covetor, and potent Battleship variants, all of which cater to highly specific and advanced career paths.3 This shift implies that pilots reaching T9 should thoughtfully consider their desired specialization, as the unlocks at this level directly support and enhance these advanced choices.
This report aims to provide a meticulous and comprehensive catalogue of the ships, modules, skills, blueprints, and other pertinent gameplay elements that become specifically accessible to Capsuleers upon achieving Tech Level 9. The information presented herein is compiled from analyses of game updates and community-corroborated data, offering a clear guide for pilots looking to understand and leverage their newfound capabilities at this advanced tier.
The attainment of Tech Level 9 grants pilots access to a new roster of powerful and specialized ship hulls, significantly expanding their operational capabilities across various fields, from combat to industry.
Battleships are formidable combat vessels, and T9 introduces several key options or adjustments:
The game update on February 3, 2021, was pivotal, adjusting the Tempest and Raven battleships to Tech Level 9, making these respected hulls available to T9 pilots.6 It is important to note that the Maelstrom was concurrently adjusted to Tech Level 10 in the same update 6, and thus, despite some general discussions including it around T9 capabilities 7, the base Maelstrom hull is not a T9 unlock.
Further expanding the T9 arsenal, the May 12, 2021 patch introduced six new battleship variants: Tempest II, Typhoon II, Dominix II, Scorpion II, and Armageddon II.3 While the patch notes do not explicitly assign a T9 label to all these "II" variants, their introduction during a period of T9-focused updates, coupled with community discussions, strongly suggests their T9 accessibility, particularly for these advanced versions of existing T9-or-lower hulls.7 The "Maelstrom" also listed among these new battleships in the May 12, 2021 patch 3 presents a slight ambiguity given its prior T10 designation; this likely refers to a specific blueprint or a distinct Maelstrom variant becoming accessible at T9, rather than the base T10 hull.
Among these, the Dominix is frequently lauded as a preferred T9 choice for PvE activities, primarily due to its powerful drone capabilities which allow for efficient and often semi-AFK anomaly clearing.7 Conversely, the Tempest is often highlighted for its prowess in PvP engagements, valued for its weapon systems and resilience.8 A community-maintained spreadsheet, referenced in discussions 11, offers a detailed list of ships by tech level, serving as a useful resource for players seeking to cross-reference T9 ship availability.
The October 28, 2020 game update unequivocally introduced a new class of Tech Level 9 Interdictor Destroyers, enhancing tactical options for fleet engagements 12:
These T9 Interdictors are noted for their significantly improved combat and interception capabilities compared to their T6 predecessors. A key feature is their ability to fit Warp Disrupt Field Generators, allowing them to project warp disruption bubbles, a critical tool for controlling engagement areas and preventing enemy fleets from escaping.12
Tech Level 9 marks a significant advancement for industrial-minded pilots, unlocking high-capacity mining vessels and the workhorses of interstellar logistics.
The availability of these industrial ships at T9 signifies a notable shift in the scale and potential risks of industrial operations. The Procurer and Covetor offer substantial improvements in mining yield and/or survivability compared to lower-tier mining ships like the Venture 4, making them suitable for more hazardous or contested resource gathering. Freighters, being the backbone of large-scale logistics, enable the movement of vast quantities of materials, modules, and ships across New Eden.3 Their accessibility at T9 unlocks new economic paradigms for individual pilots and entire corporations. However, operating these larger, more valuable industrial assets often entails increased risk, particularly when venturing into low-security or null-security space for richer resources or lucrative trade routes, aligning with the generally more advanced nature of T9 gameplay. This creates a dynamic where T9 industrialists must prepare for higher capital investments and more intricate logistical planning, while also presenting opportunities for those who specialize in protecting--or preying upon--these high-value targets.
