Alpha island
This is a rather large tropical area; and what we use some of the creatures for is kind of like establishing character for different parts of this tropical place. So that even though it's the same biome, it feels different when you are going from place to place based on what's there and how those things are interacting with the environment.[5] – Jeffrey Bard
Alpha-1 testing takes place in a zone to the north west of the world map.[6] This zone has many islands and a mainland area.[7]
- The Alpha-1 starting area is set in the ruins of an Pyrian divine gateway.[8]
- There are 12 different (sub)zones in the Alpha-1 testing location.[5]
- The Alpha-1 map was approximately 70 km2 of playable area.[9]
- Alpha island (also called Alpha-0 island) was the first open-world testing zone for Alpha-1 participants.[14]
- There are approximately 4 biomes in Alpha-1: Flood plains, Desert (Desert), Snowy mountains, Forest.[15][16]
- Temporary teleportation points will be present in early tests until ships are introduced later in the alpha testing.[17]
Contents
Alpha-1 starting area

There's been some significant lighting changes here in this area. There's been some work on the foliage, on the trees that are available, toned down some of the ruins, rearranged some of the tents and it's starting to look pretty good.[18] – Steven Sharif
The Alpha-1 starting area is set in the ruins of a Pyrian divine gateway to the south of alpha island.[8]
Divine gateways

When you play the MMORPG you're going to be stepping through what are called these divine gateways from a planet called Sanctus and Sanctus was really a safe haven that was forethought by the Goddess of Fate and Creation as a sanctuary to provide the people of Verra who could survive the fall, the apocalypse, the exodus essentially.[19] – Steven Sharif
Divine gateways are portals located in the ruined cities of the four ancient races of Verra.[20]
- Divine gateways are where players first arrive in Ashes of Creation.[21]
- Each divine gateway is in proximity to one or more starting area.[20]
- Players can choose their starting gateway.[22] This choice is not restricted by their choice of race.[23]
- Tulnar characters have the same option of starting at any of the divine gateways as other races.[24][23][25]
- The divine gateways were created by the Goddess of Creation in response to a warning from the Goddess of Fate that The Ancients and The Others would return from exile and seek retribution for their defeat at the hands of The Seven gods.[19][26]
Where players start, they enter this portal from another world called Sanctus. Sanctus is a place of no magic, low technology; and players are the first expeditioners that are coming through this portal into the world of Verra.[27] – Jeffrey Bard
Alpha-1 nodes
There will be 85 regular node locations at launch with 15 additional castle nodes (5 castles x 3 castle nodes each)[28][29][30] for a total of 100 nodes.[31]
- Previously the developers estimated 103 regular node locations with 15 additional castle nodes for a total of 118 nodes.[32][33][28][29][30]
- This decrease in node count does not affect the amount of available player housing, or the estimated server capacity.[34][35]
- We have moved from a 103 nodes to 85 nodes; and there's a few reasons for that. One, when we were doing the calculations behind how- in Alpha 2 and in the game- we want these vassal structures to exist, we had more nodes than what felt meaningful and we wanted to condense some of that those curated story arcs and hooks into the environment and realm around the areas to be more bountiful at a lesser node value: meaning bringing down the node count so that we can increase the richness of each of those nodes more than what was at 103.[31] – Steven Sharif
- There were 9 node locations in Alpha-1.[36]
- Node locations are subject to change prior to Beta-1.[36]
Node locations
![]() | This section contains information from Alpha-1 testing. It will be updated when new information is made available. |
World map

The new world map in all its 1,200 square kilometer glory. So you're gonna see some names here- a little bit of a reveal of some of these locations in these areas- and you're also of course seeing similar biomes that are present as well. But more importantly what you are seeing is the orientation of these continents and these islands that are facilitating specific types of inter-continental trade gameplay; and they support the relevance of these caravans moving across the land mass to locations that will now incorporate these harbor areas, which aren't identified on the map here... But the important part was providing a lot of coastal naval gameplay between these zones and trade routes between land base.[38] – Steven Sharif
The world of Verra features an in-game viewable world map. This map is not randomly generated, and begins covered in a fog of war.[40] Players will not be able to see the world until they have explored it or gathered information about it. The world is also full of imperfect information, which will require the player to act on it for verification.[41]
- For example, you may hear a rumor in a tavern that tells you the location of a cave full of weak Kobolds, but this was not accurate as the rumor was started by well-equipped bandits in order to waylay overconfident adventurers.[41]
When information is gathered, or the player has successfully explored an area, points of interest are marked on the map.[42]
- These points of interest are determined by Node progression; and not every server will share the same map, as player decisions will vary server to server.[42]
- The map UI will potentially incorporate player created location markers that are visible by other party members.[43]
