Play EVE Online for freeIt’s been the talk of CCP Games for several weeks over, but it’s finally here and playable as of last night: EVE Vanguard has officially started its open Operation Nemesis playtest, granting everyone access to the MMOFPS module of the wider EVE Online sandbox from now until Thursday, October 2nd.

“This free, limited-time event introduces a narrative-driven New Player Journey, a new map, formidable new enemies, and an expanded arsenal of far-future weaponry. Participants embark on faction-driven Expeditions and squad up in fierce PvEvP combat, marking the next step toward EVE Vanguard’s Steam Early Access launch in Summer 2026.”

In addition to all of the features listed above, this test begins the closer integration between the shooter and the spaceship sandbox, as FPS squads can gain intel that will help pilots in New Eden reveal and raid new upwell convoys.

For those who are eager to dig in, the download link can be found here. Otherwise there’s a gameplay trailer waiting just below in case you happen to be a more visual learning type.

sources: press release, Steam