Ashes of Creation (PC) has released new details and even first gameplay since the beginning of the year. Therefore, this MMORPG is currently being hotly discussed. However, some readers on reddit and here on MeinMMO fear that it may be too ambitious and, consequently, could fail.
What is so special about the game? Ashes of Creation has been in development since 2016. It occupies a unique position because it was launched by millionaire Steven Sharif. He had no experience in game development at the start but made a lot of money selling juice in the USA and was therefore able to finance the game himself in the beginning.
He gathered several developers from well-known games like EverQuest and Planetside 2 around him and had interesting ideas with which he wanted to bring fresh air into the genre.
However, some of these ideas, especially regarding the nodes and the scale of the battles, seem too bold and even utopian to some players. This concerns both the technology and the way it will be utilized by players.
But what makes the game actually so interesting and are the plans actually feasible? We at MeinMMO have taken a closer look at the contents of Ashes of Creation.
The leveling of nodes and the struggle for them
What are nodes? The entire game world of Ashes of Creation is divided into 103 different nodes at the start of the game. These are areas in the world that can be leveled up and improved.
Players can complete tasks and quests within them and thus collect XP for the nodes. Through this system, a node can develop from a small camp to huge cities and metropolises with mayors and player-owned housing.
Some nodes will offer dungeons and boss fights that can only be unlocked at higher levels. Since a node ensures that neighboring areas cannot level up to the same or a higher level, this creates incentives for PvP to “delevel” a node. Even PvE players may need to participate in these battles if they want to experience certain content.
Additionally, the nodes differ in type. There are those with a focus on economic, military, religious, or scientific aspects.
What is the problem with this? Some MMO fans are skeptical about the node system, especially since the number of 103 areas is large. They fear that the technical implementation of an open world with so many variables and the vassal nodes will be difficult and labor-intensive.
The way players interact with the system could also lead to problems:
- While lucrative nodes with dungeons or raids level up, border or simply unattractive areas may be neglected and ignored.
- Some guilds are so strong that they hold a megacity that can never be captured again. Players may therefore lose interest in AoC.
- In both cases, this could potentially lead to PvP coming to a standstill.
What argues for a good solution? So far, the worries are mainly countered by promises and concepts from the developers. In the first gameplay of the pre-alpha, the basic leveling of nodes was presented, and it worked.
Moreover, this system is essentially the core of Ashes of Creation. The developers at Intrepid Studios have done everything to make the nodes work and will likely continue to do so in the future.
Massive battles with 500 players
How are the battles for nodes and fortresses supposed to unfold? 5 areas in the game world of Ashes of Creation contain massive fortresses. These are supposed to be difficult to conquer and will each influence 20% of the entire game world. Consequently, the fortresses will be popular among large guilds.
Up to 500 players can participate in the battles for these fortresses.
What is the problem with this? Experiences from other, more modern MMORPGs have so far shown that battles with such large player numbers often lead to lags and server problems.
What argues for a good solution? Since there have not yet been playable battles for fortresses, there is little to say. The only positive aspect is the server issues that Intrepid Studios faced with their Battle Royale Apocalypse.
There were enormous problems during the first release in 2018, which were resolved in the course of 2019. However, only 40 players faced each other at that time.
Can PvE players have fun at all?
What does Ashes of Creation offer? In this MMORPG, a lot revolves around the nodes, housing, and battles for the areas. For PvP players, there are also caravan events and dedicated arenas.
Aside from that, Ashes of Creation is also supposed to engage PvE players with the following content:
- Quests
- Crafting
- Dungeons and raids in the open world
- Instanced dungeons and raids (for 8, 16, and 40 players)
- Events where nodes are attacked by PvE creatures
What is the problem with this? Ashes of Creation relies on open-world PvP. This does not appeal to every MMORPG fan and therefore leads to discussions. Particularly pure PvE fans are often deterred by the fact that other players can simply kill them.
What argues for a good solution? This MMORPG relies on a corruption system that is supposed to punish players when they kill other players outside of PvP events.
If the corruption level rises too high, they can even lose their entire inventory upon death. Additionally, other players can kill them without being marked for PvP or the corruption level.
Is the game even coming out in the next few years?
Where does Ashes of Creation stand today? The ambitious MMORPG is currently in its first closed alpha. There, players who invested early and heavily can take their turns. However, tests are only supposed to take place at certain times, and there are no permanent servers yet.
What is the problem with this? The first tests only allow the players to see a small part of the vast world. Implementing everything and thoroughly testing will require a significant amount of time and money.
On MMORPG reddit, user Dandi601 even drew comparisons to Star Citizen, a space game that has been in development for a long time and has swallowed huge sums.
What argues for a good solution? Starting in the fall of 2020, there should be servers that run permanently, and the NDA is expected to be lifted as well. At the same time, CEO Steven Sharif appears optimistic and cannot resist a dig at New World regarding the release.
However, there is currently no exact date for the release. And it also looks like it will be a while longer. The original plan of the end of 2019 has already been scrapped.
If you no longer want to wait for a new MMORPG, you can try one on July 23. We at MeinMMO have already introduced you to V4 here.