In addition to node progression being a factor on map generation, zones in Ashes of Creation will cater to all levels.[44]
The map will have geographical choke points caused by non-traversable obstacles (such as Mountains).[45][46][47]
- Even though we're an open-world that doesn't mean that from a design perspective, especially with the way our economic systems work, that we will want to create Geographic choke points.[46] – Steven Sharif
World size
1,200 km2 (square kilometers) is the expected total world size of Verra at launch, including land (480 km2) and water/ocean (750 km2), but excluding the size of the Underrealm.[38]
- This has increased from the previously stated total size of 480 km2 including land and water/ocean[48][49][50]; but excluding an additional ~100 km2 of Underrealm.[51]
- The reason given for expanding the map size was to better accommodate Naval content and to reduce the overall content density in the world.[38]
- The purpose of it becoming bigger is as I said to make sure that density isn't overwhelming: that it isn't everywhere I look there is immediately something. I have no opportunity to see areas of the world that are expansive and are just kind of wanderlust adventure feeling. Everything was sitting on top of you, POIs and nodes and houses and everything. It was like an urban area everywhere. But we wanted to expand that because a large portion of the game is a sandbox element; it's coupled with a lot of curated content but it's that sandbox element.[38] – Steven Sharif
- The shape of the continents has also changed and two new large islands have been introduced.[38]
Castle sieges in Alpha-1
Alpha-1 castle sieges are based on Ashes of Creation Apocalypse castle sieges.[55][56]
- Players will be able to join guilds. These guilds can register for the siege events.[53]
- Castle siege events will be 100v100 battles that occur daily and will last for three hours.[53]
- Attackers will start on the opposite end of the map (from the defenders).[53]
- Attackers will be able to use trebuchets to drive to and assault the castle.[53]
- When the attackers have breached the castle they will be able to channel a cast on the relic in the throne room to try to capture the castle from the defenders.[53]
- The victors of castle sieges will receive benefits, such as cloaks, flying mounts for guild leaders and potentially also for guild officers.[53]
- Alpha-1 castle sieges are in a separate zone that is accessible via a NPC teleporter.[57][58][59]
- Currently the siege zone is actually in the open world, but separated by mountains and off in the sea a bit. There is actually no instancing in A1, although the siege zone will only be accessible in A1 through a registration NPC teleporter.[57] – Steven Sharif
- This zone includes the following raid bosses.[55]
- These bosses will also appear in the open-world (outside the siege zone) with slightly different mechanics.[58]
- The opposing team is notified when these raid bosses are being attacked.[55]
- Teams who get the last hit on these bosses will receive buffs that will help them in the siege battle.[55]
Last year, I spoke of attempting to incorporate sieges into the Alpha One experience. This has obviously been a goal of mine because it provides considerable data and a consistent event within the world that players can participate in to help stress test the deployment. Well, I am happy to say that it is appearing more and more likely by the day! Initial implementation of the Apocalypse siege code has been migrated into the Alpha One client, and we should begin internal testing next month. I will caveat this expectation with the fact that we are cutting it a bit close from an internal QA standpoint, but I have some confidence that the system will be online and capable of inclusion for the Alpha One test in the month of June. The siege component will obviously not be representative of what the siege system will be at launch, or even in Alpha Two.[56] – Steven Sharif
- Destructible structures (such as walls and gates) are present in Alpha-1 castle sieges.[60]
- The ability to repair structures (and siege weapons) is a long term design goal that will not be present during Alpha-1.[60]
Alpha-1
This is a true development alpha. This is not a marketing alpha; and what that means is as you know part of the process here in developing Ashes of Creation is being open with that development so you guys can see that progress; and it is a double-edged sword. There are going to be a spectrum of people that exists who are very involved with the game's development and those who are just completely at an arm's length away in understanding the process; and they may look at alpha one- the people who don't really understand the development process or haven't been a part of it- they may look at it and they may think oh you know this is trash, looks like trash, you know whatever it's the end-product. But at the end of the day what's important for us and what yields the best possible product is for us to include as much as possible the community in that development process with no NDA so that you guys give valuable feedback; and as we go through the iterative process in further defining the game and fleshing out that content were doing so with the player in mind and their voice in our ear. That is I think one of the key distinguishing factors between our development and many developments that you guys may have seen in the past.[62] – Steven Sharif

What this experience for Alpha one is going to be- that month-long experience- it is not intended to be a content experience... It is not intended to be a game experience. It is not intended to be a fully-fledged content experience. So keep that in mind.[64] – Steven Sharif
