What Happens When a Settlement Is Destroyed?

When a settlement falls in a siege, it is marked as destroyed. This does not mean it disappears permanently; rather, it enters a phase of redevelopment. During this phase, the settlement will gradually rebuild itself, but the final outcome can vary significantly from what existed before. Unlike other games where rebuilding is purely cosmetic or time-based, Ashes of Creation adds dynamic factors that influence the redevelopment process.

Most players notice that the speed and nature of redevelopment are affected by who controls the area, what races are active nearby, and the relationships between settlements. In practice, this means that no two redeveloped settlements are exactly the same, even if they start from identical pre-siege conditions.

How Do Different Races Influence Settlement Redevelopment?

One of the first things that affects redevelopment is the population that moves in after a siege. Different races can become the primary contributors to rebuilding a settlement. In general:

• Race composition impacts aesthetics and culture. For example, if humans dominate redevelopment, you may see architectural styles and decorations reflecting their cultural influences. If elves are the primary contributors, the settlement may feature more natural elements, like tree-integrated buildings or flowing water features.

• Resource priorities can shift. Some races tend to focus on different economic activities, which can influence what crafting stations and production facilities appear in the settlement.

Most players find that observing which races are moving in first gives them clues about how the settlement’s economy and defenses will evolve.

The Role of Government in Settlement Design

In Ashes of Creation, settlements have governments that can influence redevelopment. When a destroyed settlement starts rebuilding, the design and structure can be altered depending on the type of government in power.

• Military governments usually prioritize fortifications, walls, and watchtowers. Settlements under strong military leadership may rebuild more slowly, as resources are diverted to defensive measures, but they are often more resistant to future attacks.

• Commercial governments focus on marketplaces, trade hubs, and economic infrastructure. These settlements may grow faster economically but could be more vulnerable to raids during redevelopment.

• Community-focused governments aim for social spaces, cultural buildings, and public facilities. In practice, these settlements often attract more players interested in crafting, social interaction, or guild activities.

Most players tend to see redevelopment reflect the priorities of the government rather than simply replicating the settlement as it was before.

Interaction With Other Settlements

Another major factor influencing redevelopment is how nearby settlements interact with the destroyed settlement. These interactions are both political and economic:

• Allied settlements may provide aid in resources or manpower, which speeds up redevelopment. Players often notice that settlements with strong regional alliances recover faster and may adopt features similar to their allies.

• Rival settlements can influence redevelopment indirectly by controlling resources or attacking rebuild efforts. If a neighboring settlement is hostile, the redeveloping settlement might prioritize defenses or delay expansion.

• Trade networks also shape redevelopment. A settlement positioned strategically between other active settlements may redevelop as a trade hub, while more isolated settlements may focus on self-sufficiency.

In practice, most players see the redeveloped settlement as a reflection of the surrounding political and social environment rather than just an isolated area.

Player Behavior During Redevelopment

Redevelopment is not just about systems and mechanics; it’s heavily influenced by player behavior. Some practical observations from active players include:

• Early movers shape long-term identity. Players who contribute first to rebuilding can determine which buildings, services, and resource nodes appear.

• Guild coordination matters. Organized groups often rebuild settlements faster and more efficiently than unaffiliated players. They may also choose strategic designs that give them future advantages.

• Economic influence. Players who invest in crafting and trading during redevelopment can make a settlement more prosperous, influencing which businesses survive and thrive.

It’s also worth noting that the redeveloped settlement may become a target for other players seeking to disrupt growth. Understanding these patterns can help you make better decisions, whether you are defending, attacking, or simply participating in a settlement’s economy.

Practical Tip: Planning Your Involvement

If you’re considering participating in a settlement’s redevelopment, it helps to observe a few things first:

1. Which race is contributing most?

2. What kind of government is in control?

3. How are nearby settlements interacting with this area?

4. Are there active guilds coordinating development?

Answering these questions gives you an edge in deciding whether to invest resources, participate in defenses, or establish a business presence.

Some players also look for shortcuts in resource gathering or currency. While we do not focus on marketplaces, it is worth noting that some may choose to buy Ashes of Creation gold from U4N to accelerate their rebuilding efforts. In general, using in-game contributions and strategy remains the most reliable path for long-term success.

Settlement redevelopment in Ashes of Creation is a dynamic process influenced by race composition, government type, neighboring settlements, and player behavior. In practice, this means that every destroyed settlement can redevelop in a unique way, reflecting the players and political landscape around it. Most players who understand these mechanics are able to plan their actions more effectively, whether participating in sieges, contributing to rebuilding, or shaping the economic future of a settlement. Observing trends, coordinating with other players, and adapting to ongoing changes are key to navigating redevelopment successfully.