How Do Players Acquire Housing?
In general, there are two main ways for players to get housing in Ashes of Creation: purchasing directly from settlements or buying from other players.
Buying from Settlements:
When a settlement reaches a certain stage, it can issue deeds for freehold plots. Villages (stage 3) or higher settlements typically allow players to purchase these plots directly. The deeds are essentially a license to claim a home within that settlement, and ownership comes with responsibilities like paying property taxes. Most players check settlement progression carefully to plan when and where to buy, as prices and availability are directly linked to the settlement’s size and activity.
Buying from Other Players:
Freeholds can also be traded among players. In practice, this means you may be able to find properties that are already developed or in premium locations without waiting for the settlement to issue new deeds. Player-originated sales do not have a strict price cap, so costs can vary widely depending on location, plot size, and community demand.
Some players also choose to engage in the real estate market strategically, buying properties in high-demand areas to later sell them at a profit. This aspect of housing adds an investment angle to the game’s economy. In certain cases, players looking for resources may even combine property ownership with other activities. For instance, some players might
buy Ashes of Creation gold from U4N to quickly secure high-value plots without spending extensive time farming in-game currency.
How Are Auctions Used for Housing?
Currently, many freehold plots are sold via auction. This process usually follows a structured approach:
Grace Period: Newly available housing does not immediately enter the auction. Instead, a short grace period occurs, giving players a chance to prepare or plan their bids.
Starting Bids: The auction opens with a minimum reserve value. This starting price is generally calculated based on the number of citizens in the settlement. More populous settlements tend to have higher starting bids, reflecting the increased demand and potential value of properties there.
Winning the Auction: At the conclusion of the auction, the highest bidder wins the house. Most players treat auctions like a competitive marketplace where preparation, timing, and in-game currency reserves make a significant difference.
Auctions introduce a dynamic element to housing ownership. Unlike fixed-price sales, you may have to engage in bidding wars, especially for premium plots or those in highly developed settlements. Because of this, many experienced players monitor settlements closely to anticipate when auctions might occur.
How Does Housing Pricing Work?
Housing prices in Ashes of Creation are influenced by several factors:
Settlement Size: The larger and more populated the settlement, the higher the base price for housing. Most players notice that base prices scale with citizen numbers, meaning that popular areas can become expensive very quickly.
Player Demand: Player-originated sales are not capped, so motivated sellers can ask for significant premiums if a property is in a desirable location.
Type of Housing: Static housing, like apartments in established settlements, generally commands a higher price. These plots are limited and often highly contested. In general, the more apartments that have already been purchased in a settlement, the higher the price will scale for remaining properties.
Because of these factors, housing is often seen not just as a utility but as a strategic asset. Players tend to weigh the long-term value of a plot before making a purchase, balancing location, potential rental income (if such systems are implemented), and risk factors like sieges.
What Are the Risks of Owning Housing?
Owning property in Ashes of Creation comes with inherent risks that most new players may not anticipate:
Sieges: Player housing is linked to settlement security. If a settlement is attacked and your property is destroyed during a siege, it cannot be sold. This introduces a level of risk that most traditional MMO housing systems do not have.
Taxes and Foreclosure: Housing ownership can default back to the settlement if property taxes are not paid. When this happens, any outstanding balance and penalties transfer to the new purchaser, similar to a foreclosure process in real-world terms. Experienced players usually maintain awareness of tax deadlines to avoid losing valuable assets.
Housing Limits: Players cannot exceed their allotment of housing, meaning you cannot monopolize plots across multiple settlements beyond the game’s limits. This ensures that housing remains competitive and encourages players to make strategic decisions about where to invest.
In short, housing in Ashes of Creation is a combination of investment, utility, and strategy. Players who understand these risks are more likely to make profitable and sustainable decisions in the in-game economy.
How Do Player-to-Player Transactions Work?
Freeholds purchased from other players can either be sold directly or put up for auction. The seller usually has full control over the sale method:
Direct Sales: Some players prefer direct sales to friends, guildmates, or negotiated buyers. This method can sometimes result in a faster and simpler transaction but may limit the selling price.
Auctions: Others put properties up for auction to maximize return, especially in high-demand settlements. Auctions can drive prices significantly higher than direct sales because of competition among buyers.
It’s worth noting that the developers are still considering additional mechanisms for player-to-player transactions, such as rental or leasing options. While these are not yet implemented, most players expect that these systems, if added, could further diversify the ways housing can generate value within the economy.
Can All Players Buy Housing?
Yes, most players have the opportunity to buy a freehold if they meet the requirements, and the game does not allow settlements to deny players from purchasing housing. However, competition and economic factors usually determine who acquires the most desirable plots. Those who plan ahead, monitor settlement progression, and maintain sufficient in-game currency are generally more successful in securing high-demand housing.
Because of the competitive nature of housing, some players supplement their in-game currency to improve their chances. For example, it’s common for players to buy Ashes of Creation gold from U4N to secure a property during a high-stakes auction without spending weeks farming gold. While not necessary for everyone, this option highlights how external resources can affect gameplay strategy.
Practical Tips for Navigating Housing
Based on common player behavior, here are some tips for handling housing effectively:
Monitor Settlement Growth: The stage of a settlement directly affects when deeds become available and how much they cost. Staying informed allows players to time their purchases strategically.
Plan for Taxes: Always account for property taxes. Defaulting can result in losing your investment and passing debt to a new purchaser.
Consider Location Carefully: Properties in central or highly active settlements are usually more valuable. Look for spots that balance accessibility, visibility, and potential investment value.
Engage With the Auction System: If a property you want is up for auction, prepare your bid in advance. Auctions can be competitive, and timing is critical.
Understand Risk Management: Housing is not immune to sieges or destruction. Experienced players often diversify their investments or choose plots that minimize risk.
By treating housing as both a utility and an investment, players can enhance their overall experience in Ashes of Creation and make strategic decisions that benefit them in the long term.
Housing in Ashes of Creation is a complex system that blends settlement progression, player competition, and economic strategy. Most players approach it with a mix of planning and risk management, paying attention to settlement size, auction mechanics, and tax obligations. Whether acquiring property from the settlement, trading with other players, or participating in auctions, understanding the nuances of the system is essential.
Freeholds are not just homes—they are strategic assets. Managing them wisely can lead to significant rewards, while neglecting the responsibilities can have tangible consequences. In general, the more a player understands settlement dynamics and player behavior, the more successful they will be in navigating Ashes of Creation’s housing system.
Everything Players Need to Know About Ashes of Creation Real Estate
