The Drake is one of the most iconic Caldari Battlecruisers in EVE Online, renowned for its passive shield tank and missile-based damage. Whether you’re running Level 3 missions, ratting, or engaging in PvP, the Drake is a versatile and forgiving ship. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Drake, including fits, skills, tactics, and mission strategies.
Passive shield tank, long-range missile damage, forgiving for new players
Weaknesses
Slow speed, limited DPS without advanced skills, struggles in Level 4 missions
Cost
Affordable (around 50-100M ISK fully fitted)
Best Fits for the Drake In EVE Online
1. Passive Tank PvE Fit (Level 3 Missions)
Slot
Module
High Slots
6x Heavy Missile Launcher II
Mid Slots
10MN Afterburner II Large Shield Extender II x2 Multispectrum Shield Hardener II
Low Slots
Ballistic Control System II x3 Shield Power Relay II x2
Rigs
Medium Core Defense Field Purger I x3
Drones
Hobgoblin II x5
Ammo
Scourge Heavy Missiles
Why It Works: This fit maximizes shield regeneration and missile damage, making it ideal for Level 3 missions. The passive tank allows you to sustain damage without relying on active modules.
2. Active Tank PvE Fit (Level 3 Missions)
Slot
Module
High Slots
6x Heavy Missile Launcher II
Mid Slots
10MN Afterburner II Large Shield Extender II Large Shield Booster II Multispectrum Shield Hardener II
Low Slots
Damage Control II Ballistic Control System II x3
Rigs
Medium Capacitor Control Circuit I x3
Drones
Hobgoblin II x5
Ammo
Scourge Heavy Missiles
Why It Works: This fit uses an active shield booster for higher burst tanking, making it more versatile for tougher missions. It’s cap-stable with proper skills.
3. PvP Fit (Faction Warfare)
Slot
Module
High Slots
6x Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II
Mid Slots
10MN Afterburner II Stasis Webifier II Warp Scrambler II Large Shield Extender II
Low Slots
Ballistic Control System II x3 Damage Control II
Rigs
Medium EM Shield Reinforcer I Medium Core Defense Field Purger I x2
Drones
Hobgoblin II x5
Ammo
Scourge Rage Heavy Assault Missiles
Why It Works: This fit focuses on close-range combat with Heavy Assault Missiles and tackling modules to lock down enemies. It’s effective in small-scale PvP engagements.
In Skill Plan for the Drake In EVE Online
Skill
Level
Importance
Caldari Battlecruiser
IV
Increases shield tank and missile damage.
Heavy Missiles
IV
Required for using Heavy Missile Launchers.
Shield Operation
IV
Improves shield regeneration and capacity.
Shield Management
IV
Increases shield capacity for better passive tanking.
Missile Launcher Operation
IV
Boosts missile rate of fire and damage.
Target Navigation Prediction
IV
Improves missile accuracy against fast-moving targets.
Drones
V
Allows you to use 5 drones for additional damage.
Light Drone Operation
III
Increases drone damage output.
Advanced Skills: Train Heavy Missiles V, Shield Upgrades IV, and Advanced Weapon Upgrades IV for optimal performance.
Tactics and Mission Strategies
1. Level 3 Missions
Range Management: Stay at 30-50km from NPCs to minimize incoming damage while maximizing missile range.
Target Priority: Focus on battlecruisers and battleships first, as they deal the most damage.
Passive Tanking: Use shield extenders and power relays to maintain a strong passive tank.
Warp-Out Strategy: Always align to a celestial object and be ready to warp out if your shield drops below 25%.
2. PvP Tactics
Kiting: Use Heavy Missiles to engage enemies at range while maintaining speed with an Afterburner.
Tackling: Use Stasis Webifiers and Warp Scramblers to lock down targets and prevent escape.
Drones: Deploy Hobgoblin II drones to deal additional damage to smaller ships.
Pros and Cons of the Drake In EVE Online
Pros
Cons
Forgiving for new players
Slow speed
Excellent passive shield tank
Limited DPS without advanced skills
Affordable and easy to fit
Struggles in Level 4 missions
Versatile for PvE and PvP
Vulnerable to energy neutralizers
The Drake is a fantastic ship for new and intermediate players, offering a balance of tankiness, damage, and affordability. Whether you’re running Level 3 missions or engaging in Faction Warfare, the Drake is a reliable choice. For more advanced players, consider transitioning to ships like the Tengu or Rattlesnake for higher DPS and versatility.
10MN Afterburner II
Large Shield Extender II x2
Multispectrum Shield Hardener II
Ballistic Control System II x3 
Shield Power Relay II x2
Large Shield Booster II
Damage Control II
Stasis Webifier II
Warp Scrambler II