Combat Timers

When engaged in combat in EVE Online, there are quite a few different things that a pilot must remain constantly aware of. One of these things are the various timers which can restrict the options a pilot has available to him at any given time. This article will cover the basics of these timers that directly affect combat situations.

Combat Aggression Timer (60 Seconds)

The combat aggression timer will come into effect at any time you have performed an aggressive action against another pilot. This timer will prevent you from docking or using stargates. Note that the timer will count from the last aggressive action you did. Also note that if you have damage drones attacking another pilot, those drones count as an aggressive action as well.

PvP Log Off Timer (15 Minutes)

The PvP log off timer is triggered by any aggressive action a pilot takes or is taken against him. If a pilot with an active PvP log off timer logs out from the game, his ship will remain in space for at least 15 minutes afterward. If the pilot is shot again after logging off within the 15 minutes, the timer will reset to 15 minutes. This timer will renew for the capsule, should the ship be destroyed.

NPC Combat Log Off Timer (2 Minutes)

This timer functions the same way as the PvP log off timer except it only lasts 2 minutes. It only applies if the PvP timer is not in effect and the pilot has engaged in combat with NPCs in the last 2 minutes. Unlike the PvP timer, it cannot be extended by shooting at the pilot once they've logged off.

Non-Combat Log Off Timer (1 Minute)

This timer functions the same way as the PvP log off timer except it only lasts 1 minute. It only applies if neither the PvP or NPC combat log off timers are in effect. Unlike the PvP timer, it cannot be extended by shooting at the pilot once they've logged off.

Session Change Timer (10 Seconds)

This timer only comes into effect if the pilot has initiated a session change. A session change is any activity which will cause a change of status for that pilot's character. For example this includes, but is not restricted to boarding ships, undocking and jumping through gates. This timer will prevent another session change from taking place for it entire duration.

Related article: Session Change Timer

Global Criminal Countdown (15 Minutes)

If you perform any actions in Empire space (0.1 security status to 1.0 security status) that are against CONCORD law, then you will receive this timer. This includes, but is not restricted to all hostile actions against other pilots to whom you do not have any rights to engage in Empire space. In high security space (0.5 and above) you will be engaged by CONCORD vessels who will do everything in their power to destroy your ship while this timer is active. In low security space (0.1 to 0.4) you will be engaged by all sentry guns placed around gates and stations.

This timer will reset at any time you are spotted again by sentry guns or CONCORD vessels. This means that it will always reset if you warp to a station to dock or to a gate to jump out.

The Criminal Flagging System:
http://wiki.eveonline.com/wiki/Criminal_Flagging_System

NPC Agression Timer (15 Minutes)

This comes into effect at any time you engage an NPC entity in combat of any sort. This will cause all other NPCs belonging to that NPC's faction to become hostile to you. This is normally not an issue unless you are around solar systems where the NPC faction has stations as the sentry guns will engage you if you warp to those station with the timer active.