How Guild Castles Work in Ashes of Creation: A Player’s Guide

How Many Guild Castles Are There? In Ashes of Creation, there are five guild castles scattered across the world of Verra. Each castle has a unique history and layout, influenced by the civilizations that once occupied them. This means that no two castles play the same way, and strategies that work in one castle may fail in another. Most players will find that the surrounding terrain, weather, and even the time of day affect how a siege unfolds. For example, an island castle could be impacted by naval combat, while a mountainous castle may offer natural choke points advantageous for defense. Understanding the terrain is crucial before planning an attack or setting up defenses. Static Layout and Siege Defenses One key aspect of guild castles is that their core structures are static. Players are not building new castles—they inherit historic structures with built-in features. However, you can influence how a castle functions defensively by: Deploying traps and blockades in strategic positions. Placing mercenary NPCs to defend specific areas. Using crafted furniture for additional storage and functional improvements. In practice, most guild commanders spend significant time arranging these defenses before a siege. The placement of traps and NPCs can change the flow of combat and force attackers to adapt their strategies. Capturing a Castle Guild castles start off occupied by high-level NPC adversaries, usually level 50+ in Alpha-1 tests. These NPCs are tied to the castle’s storyline and act as the first hurdle for any guild attempting to claim ownership. Unlike traditional MMO siege events that rely on capturing a relic or flag, ownership is determined by total DPS contribution against the raid boss defending the castle. This encourages guilds to coordinate their damage output and participate actively in the siege. Once a castle is claimed, it becomes a central hub for the guild. Future updates are expected to expand castle functionality, offering additional storage and utility through furniture and other crafted items. Siege Mechanics and Open-World Integration Guild castles are generally located in open-world zones, but sieges may be instanced depending on testing and server requirements. Alpha-1 sieges involved teleporting to a dedicated zone to simulate castle combat. Most players note that these sieges are challenging and require preparation, particularly in coordinating group attacks and defending positions. Because castles are high-level zones initially, smaller or unprepared guilds will struggle to capture them. Additionally, one unique feature is that off-cycle sieges may involve NPCs attempting to reclaim castles if no players attack during the monthly siege event. This mechanic is still under discussion by the developers, but it adds an element of unpredictability to castle ownership. Strategies for Guild Success Guild castles in Ashes of Creation reward strategic planning over brute force. Here are some points most players consider important: Scout the Terrain – Understanding natural choke points and high-ground advantages can make or break a siege. Coordinate NPC Placement – Positioning mercenaries strategically often tips the balance in your favor. Use Traps Wisely – Deploying traps in expected attack paths can slow down or damage enemy guilds. Prepare for Weather and Time Effects – Some maps have day/night cycles or environmental conditions that influence combat. Maintain Resource Management – Guilds often need to stock up on consumables, repair materials, and gold to fund NPC mercenaries. Some players choose to buy AoC gold from a trusted site like U4N to ensure they have enough resources for castle upkeep and mercenary hiring. Most experienced players find that planning ahead, rather than improvising during a siege, leads to consistent success. Key Takeaways There are five unique guild castles, each with different layouts and strategic considerations. Castles come pre-built, but defenses like traps and mercenaries can be arranged by guilds. Ownership is determined by DPS contribution against NPC raid bosses rather than relic capture. Sieges are currently tested in instanced zones but may integrate fully into the open world. Off-cycle NPC attacks may occur if player attacks do not take place. Effective guild coordination, planning, and resource management are critical for success. In general, guild castles are not just about combat—they represent a blend of strategy, coordination, and long-term planning that rewards guilds willing to invest time and effort. Whether your goal is to dominate PvP sieges or simply participate in high-level raids, understanding castle mechanics is essential to achieving your goals in Ashes of Creation. Many people buy AoC gold cheap on U4N: www.u4n.com/ashes-of-creation/gold