What Games Influenced Ashes of Creation?

Ashes of Creation has borrowed ideas from a variety of MMOs, each contributing elements that shape the game’s identity. Here’s a breakdown of the major influences:

• EVE Online: The regionalized economy and the high-risk, high-reward model in transportation are major inspirations. Like EVE, Ashes encourages players to make strategic choices in trading and moving valuable resources, balancing potential profits with the danger of losing goods.

• ArcheAge: ArcheAge’s building systems, naval combat, and the transportation of goods inspired Ashes’ own systems. Players will encounter diverse materials and crafting options that make exploration and gathering meaningful in both PvE and PvP contexts.

• Star Wars Galaxies: The crafting system draws from Star Wars Galaxies’ uniqueness of materials and input options. This design gives crafters in Ashes a strong role, making their contributions critical to the economy and player progression.

• Lineage II: Several systems, including open-world PvP, castle sieges, guild progression, boss drops, and risk-versus-reward mechanics, were adapted from Lineage II. The goal is to create moments of real consequence where players feel both the excitement of success and the sting of failure.

Why Risk Versus Reward Matters

One of the core philosophies of Ashes of Creation is its focus on risk versus reward. Unlike many modern MMOs that provide guaranteed rewards for participation, Ashes emphasizes meaningful stakes. Most players are drawn to this because it creates a sense of achievement that feels earned rather than given.

In practical terms, this affects activities such as resource gathering, trading, and PvP. For example, transporting rare materials through contested zones can lead to high profits, but it also exposes players to ambushes and losses. Similarly, high-tier crafting requires rare components that are often found in dangerous areas, making the crafting process more engaging and impactful. This system encourages players to plan, cooperate, and take calculated risks, which is a refreshing change from “everyone wins” designs seen in many newer MMORPGs.

For players looking to save time or get an edge in the game, some will consider options like buy Ashes of Creation gold online. While this can speed up access to certain materials or gear, most players find that actively participating in the economy and gathering activities provides a more rewarding and immersive experience.

The Role of Crafters and Materials

Crafting in Ashes of Creation is central to its economy and gameplay. Unlike systems where crafting is secondary, here it drives player engagement. Most players will find that crafters are highly valued in guilds and cities, as they produce equipment, consumables, and materials needed for progression and conquest.

Materials come from various sources: enemy drops, gathering nodes, and quests. The diversity of materials encourages exploration and specialization. For instance, a player might focus on mining rare ores while another specializes in herbalism. This division of labor fosters player interdependence, which is one of the game’s defining social features.

Influence on Classes and Archetypes

Ashes of Creation also draws inspiration from older MMOs in the design of its classes. The Bard, for example, was influenced by Lineage II, ArcheAge, and World of Warcraft. The developers looked at successful archetypes like Swordsingers and Blade Dancers, but they also incorporated elements that allow for creative, flexible playstyles.

In general, most players will find that classes in Ashes are designed with both individual skill and group synergy in mind. This encourages a balance between solo play and collaborative strategies, whether it’s in dungeons, sieges, or open-world PvP.

Why Original Lore Was Created

A unique feature of Ashes of Creation is its original world, Verra, and its custom lore. The developers deliberately chose not to rely on existing IPs, instead creating a homebrew universe. According to Steven Sharif, inspiration came from a mix of personal experiences in tabletop RPGs and media like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which emphasized overarching narratives rather than episodic storytelling.

This approach allows for a cohesive story that evolves dynamically with player actions. For most players, this means that choices in quests, city development, and political alignments have lasting consequences, creating a more engaging and reactive world.

How These Inspirations Come Together

In practice, what this all means for players is a game that feels familiar yet distinct. You’ll recognize elements from games you’ve played before—like the strategic economy of EVE or the crafting depth of Star Wars Galaxies—but Ashes merges these ideas into a system where player actions truly matter.

Most players quickly notice that progression isn’t just about grinding for gear. Instead, it’s about making decisions, taking risks, and interacting with the player-driven economy. Guilds, sieges, and PvP zones all become arenas for strategic planning, while crafters and traders gain influence over the flow of materials and wealth.

Ashes of Creation’s design philosophy is rooted in learning from past MMORPGs while taking risks to create something new. The game rewards thoughtful engagement, encourages collaboration, and places meaningful consequences on player actions. For both new players and veterans, understanding these inspirations can make it easier to navigate the world of Verra and appreciate why certain systems work the way they do.

Whether you’re exploring dangerous zones, contributing as a crafter, or strategizing for guild victories, the combination of risk, reward, and a living economy ensures that every decision has weight. Most players who embrace these systems find the experience both challenging and rewarding, offering a fresh perspective compared to more traditional MMOs.