It is also noteworthy that the tech level requirements for several key ships, including the Covetor, Freighters, Tempest, and Maelstrom, have been explicitly altered through game patches.3 For instance, the Covetor was adjusted from a presumably higher initial tech level to T9, and Freighters were moved from T10 to T9. This dynamic nature of tech level assignments underscores the importance for pilots to consult the latest game information and patch notes rather than relying on potentially outdated guides. It also suggests an ongoing effort by the game developers to balance progression and player experience.
| Ship Name | Ship Class | Primary Role | T9 Confirmation Source(s) |
| Tempest | Battleship | PvP/DPS (Cannons) | 6 |
| Raven | Battleship | PvE/Missiles | 6 |
| Tempest II | Battleship | PvP/DPS (Enhanced Cannons) | 3 (Implied by base hull T9 & context) |
| Typhoon II | Battleship | PvE/PvP (Enhanced Missiles) | 3 (Implied by base hull T9 & context) |
| Dominix II | Battleship | PvE/PvP (Enhanced Drones) | 3 (Implied by base hull T9 & context) |
| Scorpion II | Battleship | EWAR/Missiles (Enhanced) | 3 (Implied by base hull T9 & context) |
| Armageddon II | Battleship | PvP/Energy Turrets/Neuts (Enhanced) | 3 (Implied by base hull T9 & context) |
| Catalyst II Interdictor | Destroyer (Interdictor) | PvP/Tackle (Warp Disrupt Field) | 12 |
| Cormorant II Interdictor | Destroyer (Interdictor) | PvP/Tackle (Warp Disrupt Field) | 12 |
| Coercer II Interdictor | Destroyer (Interdictor) | PvP/Tackle (Warp Disrupt Field) | 12 |
| Thrasher II Interdictor | Destroyer (Interdictor) | PvP/Tackle (Warp Disrupt Field) | 12 |
| Procurer | Mining Barge | Mining (High Tank) | 4 |
| Covetor | Mining Barge | Mining (High Yield) | 5 |
| Providence (Amarr) | Freighter | Large-Scale Hauling | 3 |
| Fenrir (Minmatar) | Freighter | Large-Scale Hauling | 3 |
| Charon (Caldari) | Freighter | Large-Scale Hauling | 3 |
| Obelisk (Gallente) | Freighter | Large-Scale Hauling | 3 |
Reaching Tech Level 9 not only unlocks new ship hulls but also provides access to, or increases the relevance of, various advanced modules that can significantly enhance a pilot's effectiveness in their chosen specialization.
Modules designated with "MK9" generally represent Meta Level 4 within the Tech 1 classification.14 These modules typically offer superior performance characteristics compared to their lower MK (Meta Level) counterparts, such as MK5 (Meta 2) or MK7 (Meta 3).14
A prime example is the MK9 Tracking Computer, which is explicitly a Tech Level 9 module.16 This low-slot module enhances the tracking speed and optimal range of a ship's turrets, crucial for effective gunnery. Blueprints for MK9 modules, including potentially others beyond the tracking computer, can be found. For instance, the "MK9 Module Blueprint Supply Box" is mentioned as a source for the Anti-Drone Pulse Bomb blueprint, implying that similar acquisition methods exist for other MK9 modules.18
The game update on May 12, 2021, introduced a suite of new Command Burst modules 3:
Introduced in the May 25, 2022 game update, the Mining Foreman Burst is a module designed for use on Orca (T10) and Rorqual (T10) industrial command ships to enhance the mining efficiency of fleet members.5 The direct relevance to Tech Level 9 pilots comes from the acquisition method of its blueprints: they are obtainable from Level 9 and Level 10 Scout Cosmic Anomalies.5 Thus, T9 pilots gain access to a primary source for these valuable industrial support module blueprints.
For pilots aspiring to outfit the largest vessels in New Eden, T9 brings an important manufacturing capability:
The modules that become prominent at T9 are largely geared towards optimizing specialized roles and bolstering fleet-wide performance. MK9 modules provide direct statistical advantages for combat effectiveness. Command Bursts are inherently designed for fleet operations, projecting bonuses to multiple allied ships, thereby enhancing collective survivability or damage output. Similarly, Mining Foreman Bursts are tailored to boost the productivity of mining fleets. The accessibility of manufacturing Capital Ship Rigs points towards a focus on outfitting end-game vessels. This collective emphasis suggests that T9 is a tier where individual pilot capability increasingly translates into more effective contributions within group activities, be it PvP, PvE, or large-scale industrial endeavors. Pilots should therefore consider how these modules integrate into their intended fleet compositions and roles.
