[FOCUSED FEEDBACK] GAMEPLAY TEST - Thursday, December 19, 2024

Verran Adventurers!

Please test the following, and provide feedback on your experience!

High Prior /BUG Reporting - If you experience anything with the following:

Resurrection
Deploying or traversing with caravans
Processing your caravan goods upon arrival

Befallen Forge - Explore the dungeon!

Do loot drops feel fair for the amount of effort you have put in?
What was your experience with environmental hazards?
Does the difficulty, time-to-kill, and density of mobs seem appropriate for the area?

Treasure Maps - Unlock new loot! Putting a hold on this one, due to issue reports

If you received a completed map item, what did you think about the rewards you found when you excavated the map?
Were you able to loot chests more than once?

Marketplace Manager - Test the basic functionality in any level 3 Node!

Was registering and buying items from other players intuitive, or did you encounter any issues?

Freeholds - Purchase Freeholds and test planting Seeds

Was purchasing a Freehold and planting things there intuitive, or did you encounter any issues?

Thanks again for all your help as we prepare for Alpha Two Phase II in just one more day!

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Comments

TheAshenWolf

Marketplace:
Selling items was intuitive and quite straightforward. When my items got sold, I received an email which I was able to pick up in Lionhold; I received all gold and silver as expected.
The limit of 20 items did not feel like enough, but I would expect this to work just like caravan crates - depending on the bags you own, the stack limit changes. If that is the case, I have no issues with the system whatsoever.

I didn't try to buy any items, as everything was priced at ridiculous levels, however, as others have mentioned, the search function should work for items listed rather than shop names.

Treasure Hunting:
R-clicked an epic map, got 5 circles on the map. I don't know what the "dirt mound" is supposed to look like, but I had an idea. Even after over an hour of looking for it, I was unable to find the treasure chest. Possibly might be that my first experience is with an epic map, but so far.. not a fan. An introductory quest for these could probable ease the players into it.

It has potential, but so far I have more questions than answers.
What does the target "dirt mound" look like? How big is it? Can it be targeted using "Target closest friendly/enemy"? Can it spawn under water? Can it spawn on mountains? How about inside buildings, or underground (caves, etc.)?

As I received two maps, I decided to abandon this search and try my luck with the second map. I clicked abandon - the "quest" correctly disappeared. However, when I clicked the second map, it disappeared and I received no new quest.
Possible cause: I r-clicked the other map while the first one was active. It did nothing - I kept the map, no new quest, but it may have entered a bugged state.

I did not check out The Befallen Forge nor Freeholds.

wildcrazyhungry

I got the level boost but had not tried the Tank yet, so I figured I would give it a go before doing The Forge. However, I noticed a few things.

Dwarf / Dunir:
Shields would not properly load and would be invisible as it looked like my character had a broken arm.

Tank Class:
I appreciate the Tank with the various slams and defensive mechanics. However, the auras are a little lack luster. Would like to see perhaps magic resistance aura over magic damage aura and maybe some nodes that increase the range of those auras. A lot of party members have been spreading out during fights or camps. So many icons to click or activate as a tank but not anything that would sustain in a PVP war or fast paced PvE content.

Saving place for more feedback

iCHROMATICi

Freehold Information:

Buying the freehold was very intuitive with the well interaction and just needing gold.
Creating the root ball was very easy to understand as well.
I can foresee some players having issues with obtaining seeds unless they have prior knowledge with the materials tab from the general vendor/agriculture vendor. This is the only part of the system I believe some may struggle with.

Freehold Issue:

Planting the root ball. (Placement preview icon indicates red for most of the area)
After finally getting the icon to preview as blue (placeable) then I could move it to anywhere.

