eve online rule of 8

In EVE Online, the "Rule of 8" refers to an unofficial guideline for skill training efficiency, particularly when planning long-term skill queues. Heres how it works: What is the Rule of 8? The rule states that training a skill to level 8 (instead of the usual maximum of level 5) would take roughly the same amount of time as training two separate skills from level 0 to level 5. This is based on the exponential time increase for higher skill levels (each level takes roughly 2x the time of the previous level). Skill Training Time Breakdown Skill Level Time Multiplier (vs. L1) Example (Skill with 1x multiplier) Level 1 1x 30 minutes Level 2 2x 1 hour Level 3 4x 2 hours Level 4 8x 4 hours Level 5 16x 8 hours Level 6 32x 16 hours Level 7 64x 32 hours (1.3 days) Level 8 128x 64 hours (2.7 days) Why Does the Rule of 8 Exist? It highlights the opportunity cost of pushing a single skill beyond level 5 versus training multiple useful skills to level 5. Training to level 8 is rarely practical (since skills cap at level 5), but the concept helps players understand diminishing returns in skill training. Practical Applications Prioritize Level 5 First Most skills provide the biggest benefits by level 5. Avoid Over-Specializing Early Training many skills to level 4-5 is usually better than grinding one to a hypothetical "level 8." Plan for Remaps & Implants If you do train a skill to level 5, consider whether the time could be better spent on other skills. Exceptions Some skills (like Cybernetics for implants) benefit from being trained as high as possible. Capital ship skills and T2 weapon specialties may justify long training times. Conclusion The Rule of 8 is more of a thought experiment than a strict rule, reminding players to balance deep specialization with broader skill coverage. Always optimize your skill plan based on your goals! Would you like help planning a skill queue?