| Module Name | Type/Function | T9 Relevance (Unlock/Blueprint Source) | Source(s) |
| MK9 Tracking Computer | Low Slot Turret Enhancement (Tracking, Range) | Unlocked for use at T9 | 16 |
| Skirmish Command Burst | Mid Slot Fleet Support (Mobility/Targeting) | Introduced with T9-era changes; Blueprints available | 3 |
| Armored Command Burst | Mid Slot Fleet Support (Armor Tanking) | Introduced with T9-era changes; Blueprints available | 3 |
| Shield Command Burst | Mid Slot Fleet Support (Shield Tanking) | Introduced with T9-era changes; Blueprints available | 3 |
| Mining Foreman Burst | Mid Slot Industrial Fleet Support (Mining Yield) | Blueprints obtainable from Lv. 9 Scout Cosmic Anomalies | 5 |
| Capital Ship Rig I | Rig (For Capital Ships) | Manufacturing technology level requirement lowered to T9 | 19 |
The advanced ships and modules associated with Tech Level 9 necessitate a corresponding advancement in pilot skills. While some skills might not be strictly "unlocked" at T9, their importance becomes paramount for effective operation of T9 assets.
With Freighters becoming manufacturable and pilotable at Tech Level 9 following the May 12, 2021 update, the skills governing their operation become immediately relevant.3 This patch specifically added:
The same May 12, 2021 update also "Added Command Burst related skills".3 While specific skill names and their precise training prerequisites are not detailed in these particular patch notes, skills analogous to "Command Burst Specialist" (which in EVE Online improves burst strength and duration 20) would be essential for maximizing the benefits of the new Command Burst modules introduced alongside T9 changes. Effective fleet command and support at T9 will heavily rely on these specialized skills.
The May 25, 2022 update brought a new suite of skills pertinent to advanced industrial operations 5:
It is crucial to recognize that while some skills are newly introduced or become directly relevant at T9, a solid foundation in more general skills is vital. For instance, skills such as "Signal interference technology" and "Space interference device operation" are noted as Tech Level 3 skills 12, yet they are indispensable for the effective operation of T9 Interdictor Destroyers which rely on modules like Warp Disrupt Field Generators. Pilots aspiring to fly T9 battleships or utilize advanced modules must ensure their core gunnery, missile, fitting (CPU, powergrid), navigation, and tanking skills are well-developed to support these demanding capabilities.22The skills that become vital at T9 are often not just basic operational competencies but those that govern intricate systems. Operating a Freighter effectively, for example, extends beyond mere piloting to encompass understanding its unique engineering, defensive attributes, and manufacturing processes.3 Similarly, Command Bursts require specialized training to optimize their range, duration, and potency, significantly impacting fleet performance. Advanced mining operations, leveraging new Mining Drones and Foreman Bursts, also demand dedicated skill investment to achieve peak yield and support capabilities.5 Consequently, simply reaching T9 and acquiring the associated ships or modules is insufficient; substantial skill point allocation into these new and supporting specialized skill lines is imperative to unlock their full potential, further emphasizing the trend towards specialization at this tech tier.
| Skill Category | Specific Skill (or General Category) | Purpose/Relevance at Tech Level 9 | Source(s) |
| Freighter Piloting & Operation | Freighter Operations | Enables piloting of T9-accessible Freighters | 3 |
| Freighter Systems | Freighter Engineering, Defense | Improves fitting and survivability of Freighters | 3 |
| Freighter Production | Freighter Manufacturing | Enables manufacturing of Freighters (now T9) | 3 |
| Fleet Support | Command Burst Skills (general) | Enhances effectiveness of Armored, Shield, Skirmish Command Bursts | 3 |
| Advanced Industrial Operations | Industrial Command Ships Skills | For operating ships like Orca/Rorqual using T9-acquirable modules | 5 |
| Advanced Mining Support | Mining Foreman Burst Skills | For operating Mining Foreman Burst modules effectively | 5 |
| Advanced Drone Mining | Mining Drone Skills (general) | Improves yield/control of mining drones (blueprints from Lv.9 anoms) | 5 |
| Interdiction & EWAR Support | Signal interference technology | Prerequisite for effective use of T9 Interdictor EWAR modules | 12 |
| Interdiction Field Operation | Space interference device operation | Prerequisite for Warp Disrupt Field Generators on T9 Interdictors | 12 |
Tech Level 9 significantly expands a pilot's or corporation's industrial capabilities, granting access to blueprints and manufacturing processes for advanced and large-scale assets.
