Ashes of Creation Settlements Mastery: Crafting Stations & ZOI Strategy

In the vast world of Ashes of Creation, settlements power your artisan ambitions—but mismatched stations waste hours and gold. Imagine crafting radiant gear without fruitless treks. This guide unpacks the intertwined systems for seamless progression.

Editor's Note: MMOJUGG curated this from Falco's hands-on Alpha 2 walkthrough, prized for its clarity and live demos. Support the creator with the full video:

Zones of Influence: Your Crafting Gateway

Settlements exert a Zone of Influence (ZOI)—a highlighted map area spanning biomes. Hover the 'M' key for bird's-eye views: flags reveal surface buildings and services. Citizenship unlocks perks gained via node quests or activity in the ZOI.

Settlement Benefit Overview

Playstyle Tip: Solo crafters prioritize ZOI boons for farming loops, while groups leverage shared vaults for bulk processing.

MMOJUGG Tip: Optimal path—maintain dual citizenships across rival settlements. This rotates boons without loyalty lockout, inferred from ZOI overlap mechanics.

Gear Grades: Tiers Within Tiers

Artisan output ties to three grades: Novice (low-level), Adept (mid), and Radiant (current endgame). Each splits into low/mid/high sub-tiers based on item level (ilvl) and materials.

Gear Progression Table

High sub-tiers demand rare reagents (e.g., Thornstrider emblems at 9g each). Flamehard (23) drops commonly from world bosses like Steelbloom. PvP players often target ilvl 26 mid for Glorybound to balance cost and power.

MMOJUGG Tip: Potential risk—ilvl 29 gear locks you into volatile auction reagents. Hedge by stockpiling during low-server population windows.

Service Buildings: Upgrades Decoded

Settlements host artisan hubs: Smithy (metals), Stoneworks (gems), and Woodshops (bows). Base stations are typically Journeyman level (23 ilvl crafting). Mayors approve expansions via buy orders:

• Master Expansion: Unlocks +26 ilvl (e.g., Master Weaponsmithing for Glorybound).

• Grandmaster: Unlocks +29 ilvl (Thornstrike).

Hub Specialization

Playstyle: Jewelers should scout Master Jeweler expansions for Petalshard from Citadel Stillbloom.

Reagent Gates: Processing's Secret Lock

Not all materials can be processed at base stations. The 'P' artisanship tab flags requirements: certification + station + expansion. Blue-rare reagents (e.g., Blistered Emberflame) require Master processing.

Reagent Tiering

• Copper Ingots: Base / Apprentice / Low Cost.

• Iron Fragments: Mid (26) / Master Metalworking / 1-2g.

• Glittering Steel: High (29) / Grandmaster / 5g+.

MMOJUGG Tip: Risk—the mayor may flip expansions mid-wipe. Monitor buy orders and default to processing-first builds for self-sufficiency.

Strategic Crafting Routes

Press 'M', hover the settlement, and check Buildings. Cross-check your 'P' recipes and prioritize:

1. ZOI-aligned citizenship.

2. Material processing availability.

3. Tool recipes (e.g., Quarry expansion for +spoils pickaxes).

Example Route: Bowcrafter → New A (Textile Mill + Woodshop Master Carpentry). Process Braidwood Timber (needs Master Lumbermilling oil). This saves 30+ minutes per session.

Ashes of Creation FAQs on Settlement Services

How do I become a citizen of a settlement?

Complete introductory quests in the ZOI or contribute XP through killing or gathering. The UI tracks progress. You can have one primary citizenship; secondaries are handled via reputation. Benefits like boons activate instantly and scale with your reputation tiers.

What gear can I craft at a base Journeyman station?

You can craft 23 ilvl Radiant low-tier gear, such as Flamehard sets. No expansions are needed for basic processing like copper ingots. Always verify in your 'P' tab by filtering by station type.

What is the difference between Journeyman, Master, and Grandmaster expansions?

Journeyman (base) supports 23 ilvl. Master unlocks 26 recipes/reagents (like Glorybound), and Grandmaster unlocks 29 (Thornstrike). Mayor votes dictate which path a settlement takes.

How can I check station capabilities without traveling?

Open the map with 'M', hover the settlement flag, and select Buildings. Look for the anvil icon for the Smithy. It will list current expansions, such as Master Weaponsmithing, saving you gold on unnecessary travel.

Which settlement is best for optimal weaponsmithing?

Seek nodes with dual Smithies: one focused on Master Weaponsmithing and one on Master Metalworking. This covers the full Glorybound chain. MMOJUGG favor: nodes in ZOI-overlap spots for multi-settlement access.

Why can't I buy certain reagents at a station?

Grayed-out vendors usually mean the settlement is missing a specific processing expansion. Recipe tooltips will explicitly state "Requires Metalworking Expansion" or similar. Scout alternatives via the map or auction house.

You may also like

Fast-track your progression with best leveling spots and efficient gold-making strategies.

• Ashes of Creation Hunting Fast Leveling Spots

• Ashes of Creation Crates Gold Solo Farming Guide

• Ashes of Creation Gold Making Guide for Steam

• Ashes of Creation Lumberjacking XP and Gold Tips

Thanks for Reading

Settlement services transform chaotic crafting into Verra dominance: map smart, choose citizenship strategically, and watch those upgrades.

Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for the latest Ashes of Creation insights. Bookmark for quick refs, and browse our Ashes of Creation Gold Shop to fuel your rise.