My assumption is that there may be some type of timer of having the preview icon there before it becomes placeable.

kaitro

Hello
So i bought a freehold.
Because i knew where to buy them from, because of the test a few days ago i was able to get one fast enough.
As of this patch it is very unintuative that you have to "talk" to the well to get the freehold but thats okay in my opinion.
But after that you are left alone.
No tutorial, no NPC Dialoge, no Wiki-guide and no information anywhere
By happenstance i got recommended to try the farming vendor and see if i could see what the "root balls" in the Anouncement were meant to be. So i looked it up and farmed and traded for all the droppings to get one crafted and could place it in my freehold.
Now the Placement is fine, same problems as the caravan system has. you can rotate the plots with mousewheel but nowhere in the settings or interface a hint to do it. so not so nice imo.
ontop of that you can place 2 plots ontop of each other. in my experiance you can place 2 Flax Root Ball ontop of each other
another thing is, that i have no indication on how long it will take the flax to grow
no indication what rarity does, no indication of anything
ontop of that there is no Interface for the freeholds at all.
So for the Questing if Freeholds are intuitive i have to say, NOT AT ALL.

edit1: Some NPC enemies spawn inside freehold area
edit2: marketplace was intuitive but you couldn't search for items wich was stange

tl:dr Freeholds: No interface, No gidance. Not intuitive!

donotpanik

Marketplace Manager is clunky. It does not allow you to search for items, which would be helpful. Instead, it will enable you to search the seller's description, which is not beneficial. It is fantastic that you can buy items that are not in bulk. If you needed one resource, you got one—scrolling and clicking each store to see what they are selling is not optimal.

donotpanik

Are treasure chests giving you three dull glint? Disappointing!

Matmat

I bought a freehold.
Buying a freehold was easy enough, because the well is the only interactable and it's placed in an obvious spot in the middle of the freehold.

Getting the seeds to plant wasn't intuitive. Didn't even know I need to craft the rooting balls. Was expecting there to be something to interact with in the freehold itself.

Placing the rooting ball was intuitive had no problems placing them.
I could place multiple different seeds in one spot. blackberry, daffodil and snowdrops are overlapping each other.

There doesn't seem to be any indication for the rarity of the plants. Planted a common and rare western larch tree next to each other and they look the same.
Also no indication how long they still need to grow.
It would be good if you could interact with a already planted tree or crop and see it's status (rarity and time needed to grow)

11 droppings of the same quality for a single tree seems to be really expensive. Especially if you need to wait for multiple ours or even days for the seeds to grow up when they respawn every 30 minutes.

Mobs on the freehold:
The were only a few wolfs and gryphons on the freehold I bought, so not much of a problem. But some freeholds have a lot of enemies, e.g. the one north of ursine caves has a lot of 1 and 2 star goblins that seems really anoying especially if you have some processing station in the freehold and need a whole group to access them without dying.

Edit1: The rotation of the root balls doesn't do anything. It didn't matter how i rotated them they always had the same direction.

Elthah

so i could test the freehold today, to begin with i didnt even know where to start, no indications, no introductory quest not anything, by the time i found out all of them were sold out already because first come first serve, the worst thing ever in a game, something like the freehold according to stevens words are supposed to be a huge achievement, it shouldnt be limited to the few first to arrive at it, it should be something everyone has access to but at the same time something that has a lot of requirements making it that people really interested will invest into getting one while others wont, having the freeholds be a high time consuming, resource cost and expensive and hard to maintain should be the only reason to get or not get one, balancing this in a way that eventually the % of players to have one is the one your aiming at having one but not because they just got there first but because they invested a lot of effort into getting it.

LandSharkX

Marketplace Manager -
listing sales and buying seemed pretty fine, would definitley like a search/sort feature and notifications for when stuff i listed is sold.

Freeholds - every holdi checked was purchased, many did not show up on the map. was surprised that enemies were still spawning in within the plot and that i was able to interact with all gatherables on other peoples land.