A major industrial unlock at T9 is the ability to engage with Freighter production. The tech level requirement for reverse engineering freighter blueprints and subsequently manufacturing freighters was lowered from Tech Level 10 to Tech Level 9.3 This change empowers T9 industrialists to construct these massive haulers, crucial for interstellar logistics.
The capacity to manufacture advanced rigs also sees an improvement at T9:
Tech Level 9 pilots gain access to Level 9 Scout Cosmic Anomalies, which are a key source for specific industrial blueprints:
As previously noted, blueprints for MK9 series modules can be acquired, for instance, through "MK9 Module Blueprint Supply Box".18 The ability to obtain and utilize these blueprints for manufacturing superior Tech 1 modules becomes a practical consideration for T9 pilots.
The capacity to reverse engineer and manufacture Freighters, along with the ability to produce Capital Ship Rigs at Tech Level 9, marks a substantial progression towards industrial self-sufficiency for both individual pilots and corporations. Prior to T9, obtaining such high-value assets might have predominantly relied on purchasing from the market or depending on more technologically advanced entities. The reduction in tech requirements for Freighter blueprints 3 and Capital Ship Rig I manufacturing 19 empowers T9 industrialists to produce these items independently. Furthermore, access to blueprints for specialized modules like Mining Foreman Bursts, sourced from T9-accessible content such as Level 9 Scout Anomalies 5, reinforces this move towards greater industrial autonomy. This shift allows T9 industrialists to potentially lessen their dependence on external markets for certain crucial assets, which can lead to significant cost savings, create new avenues for profit by selling these manufactured goods, and offer greater control over their own supply chains. This, in turn, fosters a more dynamic player-driven economy for these advanced items.
| Blueprint/Item | Type | Acquisition/Manufacturing Note at Tech Level 9 | Source(s) |
| Freighter Blueprints (All Factions) | Ship Blueprint | Reverse engineering & manufacturing requirement lowered to T9 | 3 |
| Capital Ship Rig I Blueprint | Rig Blueprint | Manufacturing tech level requirement lowered to T9 | 19 |
| Standard Rig IV Blueprint | Rig Blueprint | Reverse engineering tech level requirement lowered to T9 | 19 |
| Large Mining Drone Blueprints | Drone Blueprint | Obtainable from Lv. 9 (and Lv. 10) Scout Cosmic Anomalies | 5 |
| Mining Foreman Burst Blueprint | Module Blueprint | Obtainable from Lv. 9 (and Lv. 10) Scout Cosmic Anomalies | 5 |
| MK9 Module Blueprints (General) | Module Blueprint | Acquirable (e.g., MK9 Module Blueprint Supply Box for specific modules) | 18 |
Beyond specific ships, modules, and skills, reaching Tech Level 9 also opens up new gameplay avenues and interactions within the Eve Echoes universe.
A significant aspect of T9 progression is gaining effective access to higher-level PvE content. Level 9 Scout Cosmic Anomalies become particularly important as they serve as a source for blueprints crucial to the T9 ecosystem, such as those for Large Mining Drones and Mining Foreman Bursts.5 This indicates that T9 pilots will increasingly engage with more challenging PvE encounters to secure the necessary materials and designs for their advanced equipment. The primary method for acquiring certain T9-relevant blueprints, such as those for Mining Foreman Bursts and Large Mining Drones, is through these Level 9 Scout Cosmic Anomalies. This progression is consistent with the general game design where higher tech levels are associated with increased challenges and correspondingly greater rewards. Level 9 anomalies are inherently likely to be more difficult and situated in more dangerous regions of space, such as low-security or null-security systems, compared to their lower-level counterparts. Consequently, to fully capitalize on their T9 industrial potential by obtaining essential blueprints, pilots are incentivized, or often required, to participate in this higher-tier PvE content. This creates a gameplay loop where the advanced T9 ships and modules might themselves be necessary to efficiently and safely complete T9 anomalies, which in turn provide the resources for further T9 item production and advancement.
