Flying a Machariel in EVE is an exercise in controlled aggression. Unlike the methodical, anchored dominance of a Marauder or the patient drone warfare of a Rattlesnake, the Machariel wins battles through blitzing speed and devastating projectile volleys. Its distinctive, utilitarian appearance belies its nature as the ultimate fast battleship, capable of warping at incredible speeds and unleashing the second-highest projectile damage output of any battleship, surpassed only by the Vargur Marauder. When you pilot this vessel, you are not a fortress; you are a hurricane, leaving only wreckage in your wake.
The ship’s reputation is built on a foundation of raw statistical superiority. Its core bonuses make it a projectile turret master:
- Gallente Battleship Bonus: 7.5% bonus to Large Projectile Turret falloff per level.
- Minmatar Battleship Bonus: 5% bonus to Large Projectile Turret damage per level.
- Role Bonus:
- 25% bonus to Large Projectile Turret rate of fire and 25% bonus to warp speed and acceleration.
- 100% bonus to Shield Extender hitpoints.
- 75% reduction in projection weapon reload time.
This incredible synergy means you’re applying devastating damage at ranges where most enemies can’t effectively retaliate, while moving between objectives faster than any other battleship class vessel. With an 8 high / 6 mid / 6 low slot layout, it maintains remarkable fitting flexibility despite recent rebalancing that shifted one low slot to a mid . For capsuleers seeking the ultimate Level 4 Mission blitzer or a formidable small-gang skirmisher, the Machariel remains a Top-Tier Choices.
Essential Skills for Machariel Pilot
Commanding a vessel of such pedigree requires substantial investment, both in skill points and tactical understanding. The Machariel is unforgiving of poorly skilled pilots, but immensely rewarding to those who come prepared.
Required Skills To Fly it
| Skill Name | Skill Level | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Spaceship Command | I | 8m |
| Spaceship Command | II | 47m |
| Spaceship Command | III | 4h 26m |
| Spaceship Command | IV | 1d 1h 8m |
| Gallente Frigate | III | 8h 53m |
| Gallente Destroyer | III | 8h 53m |
| Gallente Cruiser | III | 22h 13m |
| Gallente Battlecruiser | III | 1d 2h 40m |
| Gallente Battleship | I | 1h 6m |
| Minmatar Frigate | III | 8h 53m |
| Minmatar Destroyer | III | 8h 53m |
| Minmatar Cruiser | III | 22h 13m |
| Minmatar Battlecruiser | III | 1d 2h 40m |
| Minmatar Battleship | I | 1h 6m |
| Total Cumulative Time | 6d 16h 41m 50s |
Recommended Skills Level for Efficiency
- Minmatar Battleship (IV) & Gallente Battleship (IV): These are non-negotiable. Level IV unlocks the full potential of your damage and range bonuses, with Level V being the ultimate goal for perfectionists.
- Large Projectile Turret (IV): The heart of your damage output. Training this to IV is essential, with V providing that critical edge for maximum performance.
- Gunnery Support Skills: Motion Prediction IV, Rapid Firing IV, Sharpshooter IV, Surgical Strike IV, and Trajectory Analysis IV are mandatory. Each directly or indirectly increases your applied DPS and range.
- Weapon Upgrades (V) & Advanced Weapon Upgrades (IV): The Machariel can be notoriously tight on fitting, especially with artillery and active tank modules. These skills are essential for fitting a powerful, balanced ship.
- Shield Operation (IV) & Shield Management (IV): These form the bedrock of your active shield tank, increasing capacity and recharge rate.
- Tactical Shield Manipulation (IV): Reduces the chance of shield penetration, a vital layer of defense in heavy combat.
- Capacitor Management (IV) & Capacitor Systems Operation (IV): Active shield tanks are capacitor-hungry. Stable capacitor is the difference between victory and a costly pod ejection.
- Drones (V): Your five drone slots are crucial for dealing with frigates that can slip under your turret tracking. Light drones should be considered a primary weapon system, not an afterthought.
Fitting Your Machariel: One Optimal Build for PvE
The Machariel’s slot layout provides incredible flexibility, but most successful PvE fits follow a core philosophy: maximize damage application while maintaining enough tank to survive initial aggression. Your incredible speed and range are your primary defense.
Active Shield Tank Build
This Machariel Fit is the cornerstone of the ship fame, designed for clearing Level 4 Missions with breathtaking speed and efficiency. It leverages a powerful active shield tank that can handle peak damage while your projectiles eliminate threats.
| Slot | Module | Specific Recommendation & Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| High (8) | Weapon System | 7x  800mm Repeating Cannon II |
| – | – | |
| Mid (6) | Propulsion | 1x  100MN Afterburner II |
| Shield Booster | 1x  Pith X-Type X-Large Shield Booster | |
| Shield Amplifier | 1x  Shield Boost Amplifier II | |
| Tracking | 2x  Tracking Computer II (Optimal Range Script) | |
| Hardeners | 1x  Mission-Specific Shield Hardener (Gist X-Type) | |
| Low (6) | Damage | 3x  Republic Fleet Gyrostabilizer |
| Application | 2x  Tracking Enhancer II | |
| Core | 1x  Damage Control II | |
| Rigs (3) | Projectile | 1x  Large Projectile Ambit Extension II |
| Projectile | 1x Large Projectile Burst Aerator II | |
| Hyperspatial | 1x  Large Processor Overclocking Unit I | |
| Drones | Anti-Frigate | 5x  Warrior II /  Hobgoblin II |
| Damage | 4x  Sentry Drones (e.g., Federation Navy Garde) |
Final Thoughts
The Machariel is more than just a collection of bonuses and modules; it is a philosophy. It teaches that in New Eden, speed is its own form of power, and that a perfectly placed shot is better than a thousand wasted ones. It is a testament to Angel Cartel ingenuity—taking a stolen Jovian design and forging it into one of the most feared and respected battleships in the cluster.