How Settlement Sieges Work in Ashes of Creation

[NovaLancer]

What Are Settlement Sieges?

In Ashes of Creation, settlement sieges are sanctioned PvP events where players can attack or defend settlements that have reached at least the Village stage (stage 3). Unlike random skirmishes or open-world PvP, these events are structured and have clear objectives. The outcome of a siege can influence the growth, security, and future development of a settlement, giving players tangible stakes in the world.

In general, the system encourages strategic planning and political maneuvering. Some settlements may grow into cities, while others might fall if a siege succeeds. This creates a living, breathing world where the choices of players directly affect the game environment.

How Do Sieges Work in Practice?
1. Attacking and Defending

Sieging a settlement is not a simple task. Cities usually have strong defenses, and defenders enjoy a considerable advantage. Most players recognize that attackers need careful coordination, siege weaponry, and support from their guild or faction to succeed. At the same time, developers aim for sieges to remain winnable for both sides, ensuring that no settlement is invincible but also not trivial to conquer.

Defenders must organize effectively, man fortifications, and make tactical use of abilities or siege weapons. PvE-oriented players can contribute as well, even without top-tier combat stats. For example, supporting roles include constructing siege weapons, funding the siege via buy orders or mayoral commissions, repairing walls, and providing buffs or stealth support. Lower-level characters can still be impactful by manning siege engines, scaling walls, or performing proximity-based duties.

2. Participation and Event Mechanics

During Alpha-2, settlement sieges are open-world but include a temporary registration system to manage participation. Both attackers and defenders must register and be approved. Players who are near the battle but not registered may face consequences such as being automatically eliminated. This approach helps keep event sizes manageable while testing mechanics and scaling for future updates.

While the Alpha-2 MVP does not allow for full settlement destruction, successful sieges still grant rewards via mail. These rewards incentivize participation and make contributing meaningful even if the settlement itself remains intact. Most players participate not just for rewards but for the strategic satisfaction of influencing their region’s political landscape.

3. Siege Roles Beyond Combat

One of the unique aspects of settlement sieges is that not all roles require high combat power. For instance:

Siege Engineers: Construct and maintain siege weapons, which are critical for breaking through defenses.

Support Players: Repair fortifications or supply buffs to key positions.

Strategists: Coordinate attacks and defenses, assign roles, and adjust tactics in real-time.

These roles ensure that a broader range of players can participate meaningfully. In practice, even if you are not a max-level fighter, your contribution can significantly impact the tide of battle.

4. Instanced Battles and Open-World Integration

Although most of Ashes of Creation’s content (~80%) is open-world, sieges can include instanced battles within settlements. These are usually short, objective-based encounters where specific groups can participate in smaller-scale combat without affecting the entire battlefield. This dual approach allows the game to handle large numbers of participants while keeping fights meaningful and manageable.

5. Strategies and Tips

For players who want to make the most of settlement sieges:

Coordinate With Your Guild: Communication and planning are crucial. Decide roles, target objectives, and ensure resources are available for siege engines.

Support, Even if Non-Combat: Completing mayoral commissions, funding buy orders, and assisting in fortification repairs can turn the tide.

Watch for Registration Requirements: Make sure you register in time to avoid being eliminated automatically.

Protect Your Home: If you own property in a node, participating as a defender ensures it remains safe.

Some players also look for ways to maintain or grow resources efficiently during siege events. A trusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold can be helpful for those looking to prepare their characters or guilds without spending excessive grinding time, though most progress still comes from active participation in the world.

Settlement sieges in Ashes of Creation offer one of the most engaging ways for players to interact with the game’s world. They are designed to challenge players, reward teamwork, and provide meaningful consequences for both attackers and defenders. Whether you are a PvP enthusiast or prefer supporting roles, sieges create opportunities to make a tangible impact on the political and economic landscape of the game.

Participation is not just about combat; strategic planning, resource management, and coordination play equally important roles. In practice, players who understand the dynamics of siege warfare and contribute effectively can influence the course of their node’s future, making settlement sieges a highlight of the Ashes of Creation experience.