YouOweMeCooki

Freeholds
- If it wasn't pointed out to craft root balls, I would've had a lot harder time to figure out what to get as I would've went for the seeds alone instead.
- Placing the Root Ball seemed fine. It had some issues at the start not recognizing my plot of land, but once I moved my cursor out of the plot and back in, it worked out fine.
- Spinning the crops felt really slow. It's nice to be precise but options to spin it faster would be appreciated
- When placing, having some sort of Index to show keys, like rotation, would make placement of anything on the freehold more intuitive.
- Adding a grid for better placement would be nice. This would make it easier to line things up

adamag

Befallen forge is a visually very impressive dungeon. i really liked the overall feel of the dungeon, the environmental hazards and puzzles were great. the bridge raising posed some problems, but i imagine its a lot easier to get it to work without 60 people all clicking every button at once.

the main big issue i had was visual clarity. with so many people using flashy effects on top of each other it was very difficult to see enemy attacks, or even recognize ally abilities.

one other complaint is the enemy respawn time. it is way too short. i had several situations where a mob respawned on top of me while the group was still clearing out the room. enemy density and variety felt good.

KiwiCaramon

Markets a great idea but when too many people there couldt buy from the NPC
Freeholds pity all gone by the time I found 1
New dungeon looks like a lot of fun and tough

Devlsone

I see treasure maps are already mentioned but as per my experience. Seems that the given maps could only click 1 which added a quest with markers/circles. But these circles something like 10 all clumped together and even after searching the whole place while trying to use the supplied tools (which were unclickable) didn't find or see anything related to the unclickable maps hint. As too freeholds, I suggest if its not already planned they need to be instance based so multiple people can have 1 in the same place. Maybe set a limit if its to be a VIP/worked hella hard, type thing. Also maybe add citizenship and node reputation to requirements. Personally my opinion I don't see the point of having a skin in the packs if they wont be available to everyone due to limited supply or other random who knows reason...

Eshanti

General feedback for testing:

I feel like the boosting could be a bit more organized / planned. Hours wait line in Joeva to then hear its only for people going to dungeon and get your gear there. It really took away from me testing the freehold.

I managed to purchase one, but then after getting gear and running the dungeon real quick to see what its like, die to a bugged out bridge, then went for the freehold stuff.

I tried farming droppings, but took to long. Eventually people got back to me in chat and handed me some so i could craft the balls, just for server to go down as i reached my freehold.

Freehold feedback:

I managed to purchase one, cause we had figured out before hand you had to talk to the well. I saw a lot of frustrated people who didn't know and missed out. Not sure if the purchase way is going to stay the same, but with everyone now being put on one server, i can see the zerg guilds owning every single one of them. From what i understood the mayor was supposed to put them to auction, hope it will be that way in the coming phase. Planting things i can't comment on. Would have been useful if gm's also handed out some of the balls to the players owning freeholds, since it was rough trying to acquire those through in game means in such a short time. Which makes me curious as to the yield of those and if its worth it.
Also monsters should not be spawning on the freeholds.

Forgotton Forge:

The place looks cool, but the bridge at the bottom is really buggy. For some people it was active, for others it was not. But when trying to run across you still died due to lava burns. Mobs seemed to be decent hp sponges though, was kind of hard to judge if its enough to go in with just one party or you need an actual raid.

Amar

Got in late so just rode out and tested the player stores. They worked pretty smoothly for me buying and selling lists. I know it's just starting but for sure an early patch is to get search by item or materials in the system. To at a minimum direct you to the shops that have what you want. Better if it pulls up the listing of all the items no matter who has them so prices can be compared. That said I'll take it as it is for now since it's a huge bonus to always doing an in person trade... Thank you see you Friday.

Amar

Aaricia

Struggles with Ashes of Creation’s Current Housing System and Solutions Through an Instanced Model

I was unable to test the Freehold housing system as all houses had been claimed by the time I figured out that one must talk to the well in order to purchase the plot. I will instead be speaking about the housing system as I have observed it via the Alpha Two Freehold Update and read on the Wiki. As someone who owns Freehold building skins, I have feelings about the current system as it has been presented thus far.

