Gate camping a busy lowsec thoroughfare can be an easy, low effort way to get PvP content while in an off Timezone or in between gangs. This guide aims to teach you some mechanics around gate camping so that you can eventually run your own small gate camp!
Recommended Local Locations : Mifrata/Sendaya or Mendori/Rahadalon
When gate camping we must first realise that there are two distinct styles of camp:
Offensive Gatecamp
- All ships stay within jump range of the gate, ready to pursue an enemy or move on.
- Sacrifices depth and effectiveness for high mobility and flexibility.
- Used when the enemy is coming to you from your side of the gate.
An offensive gatecamp is formed with ships tucked into the gate at 0m and cruiser and smaller craft orbiting the gate between 1000-2000m. Fleet tackle specifically fitted for fast locking can sit at 0m with 0m/s speed with MWDs on in order to quickly give chase to hostiles jumping through. Offensive gatecamps allow the fleet to remain mobile, able to jump through the gate in pursuit of an enemy. NOTE - In lowsec only TANKED light tackle should be used.
Defensive Gatecamp
- Fleet is spread out around the gate at optimal attack ranges.
- Useful for defensive or ambush purposes.
- Sacrifices mobility for combat effectiveness.
- Drones are out
The fleet will set up with tacklers orbiting at 1000-2000m and all other craft spread in a sphere around the gate at their optimal ranges. This puts EW and snipers in their best positions, spreads the fleet out and puts the fleet at 100% effectiveness for range. Fleet interceptors and destroyers specifically fitted for fast locking can sit at 0m with 0m/s speed with fleet drones (if deployed) assigned to them. It is not suited for mobility however, since most ships will require warping to a celestial object and then back in order to jump through the gate. This type of gatecamp is useful when you know the enemy is coming to you.
Eyes
Having a cloaked character in every system around your camp is invaluable for feeding you intelligence about who and what is coming. Until a ship is entering your trap, the only benefit of watching your main's ship is looking at how pretty it is. Use an alt to scout the paths into you. Through this you may end up changing gate to react.
Furthermore, with scouts you can spot potential threats to your camp and adapt as needed - or even retreat.
Sample Gate Camp Fitting & Comp
Conventionally we would recommend our WARMIND setup for gate camping lowsec, with some additional support from fast tackle and instalock/instaweb ships.
Adding in a cyno ship is good practise too - to call in the Rekking Crew hammer.
A great beginner ship is the Gnosis - see fit below.
[Gnosis, [-SAS-] GATECAMP NewBro]
Damage Control II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Reactive Armor Hardener
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
1600mm Rolled Tungsten Compact Plates
Sensor Booster II
Sensor Booster II
Sensor Booster II
50MN Y-T8 Compact Microwarpdrive
Warp Disruptor II
Stasis Webifier II
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Void M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Void M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Void M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Void M
Heavy Ion Blaster II, Void M
Medium Gremlin Compact Energy Neutralizer
Medium Trimark Armor Pump I
Medium Trimark Armor Pump I
Medium Trimark Armor Pump I
Infiltrator II x5
Warrior II x5
Void M x1000
Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge M x1000
Scan Resolution Script x3
Tactically, you want to sit on gate at 0km with your fleet's eyes checking for targets. If you have to jump through, burn back to gate at 0km.
Once your target jumps to you, ensure your sensor boosters are on and pre-overheat your Web and any Scramblers in the fleet. When it decloaks, begin your lock and pre-apply your interdiction modules. Also set your ship to approach with MWD on. This will cause you to go on a "bump" course - which will hinder them burning back to gate.
In lowsec make sure you bounce off grid, or to a far away ping on grid so you lose gate gun aggro - and do not jump to highsec if you have just killed a pod.
Continuously drop loot at your station of choice and enjoy some isk and the most chill PvP around!