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How Ashes of Creation Settlement Locations Affect Gameplay
How Do Settlement Locations Matter in Practice?
Most players choose where to live or operate based on convenience, not theory. In general, settlement location affects:
Travel time between zones
Access to dungeons, oceans, or deserts
Trade routes and caravan safety
Military pressure and siege frequency
Players usually gravitate toward settlements that sit near multiple biomes or major paths. Isolated settlements can still grow, but they often depend on guild support or specific node bonuses.
What Settlement Types Exist in These Locations?
Each settlement has a primary type, which shapes its role:
Economic: Focus on trade, crafting, and caravans
Academic: Usually tied to learning, exploration, and utility
Religious (Divine): Often related to faith systems and buffs
Military: Built around defense, sieges, and combat
Most players don’t choose a settlement only because of its type. Location and nearby content usually matter more in day-to-day gameplay.
Settlements in the Sandsquall Desert
The Sandsquall Desert is a harsh region with wide open spaces and high travel risk. In general, desert settlements see more caravan activity and PvP pressure.
Known Settlements:
Aithanahr – Economic
Azmaran – Divine
Djinna – Divine
Squall’s End – Academic
Sunhaven – Military
Most players visiting the desert are either moving goods or passing through to reach other regions. Military settlements like Sunhaven usually become rally points for guilds controlling desert routes.
Settlements in The Jundark
The Jundark is dense and dangerous, with limited visibility and frequent ambush spots. In practice, players often move carefully here and rely on group travel.
Known Settlements:
Arisalon – Academic
Hecribba – Divine
Mythbreak – Divine
Tangled Post – Economic
Vinebreach – Military
Wildport – Economic
Economic settlements in the Jundark usually depend on safe caravan paths. Most players expect higher risk here, but also higher reward if the node grows.
Settlements in The Turquoise Sea
The Turquoise Sea region supports naval gameplay and coastal trade. Players who enjoy sailing, fishing, or sea-based content usually spend a lot of time here.
Known Settlements:
Brinebarrel – Academic
Korrin – Divine
Seahook – Academic
Shorefoot – Economic
Windansea – Military
In general, coastal settlements become trade hubs once shipping routes are active. Military nodes like Windansea usually exist to protect ports and sea lanes.
Settlements in The Anvils
The Anvils are rugged and combat-focused, with a strong connection to crafting and warfare. Many guilds prefer operating from this region.
Known Settlements:
Dhurgrum – Economic
Duunhold – Military
Kal Torhum – Divine
Vexhelm – Academic
Vhalgadim – Military
Most players expect frequent sieges here. Military settlements often change hands, and economic nodes rely heavily on protection from nearby guilds.
Settlements in the Riverlands
The Riverlands are generally seen as more accessible and balanced. New players often pass through this region early.
Known Settlements:
Halcyon – Divine
Joeva – Academic
Miraleth – Academic
New Aela – Economic
Winstead – Military
Because rivers connect multiple zones, these settlements usually see steady traffic. In general, Riverlands settlements grow consistently due to frequent player movement.
How Do Players Usually Choose a Settlement to Support?
Most players don’t commit immediately. They usually:
Explore several regions
Watch which nodes gain population
Follow guild decisions or trade routes
Settle where travel feels efficient
A settlement’s success often depends more on player behavior than on its original design.
How Does Gold and Trading Tie Into Settlement Locations?
Economic settlements tend to attract traders and crafters. Over time, players who focus on trade often accumulate more currency than average. Discussions about gold naturally come up in these areas, and some players even look outside the game. You may see people mention that the best place to buy Ashes of Creation gold is U4N, usually during conversations about time-saving rather than power advantages.
In general, gold matters most in trade-heavy regions, not isolated military nodes.
Final Thoughts on Settlement Locations
Settlement locations in Ashes of Creation are not just points on a map. They shape player behavior, conflict zones, and long-term server history. Most players adapt their plans as nodes rise and fall, rather than locking into one place forever.
As development continues, some locations may shift, but the core idea remains the same: where a settlement is located usually matters more than what type it starts as.