The Freehold housing system in Ashes of Creation is ambitious, offering deep customization and resource integration. However, its current implementation faces several challenges that may hinder accessibility, player satisfaction, and long-term viability. Transitioning to an instanced housing model could address these struggles while preserving the system’s core philosophy of meaningful player choice.

Struggles with the Current Freehold System

Land Scarcity and Competition

Freehold plots are tied to node progression and limited land availability. As nodes grow and fill, securing desirable land becomes increasingly difficult, alienating latecomers or casual players. This scarcity creates unnecessary competition that benefits only a subset of the playerbase.

High Risk of Loss

Freeholds are vulnerable to node de-leveling and PvP activity, leading to potential loss of significant player investments. This creates a risk-heavy system that discourages players from fully engaging with housing, especially those with limited time to defend their assets.

Complexity and Upkeep

Managing Freeholds requires balancing farming, crafting, and resource upkeep, which can feel overwhelming. Players not invested in these systems may find the mechanics burdensome and disconnected from their primary gameplay goals.

Isolation from Core Gameplay

Freeholds are geographically separated from central hubs, reducing opportunities for community interaction, trade, and integration into the game’s larger social systems. This isolation risks making the housing system feel peripheral rather than central to the AoC experience.

Limited Scalability

The reliance on physical land ties the Freehold system to finite node space, making it less adaptable to future updates or player growth. This could lead to stagnation as the game evolves.

Transitioning to an instanced housing model could address these challenges while preserving the meaningful player choice AoC is wanting to be known for. Instanced housing would guarantee access for all players, lower risks tied to node de-leveling, and simplify management while fostering social interaction through shared neighborhoods. It would also provide scalability for future content and allow for physical entrances in the world, retaining immersion while ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all playstyles.

For those that want to argue about AoC not being for "RP'ing Andys" or whatever:

To counter the argument that Ashes of Creation is a niche game not intended for casual players, please consider the following points as to why the current Freehold system might still alienate a significant portion of its target audience—regardless of their commitment level—and how addressing these issues would benefit all players, even those who are heavily invested in the game:

1. Inclusivity Enhances Player Retention

Counterpoint: Even within a niche game, retaining a diverse playerbase is critical to long-term success. Hardcore players may drive initial interest, but casual players or those less focused on specific mechanics (e.g., crafting) contribute to the vibrancy of the game’s economy, social interactions, and community-building.
Position: By making Freeholds more accessible and rewarding for a broader audience, AoC ensures a steady influx of players who can support the game's ecosystem, even if they do not fully engage with every system.

2. Complexity Doesn't Equal Depth

Counterpoint: Niche MMOs are often praised for their depth and complexity, but excessive micromanagement can alienate players who appreciate layered systems without the tedium of overwhelming mechanics.
Position: Simplifying aspects of the Freehold system—such as reducing maintenance requirements or providing scalable housing options—would not dilute the complexity but would instead make it more approachable. Depth should feel engaging, not burdensome.

3. Player Freedom and Agency

Counterpoint: A niche game like AoC thrives on player agency. However, the current Freehold system imposes barriers (e.g., node dependency, land scarcity, and PvP risk) that may limit this freedom, even for committed players.
Position: Improving the Freehold system by addressing its restrictive elements (e.g., allowing for more flexible placement or reducing node-dependent risk) enhances player agency and aligns with the game’s core philosophy of choice and consequence.

4. The Hardcore vs. Casual Dichotomy Is Oversimplified

Counterpoint: Many players do not fall neatly into "hardcore" or "casual" categories. Instead, they have fluctuating play schedules and varying degrees of interest in different gameplay systems.
Position: A flexible Freehold system that accommodates different levels of engagement allows players to adapt their investment to their available time or interests. For example, hardcore players could still fully optimize their Freeholds, while casual players could enjoy smaller-scale benefits without feeling excluded.

