The Tengu in EVE Online doesn’t punch above its weight so much as it borrows a bigger weight and borrows your enemies’ lunch money.” — the Caldari strategic cruiser is a toolkit first, a showpiece second. In 2025 the Tengu still wears versatility like armor: subsystem choices let you flip roles mid-session, it runs missile batteries with frightening range and punch, and it’s a favourite for dedicated PvE pilots, wormhole hunters, and pilots who like to bring one ship to many problems. This guide explains the Tengu’s mechanical core, then walks two practical builds (a HAM-focused PvE grinder and a wormhole/solo RLML kiter), skill priorities, piloting rhythm, and common mistakes so you fly smarter and earn more ISK.
Understanding the Tengu's Core Identity in EVE Online
The Tengu's power stems from its subsystem mechanics, which allow it to specialize for specific roles far beyond what most ships can achieve. Each of the four subsystem categories offers three choices, creating numerous possible combinations. This flexibility comes with complexity, as your choices dramatically affect the ship's capabilities, fitting options, and combat performance.
The Tengu's inherent bonuses include:
- 5% reduction in module heat damage amount taken per Caldari Strategic Cruiser skill level
- 10% bonus to nanite repair paste repair speed per Caldari Strategic Cruiser skill level
- 99% reduction in Scan Probe Launcher CPU requirements (role bonus)
- Rigs may be removed from this ship without being destroyed (role bonus)
These bonuses make the Tengu particularly resilient to module heat damage and efficient at using nanite repair paste, while its role bonuses facilitate exploration fittings without sacrificing valuable CPU
Key Advantages:
- Unparalleled customization through subsystem choices
- Exceptional shield tanking capabilities across most configurations
- Ability to fit a covert ops cloaking device with the Covert Reconfiguration subsystem
- Strong missile damage application with selectable damage types
- Excellent mobility and strategic flexibility for nullsec operations
Essential Skills for the Tengu Pilot
Flying a Tengu effectively requires significant investment in both core spaceship skills and subsystem specialization. The vessel's potential is only unlocked through comprehensive training
Core Competencies:
- Caldari Strategic Cruiser IV/V: Essential for reducing heat damage and improving nanite paste efficiency
- Caldari Offensive Systems V: Maximizes missile damage output for combat configurations
- Caldari Defensive Systems V: Significantly enhances shield tanking capabilities
- Missile Support Skills: Heavy Missiles V, Heavy Assault Missiles V, Rapid Launch, Warhead Upgrades, and specialization skills
- Shield Management V and Shield Operation V: Critical for maintaining strong shield tank
Support Skills:
- Guided Missile Precision and Target Navigation Prediction IV+: Improves missile application against smaller targets
- Missile Projection and Missile Bombardment IV+: Extends missile range capabilities
- Weapon Upgrades and Advanced Weapon Upgrades IV+: Helps with module fitting
- Electronics and Engineering skills: Provide necessary CPU and powergrid for fitting advanced modules
Skill Training Priority Table
| Priority Level | Skill Name | Recommended Level | Impact on Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical | Caldari Strategic Cruiser | IV | Reduces heat damage significantly |
| Critical | Caldari Offensive Systems | V | Maximizes missile damage output |
| High | Heavy Missile Specialization | IV | Substantial damage increase |
| High | Shield Management | V | Major tank improvement |
| Medium | Guided Missile Precision | IV | Better application vs. small targets |
| Medium | Missile Bombardment | IV | Extended missile range |
Core Fitting Philosophy: Balancing Tank, Damage, and Utility
Think in three axes: missiles, turrets, and electronic/utility. The Tengu’s community tends to specialize into two useful archetypes: the HAM PvE grinder (heavy assault missiles, medium-booster shield tank, 100MN/AB tempo) and the RLML / wormhole kiter (long-range rapid launchers or javelin/cruise hybrids, covert/scan subsystems, and mobility). Pick the axis that fits your ISK goal: steady mission ISK or fast, high-value WH/DED runs.
- HAM Tengu = comfortable single-pilot missioning with high continuous DPS (you accept closer ranges).
- RLML / Kiter = more positional, longer range, better at removing tackle or sniping logistics in gang situations.