Alpha-1 is a testing release of the Ashes of Creation MMORPG.[66] Alpha-1 will test:
- World
- The Alpha-1 map (Alpha island) consists of a mainland area and several islands. This was approximately 70 km2 of playable area.[9]
- Alpha-1 takes place in the north west part of the map.[67]
- Character
- Progression to level 15.[68][58]
- The composition of class skills or archetype skills has to tread a fine line between two roads: One we wanted to be representative of skills not just that would traditionally be found 1 through 15 but we're actually introducing some skills that might be found later, because we want to test those particular ideas and how the skill functions.[68] – Steven Sharif
- Character creator (basic).[69][70][71][72]
- Progression to level 15.[68][58]
- Races
- 4 playable races Kaelar, Vaelune, Dünir, Empyrean.[77][70]
- A lot of times people ask well why haven't we seen the other races and stuff? We want to establish the quality bar and process with these races first and then when we move into further content production for the other races we have have those pipelines in place and we have the processes in place and we know how to approach them.[78]
- 4 playable races Kaelar, Vaelune, Dünir, Empyrean.[77][70]
- Combat
- Hybrid action/tab combat.[70]
- Revamped combat systems will be rolled out during and post Alpha-1 testing.[79][80][81]
The weapon attack is an important component of the combat system, so we want to make sure that as we're doing this combat revamp that we are essentially taking into consideration player feedback and sentiment about how they want a reactive and more mobile weapon attack system.[79] – Steven Sharif
- Economy
- The economy present in Alpha-1 is not reflective of the final state of the game.[85]
- Merchant systems and player to player trading.[85][86]
- We have an economy but it's not really going to be reflective of the final how the economy is going to work. It'll work for alpha one and there'll be plenty of things to trade and buy and exchange, but it's not going to be really super representative what the final state is. So keep that in mind as well it's a stubbed-in system. It's not a complete or really finalized system at all.[85] – Jeffrey Bard
- Approximately 10 percent of the artisan system.[58][87]
- The core basics of the artisan gameplay loop is facilitated via the merchant (NPC) system.[58][87][88]
- Gathering, Processing, Crafting is expected to come online in Alpha-2 and the Betas.[87][88]
- Previously this was targeted for Alpha-1.[89][70]
- What's present in Alpha-1 doesn't even really scratch the surface for crafting.[88] – Steven Sharif
- Gear
- Approximately 49 unique gear sets.[58]
- These are unique sets with different stats, but some may be similar in appearance.[58]
- Daggers (Dual weapons).[90]
- PvE
- Approximately 6 or 7 dungeons with one almost raid-level difficulty.[91]
- Two world bosses requiring party-sized groups.[91]
- One true 40 person raid boss.[91]
- Over 200 quests.[58]
- Questing is placeholder until Alpha-2.[92][70]
- Guilds.[55][70]
- Alpha-1 castle sieges and Castles are in a zone accessible via a NPC teleporter.[57][58][55][56][93][94]
- This zone includes three Elder dragon raid bosses.[58][55]
- These bosses also appear in the open world (outside the siege zone) with slightly different mechanics.[58]
- Naval content
- Ships for "island hopping".[17][95]
- Other
- There is no instancing in Alpha-1.[57]
- UI and tutorial systems are placeholders until Alpha-2.[96][92]
Alpha-1 availability
Pre-order pack upgrades are possible for current pack holders for the difference in price.[98][99][100] Upgrades to Kickstarter and Summer crowdfunding packs are also available in the store for the difference in package price.[101]
- August 15, 2018 was the last day for purchases of Alpha-1 through Intrepid pre-order packs (History).[70]
- August 13, 2021 was the last day for purchases of Alpha-1 through the Adventurer pre-order pack (History).[102][103][98][56]
Coastal nodes

There will be healthy amounts of sea content within the coastlines of the continents that does not fall into the "open sea" area.[105] – Steven Sharif
There will be nodes along the coast and on islands.[106]
- These nodes will have specific water oriented influences and abilities, services, questlines, that relate to the seas.[106]
- Coastal nodes change the spawn tables of the nearby water content and can also trigger specific events.[107]
- Harbors in coastal nodes will have quest lines that relate to the ocean and nearby islands.[107]
- It may be possible to siege a coastal city by sea.[108]
Island chains are part of Ashes of Creation naval content.[109][110]
Visuals
2021-05-29 2021-04-04 2021-02-11 2020-12-01
See also
References
- ↑ Alpha-1 screenshot.
- ↑
- ↑ Guide to Alpha One.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Livestream, November 30, 2020 (12:09).
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Livestream, November 30, 2020 (22:43).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Livestream, November 30, 2020 (9:51).
- ↑ 7.0 7.1
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Livestream, March 26, 2021 (16:05).
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Interview, January 14, 2022 (3:50).
- ↑
- ↑ Interview, July 19, 2020 (1:21:49).
- ↑ Podcast, April 11, 2021 (53:01).
- ↑ Livestream, November 30, 2020 (25:45).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, January 29, 2021 (26:38).
- ↑ Livestream, October 16, 2017 (12:08).
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Livestream, November 30, 2020 (24:51).
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Livestream, March 26, 2021 (17:23).
