What Determines Which Policies Are Available?
Policies in Ashes of Creation are not static. They depend on several factors that reflect how the settlement develops and the choices its leaders make. Here are the main elements that influence policy availability:
Settlement Level
Each settlement grows over time, starting as a small village and potentially becoming a city or even a metropolis. Higher-level settlements usually unlock more advanced policies. For example, a level 1 village might only have basic trade or taxation policies, while a level 5 city can offer more specialized cultural or military policies.
Settlement Type
The type of settlement—whether it’s a trade hub, a military fortress, or a religious center—affects the types of policies that can be implemented. A military-focused node might offer policies that improve defenses or mercenary recruitment, while a trade hub could unlock economic benefits for players.
Dominant Race of the Settlement
Each settlement has a dominant race based on the majority of its residents. This can influence policies in subtle ways, like favoring certain cultural bonuses, crafting bonuses, or even the type of NPCs that appear in the node.
Building Choices
The structures that players and mayors choose to build also dictate policy options. Constructing a weapons workshop or a mage academy, for example, may unlock policies that support guild NPCs or enhance crafting efficiency. Most players find that focusing on buildings aligned with their gameplay style gives them access to policies that directly benefit them.
Settlement Location
Where the node is placed geographically can influence policies indirectly. Coastal cities might gain trade-oriented policies faster, while frontier nodes might lean toward defensive or resource-based policies.
Events, Wars, and Sieges
Active participation in settlement events, like wars or sieges, can unlock new policies or temporarily change the rules in a node. Policies may also shift as settlements gain or lose control in PvP conflicts, affecting how citizens can interact with NPCs or the environment.
How Does Happiness Affect Policies?
Settlement happiness is another critical factor. Happiness measures how satisfied the citizens are with the node's leadership, services, and environment. Here’s how it works in practice:
High Happiness: When most citizens are content, more policies become available. Leaders can implement advanced economic, social, or military policies. NPC services are fully functional, making daily activities smoother for players.
Low Happiness: Unhappy citizens can lead to policies being disabled, and some NPCs may not appear at all. This can affect resource gathering, trading, and quest completion.
In general, players notice that settlements with consistently high happiness tend to attract more residents and guilds, which in turn strengthens the node and opens even more policy options.
Are Achievements and World Bosses Related to Policies?
Yes, achievements and world boss encounters also play a role. Completing story arcs or defeating world bosses can unlock certain policies, especially ones tied to rewards or lore. For example, finishing a settlement story arc might provide access to unique cultural policies, while defeating a local world boss could unlock military or defense-oriented options.
How Do Citizens and Housing Affect Policies?
The number of citizens in a settlement directly impacts policy availability. More residents generally allow for more complex policies because a higher population can support larger projects, temples, or guilds. Conversely, foreclosed housing can reduce the settlement’s population and temporarily restrict certain policy options.
Most players focus on either growing the population or maintaining housing occupancy to ensure their favorite policies remain active. Settlements with declining populations often struggle to sustain high-level policies, which can make them less appealing to ambitious players.
What Types of Policies Can You Expect?
Policies in AOC exist in various denominations, and each reflects the identity of the settlement:
Cultural Policies: Reflect the race and traditions of the node. Players looking for specific racial benefits usually prioritize settlements where these policies are active.
Building-Based Policies: These unlock when specific buildings or social structures are constructed. For instance, having a temple or guild hall may open new social or religious policies.
Social Organization Policies: Settlements may only have one main temple or social organization, and the choice determines the policies tied to religion or societal structure.
This system allows players to choose settlements that align with their personal game style. Some players prefer trade-oriented nodes, while others look for nodes with strong PvP or crafting advantages. For those who want to invest in resources efficiently, using a
trusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold can be a practical way to support progression without affecting gameplay fairness.
How Should Players Choose a Settlement?
Choosing the right settlement depends on your goals:
Economic Players: Look for high-level trade hubs with policies that boost crafting and trading efficiency.
Combat-Oriented Players: Frontier settlements or military hubs often provide policies enhancing PvP, defenses, or guild recruitment.
Casual Players: Smaller settlements with a balanced approach to policies and happiness may provide a more predictable and stable experience.
Most players end up moving between settlements over time, depending on policy availability, population trends, and personal gameplay needs.
Settlement policies in Ashes of Creation are a layered system influenced by level, type, race, building choices, location, events, happiness, achievements, and population. Understanding how each factor works in practice allows players to strategically choose which nodes to support or reside in. Whether you prioritize economic growth, PvP combat, or social engagement, the policies of a settlement shape your daily interactions and long-term progression.
By paying attention to these mechanics and aligning yourself with settlements that fit your play style, you can maximize your experience in the game. Players who plan around policies generally find their gameplay more rewarding and efficient.