EVE PvE Fitting Examples for Tengu
Build 1 — HAM PvE Tengu (Level-4s / DEDs / WH sites)
This is the “go-to” Tengu fit for pilots who want consistent ISK per hour and a forgiving tank. The offensive subsystem is Accelerated Ejection Bay (missile damage, RoF and velocity bonuses). Defensive tends toward Amplification Node or Supplemental Screening for stronger shield booster performance. Core subsystem commonly used is Augmented Graviton Reactor for extra fitting room / capacitor, and propulsion is often Fuel Catalyst or Chassis Optimization depending on whether you want more raw speed or better agility. Many community fits run 6 Heavy Assault Missile Launchers, a medium shield booster, a 100MN AB or afterburner, and a stack of missile-guidance/missile-application mods.
| Slot | Module (example template) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Highs | 6× Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II | ||
| Mids |
| ||
| Lows | 2x Missile Guidance Enhancer II / Warhead Rigor Catalyst II | ||
| Rigs |
| ||
| Drones & Ammo | Light drones for tackle • Scourge/Rage (HAM) and Caldari Navy variants for heavy waves |
- Playstyle: anchor at 20–35 km (HAM optimal depends on ammo), paint problem cruisers, cycle the medium booster when spikes land, and swap missile types for faction resist holes.
Build 2 — RLML / Wormhole Tengu
When you want to keep enemies at arm’s length — or run C3/WH pirating — go RLML/Javelin/cruise. Consider the Covert Reconfiguration defensive subsystem if you plan covert-ops or blops roles (cloak/cyno), or pick Supplemental Screening for pure survivability. Core choice shifts to Electronic Efficiency Gate or Augmented Graviton depending on whether you need sensor strength for scanning or more fitting room. This fit leans on range rigs, launcher velocity/rigs, and mobility (MJD or AB) to control who can touch you. Community WH pilots often run RLML tengus with covert cyno or specialized scanning clones for multi-role runs.
| Slot | Module (example template) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Highs | 6× Rapid Light Missile Launcher II or 4× Rapid Light Missile Launcher II + 2× Cruise/Light mix | ||
| Mids |
| ||
| Lows |
| ||
| Rigs |
| ||
| Drones & Ammo | Lights for tackle removal • Javelin / Nova missile selection for range / damage type |
- Playstyle: orbit or kite from 40–90 km depending on launcher type, use MJD to reset anchors or exit bubbles, and carry a mobile depot when you expect refits in WH space.
Tactics and Survival Protocols
Flying a Tengu effectively requires more than just a good fit—it demands situational awareness and smart tactical decisions.
- HAM configurations require maintaining 15-25km from targets
- Use AB/MWD to control range and mitigate incoming damage
- Learn to "kite" enemies by moving away while applying DPS
- Use missile precision scripts for smaller, faster targets
- Switch to range scripts when engaging battleships at distance
- Consider target painters for improved application against frigates
- Carry a mobile depot and alternative subsystems
- Refit when changing activity types (e.g., from PvE to exploration)
- Use covert subsystem for safe travel through dangerous space
- Always monitor local chat and intel channels
- Have pre-aligned escape routes ready
- Use covert subsystem and nullifier when traveling through nullsec
- Don't commit to sites when hostiles are in system
Economic Considerations and Upgrade Paths
The Tengu offers excellent value for investment, with T2 fits starting around 400-500 million ISK and faction-fit versions running 800 million-1.5 billion ISK .
Budget Considerations:
- Start with T2 modules and upgrade gradually
- Prioritize faction shield boosters and ballistic control systems
- Use deadspace shield amplifiers for better performance without signature bloom
Progression Paths:
- PvE Focus: Progress to Rattlesnake or Golem for higher DPS
- PvP Focus: Develop Loki or Legion for alternative strategic cruiser options
- Exploration Focus: Use Tengu as bridge to Astero or Stratios for dedicated exploration
Embracing the Adaptive Warrior
The Tengu represents the pinnacle of modular warfare in New Eden—a vessel that rewards specialized knowledge and careful planning with remarkable versatility. Whether you're running high-level PvE content, engaging in solo PvP, or serving as a specialized fleet asset, the Tengu offers capabilities that few other ships can match. Its subsystem-based design encourages experimentation and adaptation, mirroring the evolving nature of warfare in EVE Online .
Mastering the Tengu teaches fundamental skills that transfer to nearly every other ship: range management, application optimization, and situational awareness. The lessons learned while configuring and flying this versatile strategic cruiser will serve you well throughout your EVE career. So undock with confidence, experiment with different subsystem combinations, and discover why this shape-shifting sentinel remains one of EVE's most respected and adaptable vessels years after its introduction. The Tengu doesn't just open doors to content—it opens minds to new possibilities in spaceship combat