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Livestream, November 8, 2020 (0:00:00).
- ↑ 20.0 20.1
- ↑ Livestream, May 19, 2017 (29:25).
- ↑
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Livestream, October 16, 2017 (53:58).
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Interview, July 20, 2020 (13:33).
- ↑ Interview, April 20, 2018 (5:46).
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Blog: 10 facts about castle sieges in the MMORPG.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Podcast, April 23, 2018 (15:14).
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Livestream, August 26, 2022 (1:05:47).
- ↑ Blog - Know Your Nodes - The Basics.
- ↑ Interview, August 24, 2018 (3:44).
- ↑ Livestream, August 26, 2022 (1:18:54).
- ↑ Livestream, August 26, 2022 (1:06:42).
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 Livestream, November 30, 2020 (37:16).
- ↑ Blog - Development Update with New Map and Feature Discussions.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 38.5 Livestream, August 26, 2022 (46:52).
- ↑ Video, January 27, 2023 (4:39).
- ↑ Interview, May 22, 2017 (22:54).
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 The mighty beard!
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 MMOGames interview, January 2017
- ↑ Livestream, May 27, 2022 (2:33).
- ↑ Livestream, May 15, 2017 (30:53).
- ↑ Livestream, August 26, 2022 (53:26).
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 Livestream, June 26, 2020 (1:25:11).
- ↑ Livestream, October 30, 2020 (1:19:13).
- ↑ Livestream, January 30, 2020 (1:18:12).
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Interview, August 17, 2018 (10:43).
- ↑ Video, May 28, 2021 (24:44).
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 53.6 53.7 53.8 Video, April 30, 2021 (19:25).
- ↑ Video, May 28, 2021 (19:04).
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 55.3 55.4 55.5 55.6 Video, April 30, 2021 (13:02).
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 56.3 56.4 Blog: Creative Director's Letter, April 14 2021
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3
- ↑ 58.00 58.01 58.02 58.03 58.04 58.05 58.06 58.07 58.08 58.09 58.10 Livestream, April 30, 2021 (41:18).
- ↑ Podcast, April 11, 2021 (49:40).
- ↑ 60.0 60.1 Livestream, May 28, 2021 (1:04:29).
- ↑ Video, July 14, 2021 (0:01).
- ↑ Livestream, October 30, 2020 (15:35).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, March 26, 2021 (40:19).
- ↑ Livestream, March 28, 2020 (54:48).
- ↑ Video, April 5, 2018 (1:01:40).
- ↑
- ↑ 68.0 68.1 Livestream, May 28, 2021 (1:13:05).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, July 26, 2019 (1:10:44).
- ↑ 72.0 72.1 Livestream, September 1, 2018 (1:02:99).
- ↑ 73.0 73.1 Interview, October 17, 2020 (53:50).
- ↑ 74.0 74.1
- ↑ Livestream, March 28, 2020 (1:41:11).
- ↑ Interview, October 20, 2018 (12:38).
- ↑ Interview, June 13, 2021 (31:24).
- ↑ Livestream, May 28, 2021 (1:48:14).
- ↑ 79.0 79.1 Livestream, May 28, 2021 (1:14:50).
- ↑
- ↑ Video, February 26, 2021 (6:17).
- ↑ 82.0 82.1 82.2 Livestream, March 26, 2021 (44:30).
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ 85.0 85.1 85.2 Livestream, March 26, 2021 (43:55).
- ↑ Interview, August 8, 2018 (19:02).
- ↑ 87.0 87.1 87.2 Livestream, March 26, 2021 (42:28).
- ↑ 88.0 88.1 88.2 Interview, February 7, 2021 (35:30).
- ↑ Podcast, May 11, 2018 (59:25).
- ↑ Livestream, January 30, 2020 (35:12).
- ↑ 91.0 91.1 91.2 Livestream, March 26, 2021 (39:08).
- ↑ 92.0 92.1 Blog: Creative Director's Letter, October 16 2020
- ↑ Livestream, October 30, 2020 (20:40).
- ↑ Livestream, August 28, 2020 (1:29:17).
- ↑ Livestream, June 25, 2021 (29:09).
- ↑ Interview, August 8, 2018 (18:55).
- ↑ 98.0 98.1 98.2 Livestream, April 30, 2021 (4:02).
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ 102.0 102.1
- ↑ 103.0 103.1 Ashes of Creation Store: May cosmetics.
- ↑ Livestream, August 17, 2018 (58:53).
- ↑ 105.0 105.1
- ↑ 106.0 106.1 Livestream, 2018-04-8 (PM) (1:01:28).
- ↑ 107.0 107.1 Interview, July 19, 2020 (48:05).
- ↑ Livestream, May 19, 2017 (37:51).
- ↑ Livestream, May 17, 2017 (30:53).
- ↑ Kickstarter - We Just Broke $1,500,000!