New MMORPG Ashes of Creation: No one is forced into PvP

PvP plays an important role in the upcoming MMORPG Ashes of Creation, but no one has to participate if they don’t want to.

PvP divides fans of MMOs. Some find the thrill of danger and the associated higher rewards important, while others want nothing to do with it and prefer to gather resources, craft, explore, and complete quests in peace. A new MMORPG has a hard time pleasing everyone. So does Ashes of Creation, which is developed by former creators of the now-defunct Everquest: Next.

PvP is not mandatory but important

In an interview, Steven Sharif, founder of Intrepid Studios and Creative Director of Ashes of Creation, spoke about the PvP system, among other things. Sharif wants to make it clear that no one is forced into PvP in the game. Nevertheless, PvP plays an important role. Those who do not participate in player-versus-player battles can still influence them. For example, by improving the city’s defensive structures, breeding faster mounts, or crafting stronger siege weapons.

The game features a flag system through which players can participate in PvP. Everyone starts as a “green” non-PvPer. If you attack another player, you become “purple,” indicating you are ready for PvP. This status disappears after a while if you do not attack anyone.

If you enter PvP zones like sieges or travel with a caravan, you will automatically turn purple for the time you spend in that area and for a short time afterward. If a PvP player attacks a non-PvPer, they become “corrupt” and thus “red.” Corrupt players accumulate corruption points. This is intended to keep griefers and gankers somewhat in check.

Player killers and griefers are heavily punished

Corrupt players can be attacked by anyone, even by non-PvPers, who do not become unlocked for PvP through this. Corrupt players also suffer significant disadvantages when they die. While a non-PvPer loses EXP upon their death, suffers durability loss to their equipment, and must surrender a portion of their resources, a PvPer only experiences half of these disadvantages, which should encourage players to participate in PvP more often. A corrupt player, on the other hand, receives triple the disadvantages that a non-PvPer must endure upon death. Depending on their corruption points, they also lose an item.

Additionally, a Q&A video has been released where the team of Ashes of Creation answers some questions from the community, including about housing, the lore, the guilds, and more.

More articles about Ashes of Creation:

Ashes of Creation sounds like Everquest Next – You shape the world

Ashes of Creation wants to blow up traditional MMO gameplay