Ashes of Creation: Naval Combat, Rogue Archetype, and 100v100 Sieges

Dive into the latest Alpha Two updates, including massive PvP battles, a new Rogue class, and a sneak peek at the game’s ambitious Naval System.

The Ashes of Creation team is back with another explosive development update, and the hype is real. During a recent livestream, Creative Director Steven Sharif and Communications Director Margaret Krohn pulled back the curtain on Alpha Two’s progress, revealing jaw-dropping details about the new Rogue Archetype, 100-versus-100 Node Sieges, and the highly anticipated Naval System. With the Alpha 2 phase running through the end of May, there’s never been a better time to jump into this ambitious MMORPG. Here’s everything you need to know.

Alpha Two Progress: A Thriving Sandbox for Players

Since launching Alpha Two, Ashes of Creation has transformed into a bustling testing ground where players shape the world through conquest, politics, and discovery. Sharif emphasized that Alpha Two isn’t just about stress-testing servers—it’s about refining the game’s core systems based on player feedback. From class balance to territorial warfare, every tweak brings Verra closer to its vision as a living, breathing world.

The Rogue Archetype: Stealth, Sabotage, and Player-Driven Tweaks

The star of this update? The Rogue Archetype, a nimble, dagger-wielding class designed for chaos. Sharif praised the community for flooding the team with bug reports and balance suggestions since the Rogue’s release. “Your feedback is what turns good ideas into great gameplay,” he said.

What Makes the Rogue Unique?

• Shadowstep Ability: Teleport behind enemies to land critical backstabs.
• Poison Mechanics: Apply debilitating toxins to weapons for damage-over-time effects.
• Stealth Playstyle: Perfect for ambushes or escaping tight spots—ideal for solo players and saboteurs in large-scale battles.

The team is already adjusting the Rogue’s “Crippling Strike” ability after players noted its overpowered crowd control potential. Krohn hinted that more tweaks are coming, urging testers to keep the feedback flowing.

100v100 Node Sieges: War, Relics, and High-Stakes Strategy

If massive PvP battles are your jam, Ashes of Creation is cooking up something special. The latest Node Siege update introduces 100-versus-100 conflicts where guilds clash over control of Node Relics—ancient artifacts that grant powerful buffs to the owning faction.

Key Mechanics of Node Sieges

• Node Relics: Securing these artifacts boosts your Node’s influence and unlocks unique perks, like resource bonuses or defensive buffs.
• Siege Costs: Preparing for war isn’t cheap. Guilds must invest vast resources (gold, materials, and time) to initiate a siege, ensuring only the most dedicated factions can compete.
• Dynamic Terrain: Sieges aren’t just about brute force. Attackers and defenders can manipulate the environment—collapsing bridges, setting traps, or building barricades—to gain the upper hand.

Sharif justified the steep costs, stating, “Sieges should feel epic and consequential. If everyone could start one, they’d lose their weight.” The goal? To create organic, player-driven stories of triumph and betrayal.

Naval Combat Preview: Ships, Sea Monsters, and Exploration

The stream’s showstopper was the Naval System preview, offering a glimpse into Ashes of Creation’s maritime mayhem. While the system is still in early development, the demo highlighted:

• Ship Customization: Build vessels tailored for exploration, trade, or warfare. Upgrade cannons, reinforce hulls, or add speed-focused sails.
• Crew Roles: Assign players to roles like navigator, gunner, or repairman. Team coordination is key to surviving storms—or kraken attacks.
• Open-World Naval Battles: Engage in ship-to-ship combat to plunder resources or dominate trade routes.

Sharif teased that sea monsters and underwater dungeons are on the horizon, hinting that oceans will be as dangerous as they are lucrative. “The Naval System isn’t just combat—it’s about risk versus reward,” he said.

Alpha Two: What’s Next Before May Ends?

With Alpha Two running until May 31st, the team is racing to test remaining features. Krohn urged players to focus on:

• Node Development: Help towns evolve into bustling metropolises (or watch them crumble under siege).
• Economy Balancing: Report exploits in trade, crafting, and resource scarcity.
• Class Synergy: Experiment with multi-class combinations (Rogue/Mage, anyone?).

Players can expect at least one more update before Alpha Two wraps, likely addressing siege balance and naval tweaks.

Community Spotlight: Your Feedback Shapes Verra

Throughout the stream, Sharif and Krohn reiterated that Ashes of Creation thrives on community collaboration. From Rogue adjustments to Node Siege mechanics, player input directly impacts the game’s direction.

“We’re not just building a game; we’re building a world with you,” Krohn said. The team plans to host Q&A sessions and polls to prioritize future updates, so make your voice heard!

Why Ashes of Creation Stands Out in the MMORPG Crowd

While many MMOs rely on static worlds, Ashes of Creation’s node system ensures no two servers will look alike. Player actions determine which cities rise, which factions dominate, and which secrets get uncovered. Add in the deep class customization and naval exploration, and you’ve got a recipe for a game that’s as unpredictable as it is immersive.

How to Join Alpha Two

Haven’t jumped in yet? Here’s how:

• Purchase a Beta Package from the official site (Alpha access starts at $375, but Beta packages are cheaper).
• Download the client and create your character.
• Join the Discord to team up with testers and report bugs.

Final Thoughts: A Bold Vision Coming to Life

Ashes of Creation isn’t just another MMORPG—it’s a daring experiment in player-driven storytelling. Whether you’re backstabbing rivals as a Rogue, commanding a warship, or rallying 100 allies to defend a Node, Alpha Two proves that Sharif’s vision is within reach. As the May 31st deadline looms, there’s still time to leave your mark on Verra.

Will you seize glory on land, dominate the seas, or watch your ambitions sink beneath the waves? The choice is yours.