Introduction to Invention in EVE Online

Invention is one of the core pillars of Tech II industry in EVE Online. It is the process that allows industrialists to take Tech I blueprint copies (BPCs) and attempt to convert them into Tech II blueprint copies, which are required to manufacture advanced ships, modules, drones, and equipment.

Without invention, most Tech II production simply does not exist. It is the gateway between basic manufacturing and high-end advanced industry.

What Is Invention?

Invention is an industrial process where:

A Tech I blueprint copy is combined with datacores, decryptors, and sometimes other components to attempt to create a Tech II blueprint copy.

It is not guaranteed success. Instead, it is a probability-based system, meaning:

Some invention jobs succeed
Some fail
Efficiency depends on skills, materials, and modifiers

Why Invention Exists

EVE’s economy is designed so that:

Tech II blueprints are not freely available in unlimited supply

Instead of direct acquisition, players must:

Research Tech I blueprints
Use invention to create Tech II copies
Manufacture Tech II items from those copies

This creates:

Market scarcity
Industrial competition
Ongoing demand for datacores and materials

What Can Be Invented?

Invention applies to a wide range of Tech II items, including:

1. Ships

Frigates
Destroyers
Cruisers
Battlecruisers (selected variants)

2. Modules

Weapons
Tank modules
Electronic warfare modules
Utility systems

3. Drones

Combat drones
Logistics drones
Electronic warfare drones

4. Ammunition and Charges

Tech II ammo types
Specialized charges for advanced weapons

The Invention Process (High-Level)

Invention follows a structured workflow:

Step 1 – Create or Acquire a Tech I BPC

Blueprint copies are obtained through copying or market acquisition

Step 2 – Gather Datacores

Datacores are consumed during invention.

Common types include:

Engineering datacores
Electronic datacores
Mechanical datacores
Science-specific variants

Step 3 – Add Optional Components (Decryptors)

Decryptors modify:

Success chance
Number of runs
Material efficiency of resulting BPC

Step 4 – Run Invention Job

The job is processed in an industry facility or structure.

Step 5 – Outcome

Success → Tech II BPC created
Failure → materials consumed, no output

Key Mechanics of Invention

1. Success Chance

Invention is probabilistic, meaning:

You are never guaranteed a Tech II blueprint copy

Success rate depends on:

Skills
Datacore type and quantity
Decryptor usage
Base blueprint difficulty

2. Blueprint Runs

Successful invention produces a Tech II BPC with:

Limited number of manufacturing runs
Fixed material requirements per run

3. Material Efficiency (ME) and Time Efficiency (TE)

Tech II BPCs include modifiers that affect:

Material consumption during manufacturing
Production time

Decryptors can improve or worsen these values.

Why Invention Matters in Industry

Invention is critical because it:

1. Enables Tech II Production

Without invention, most Tech II items cannot be manufactured.

2. Drives Datacore Demand

Datacores become a permanent industrial commodity market.

3. Creates Industrial Entry Points

New players can enter Tech II industry without owning original blueprints.

4. Supports Entire Supply Chains

Invention feeds into:

Reactions
Manufacturing
Market trading

Costs Involved in Invention

Invention is not free. Costs include:

1. Datacores

Primary recurring cost per attempt.

2. Blueprint Copies

Each invention job consumes a BPC.

3. Decryptors (Optional)

Used to improve outcomes but add significant cost.

4. Facility Fees

Charged by structures or NPC stations.

5. Opportunity Cost

Failed invention jobs consume time and materials without return.

Profitability of Invention

Invention profitability depends on:

Cost of datacores
Market price of Tech II output
Success rate efficiency
Decryptor usage strategy

Key idea:

Invention is profitable only when Tech II output margins exceed the cost of failed attempts.

Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Ignoring failure rate

Many beginners assume every invention job produces a blueprint.

2. Overusing expensive decryptors

Can destroy profit margins if not calculated properly.

3. Invention without market research

Producing unprofitable Tech II items.

4. Not scaling invention properly

Too few jobs = inconsistent supply chains.

5. Misjudging datacore costs

Datacores are often the largest ongoing expense.

Where Invention Fits in Industry

Invention sits between:

Tech I Production

↓

Invention (BPC → T2 BPC)

↓

Tech II Manufacturing

↓

Market / Fleet Use

It is the gateway step into advanced industry.

Final Summary

Invention in EVE Online is the process of converting Tech I blueprint copies into Tech II blueprint copies using datacores, optional decryptors, and probability-based outcomes. It is the foundation of Tech II industry and enables the production of advanced ships, modules, drones, and ammunition.

While it offers a scalable entry point into high-end manufacturing, invention introduces complexity through success rates, material costs, and market dependency. Profitability depends on careful balancing of input costs versus Tech II output value.

In essence, invention is the bridge between basic manufacturing and advanced industrial production—and mastering it is essential for any industrialist aiming to operate in Tech II markets.