Freehold Placement in Ashes of Creation: What Players Need to Know

Freeholds are one of the key player-driven systems in Ashes of Creation, giving players the ability to own, customize, and progress their personal estates within the world. Understanding how freehold placement works, especially during early testing phases like Alpha-2, can help players make informed choices and avoid common mistakes.

What is a Freehold?

In general, a freehold is a player-owned property that can be placed on the map within a node's zone of influence (ZOI). Freeholds allow players to access crafting, storage, and roleplay opportunities in a more personal, permanent way than standard node-based housing or settlements. They are tied to deeds, which function as the ownership certificate allowing a player to claim a plot of land.

Freeholds are not standalone settlements—they remain part of the parent node. Most players consider them an extension of the node’s development rather than separate entities, even if they are clustered closely together.

How Do You Obtain a Freehold?

To place a freehold, players need a deed. Obtaining a deed usually involves completing a Lord’s quest to demonstrate your worthiness. The level requirement for the freehold quest has been set at 50 in Alpha-2, although this may change as the game progresses. This system ensures that players have invested time in node progression and character development before gaining full access to property ownership.

For early testing phases like Alpha-2, freehold placement requires your character to be at least level 20 and costs 100 in-game currency. Keep in mind that these numbers are placeholders and are expected to be reset before the live game. Existing owners are usually compensated if systems are wiped.

Where Can You Place a Freehold?

Freeholds can only be placed on predetermined parcels of land within a node’s ZOI. Here’s how placement works in practice:

• Region Coverage: If you acquire a freehold deed from a large metropolis, you may be able to place your estate anywhere within the combined territory of the node and its vassal settlements. This could cover a substantial portion of the map, giving you flexibility in choosing the best location.

• Top-Down Placement: Once you win a deed via auction, it appears as an item in your inventory. Using the item lets you enter a top-down view to carefully position your freehold on the chosen parcel. You can also manipulate its orientation to fit the landscape. Most players spend time surveying the plot to find the most practical or scenic spot.

• Spacing Rules: Freeholds must not be placed too close to roads, dungeons, event spawn areas, or other freeholds. In Alpha-2, the minimum spacing from other freeholds is roughly 100 meters. Hard terrain features like cliffs and mountainsides are also off-limits.

• Settlement Limits: More advanced settlements allow more freeholds within their ZOI, while villages typically have ample space for new properties.

Overall, careful placement ensures your freehold is accessible, visually appealing, and compliant with the game’s rules.

How Does Freehold Ownership Work in Practice?

Once a freehold is placed, it grants access to the empty plot and its associated shed. The deed itself is an active item that lets players claim, place, and orient the freehold. While freeholds adjacent to one another do not confer direct gameplay bonuses, guild halls owned by patron guilds may benefit nearby estates. Most players take advantage of this by grouping near guild resources or scenic areas for convenience or roleplay purposes.

Freeholds remain part of the parent settlement. Even clusters of freeholds do not automatically become independent settlements unless players create roleplay reasons. This distinction is important for understanding node-based mechanics, taxation, and zoning rules.

Bidding and Deed Mechanics

Freehold deeds are usually acquired through auctions. Both citizens and non-citizens of a settlement can participate, though the system may give certain advantages to locals. Bidding for freehold estates takes place in predetermined baronies within a node’s region. Players often research parcel locations before bidding to ensure they can place their freehold in a preferred spot once won.

The number of deeds typically exceeds the number of estates, so early participation gives players a better chance of claiming prime plots. However, securing a deed is only the first step—strategic placement and progression within the freehold system are what make these estates valuable.

Freeholds and Progression

Freeholds are more than cosmetic. They integrate with player progression, crafting, and processing professions. For example, players may use a freehold plot to set up advanced crafting stations or storage for processing materials. While the level requirement for deeds is high, there are alternate permission systems that allow lower-level players to access certain plot functionalities, ensuring a smoother transition from node progression to freehold ownership.

Some players also use freeholds as a base for guild activities or roleplay events. In these cases, location and layout become even more important, influencing accessibility, aesthetics, and strategic advantage.

Practical Tips for Players

• Scout Before You Bid: Look at the ZOI and any potential obstacles before committing to a deed. Location matters both for convenience and strategic purposes.

• Consider Orientation: Freeholds can be rotated and positioned carefully. Players usually take the time to align plots with landscape features for better functionality and aesthetics.

• Plan for Spacing: Make sure your plot does not violate the spacing rules. Being too close to other freeholds or restricted zones can prevent placement.

• Integrate With Guilds: If your guild owns a hall, placing your freehold nearby can provide indirect benefits.

• Manage Expectations: Freehold systems in Alpha-2 are placeholders. Be prepared for wipes and changes as the game evolves.

Finally, for players looking to supplement their in-game gold for freehold purchases or other expenses, a trusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold can provide a safe way to acquire resources without violating game rules.

Freeholds are a complex but rewarding part of Ashes of Creation. Understanding the auction system, placement rules, and progression integration helps players make the most of their estates and avoid common pitfalls. Whether for crafting, roleplay, or strategic positioning, mastering freehold placement is an important step for any serious player.