5. Appealing to Niche and Mainstream Audiences

Counterpoint: While AoC aims to be a niche game, it must still attract a critical mass of players to sustain its ambitious development goals and server-based systems. Overly exclusive mechanics risk shrinking its player pool and harming the game’s longevity.
Position: Balancing the Freehold system to be both rewarding for dedicated players and accessible to less-invested players strengthens the game’s appeal across a wider audience. This ensures the game can thrive financially and maintain healthy server populations.

6. Risk of Alienating Hardcore Players

Counterpoint: Hardcore players may argue that simplifying systems dilutes the experience for them.
Position: Refinements to the Freehold system do not need to compromise its complexity or appeal to hardcore players. Instead, they can enhance the experience by reducing unnecessary frustrations (e.g., excessive land competition or punitive loss mechanics) and making Freeholds a more stable and enjoyable investment, even for the most dedicated players.

Conclusion: Enhancing Accessibility Is Not About Catering to Casuals
The argument is not about diluting AoC’s niche appeal but about creating systems that feel rewarding and engaging for all players. By addressing the current limitations of the Freehold system, AoC can strengthen its player experience and maintain its unique identity without alienating casual players or hardcore fans. A robust housing system that caters to varying levels of commitment ultimately supports the game’s longevity, economy, and community—benefiting everyone involved.

zintair

Couldn’t stay logged in more than 5 minutes without crashing. Was not able to test any of the above.

xenith_terrek

MargaretKrohn wrote: »

Verran Adventurers!

Please test the following, and provide feedback on your experience!

High Prior /BUG Reporting - If you experience anything with the following:
Resurrection

Deploying or traversing with caravans

Processing your caravan goods upon arrival

Befallen Forge - Explore the dungeon!
Do loot drops feel fair for the amount of effort you have put in?

What was your experience with environmental hazards?

Does the difficulty, time-to-kill, and density of mobs seem appropriate for the area?

Treasure Maps - Unlock new loot! Putting a hold on this one, due to issue reports
If you received a completed map item, what did you think about the rewards you found when you excavated the map?

Were you able to loot chests more than once?

Marketplace Manager - Test the basic functionality in any level 3 Node!
Was registering and buying items from other players intuitive, or did you encounter any issues?

Freeholds - Purchase Freeholds and test planting Seeds
Was purchasing a Freehold and planting things there intuitive, or did you encounter any issues?

Thanks again for all your help as we prepare for Alpha Two Phase II in just one more day!

Befallen Forge - Explore the dungeon!

Do loot drops feel fair for the amount of effort you have put in?

I saw one green item drop. Ran the dungeon a few times.

What was your experience with environmental hazards?

Felt good. Would like to see more. Like traps you have to navigate.

Does the difficulty, time-to-kill, and density of mobs seem appropriate for the area?

Yes, if the drops were dial up 10x. Currently, no--to high.

Nexich

It was late yesterday, so I'm writing today.
The Freehold owner is in the chat. I was able to get the droppings and plant the Flax and Blueberry. I didn't experience any special problems. It is not clear just how long these resources will grow. It would be convenient to have some kind of hint. (And a chair in the house to sit on)

sciffer2014

MargaretKrohn wrote: »

Verran Adventurers!
Marketplace Manager - Test the basic functionality in any level 3 Node!
Was registering and buying items from other players intuitive, or did you encounter any issues?

I'm dumb as hell when it comes to those things. It took me a couple of try to figure out what to do. I was focus on the listing yellow triangle icon and never saw the listing option. Also, I think the first time I try I was level 9 and not a node citizen which might have influence what I was able to see - without telling me the reason why I couldn't see it (maybe).

But as I said I'm awful when it comes to those things, the second time I try I was a node citizen and I still focused on the triangle :P It's only when I told myself that I needed to take time figuring it out that I found the listing option. But still - I do feel like this method doesn't work as the other in game feature for selling and buying. Since every time you sell you just right click on the object and start figuring it out from that point, having to enter a listing option was unexpected.

As far as buying, everything is too pricy atm. Will have to wait and see.

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