While not an exclusive T9 unlock, players at this tech level meet criteria for certain corporation-related benefits. For instance, a patch note from February 3, 2021, indicated that players at Tech Level 8 or higher, along with other conditions, could benefit from reduced auditing times for using Corporation Hangars and Wallets.6 Tech Level 9 pilots naturally qualify for such T8+ advantages, potentially streamlining their interactions within their corporations.
Achieving Tech Level 9 is a significant accomplishment, but it also presents pilots with important strategic decisions to maximize their newfound capabilities.
The diverse array of ships and modules unlocked at T9--including powerful Battleships, massive Freighters, tactical Interdictors, and efficient industrial vessels--makes this an opportune moment to solidify or pivot towards a specialized role in New Eden.
Access to T9 ships and modules is only the first step; effective utilization requires dedicated skill training. Pilots should prioritize training the skills directly associated with the T9 assets they intend to use, such as Freighter Operations for haulers or advanced weapon skills for combat ships.7 Given that advanced skills often have lengthy training times 23, foresight and planning are essential to ensure that skill progression aligns with hardware acquisition.
The ships and modules available at T9 typically represent substantial ISK investments. Pilots must carefully manage their finances for both the initial purchase and the potential replacement costs due to loss, especially when operating in higher-risk space. Conversely, the ability to manufacture T9-level items, such as Freighters or Capital Ship Rigs, can create lucrative new income streams for industrially focused players.
Many of the activities that become viable or more efficient at T9--such as large-scale freighter convoys, organized fleet PvP, high-level anomaly expeditions, and extensive mining operations--benefit significantly from coordination and numbers. Joining a player corporation that aligns with one's T9 ambitions can provide crucial support, security, and opportunities.
The unlocks at Tech Level 9 are often interdependent. For example, to effectively operate a T9-accessible Freighter, a pilot requires the corresponding Freighter skills.3 To construct that Freighter, one needs access to its blueprint (reverse engineering for which also becomes a T9 capability) and the necessary manufacturing skills. To acquire blueprints for certain advanced modules, such as the Mining Foreman Burst (which may be used on T10 industrial command ships but whose blueprints are found in T9-level content), a pilot might need to run Level 9 anomalies, potentially requiring a T9 combat ship for efficiency and safety.5 This interconnectedness means pilots should not view T9 unlocks in isolation. A holistic approach to skill training, resource acquisition, and strategic planning is necessary to fully leverage the comprehensive toolkit that Tech Level 9 provides. This dynamic also naturally encourages player interaction and specialization, as one pilot might focus on combat operations to secure anomaly sites, thereby providing blueprints and resources for another pilot specializing in industrial production.
Tech Level 9 in Eve Echoes represents a transformative stage in a Capsuleer's career. It unlocks a formidable array of capabilities, including powerful battleships designed for decisive combat, strategic industrial vessels like freighters and advanced mining barges for large-scale economic activity, specialized modules that enhance both individual and fleet performance, and the crucial skills and blueprint access required to build and operate these advanced assets.
Successfully navigating the opportunities and challenges of Tech Level 9 requires more than just accumulating skill points. Strategic planning in ship choice and role specialization, dedicated skill training beyond the mere unlocking of an item, and a keen understanding of the interconnected nature of T9 assets are paramount. Pilots are encouraged to explore the diverse new avenues that T9 presents, whether their ambitions lie in dominating PvP engagements, efficiently clearing high-level PvE content, or becoming a linchpin of industrial supply chains. This tech tier offers the tools to carve out an advanced and impactful niche in the dynamic universe of Eve Echoes. It is also crucial to remember that New Eden is an ever-evolving galaxy; game updates and balance patches can alter tech level requirements and the relevance of certain items, as seen with adjustments to ships like the Tempest or Covetor.5 Therefore, continuous learning, adaptation, and staying informed about the current state of the game remain key to long-term success and enjoyment.