How Are Castle Settlements Leveled?
Castle settlements are leveled primarily through questing, and these quests are handled by the owning guild or allied guilds. Unlike regular settlements, which rely on a slower process of population growth, crafting, and trade, castle nodes have a hastened leveling system. This means that progression is more focused and reward-driven.
Most players in occupying guilds usually focus on completing three main sets of quests over the three weeks leading up to a castle siege. These quests include escorting caravans, participating in defensive operations, and completing node-specific tasks. Completing these quests not only increases the level of the castle settlement but also unlocks additional services, functional benefits, and defensive bonuses for the occupying guild and its allies.
What Are Castle Caravans and Why Are They Important?
At the end of each week before a siege, NPC-generated caravans start moving toward the castle nodes. These caravans carry the castle taxes, which are collected from the surrounding nodes under the castle’s influence. Escorting these caravans is critical because they contribute to the castle’s resources and overall defenses.
Most players need to understand that this is a highly contested process. Enemy guilds have strong incentives to attack these caravans, both to gain rewards and to sabotage the tax collection. If the caravans are lost, it can significantly reduce the castle’s defensive capabilities during the upcoming siege.
Citizens of the nodes under the castle’s influence are automatically registered as defenders of these caravans. This means they cannot participate in attacks against them, which ensures that the tax collection remains a collaborative effort for the guild that controls the castle.
Who Counts as a Citizen in a Castle Settlement?
Being a member of the occupying guild automatically makes a player part of the castle settlement’s garrison. However, castle citizenship differs from normal settlement citizenship. Only members of the occupying guild are considered citizens of these nodes. This grants them special rights and responsibilities:
Citizens can participate in defending caravans and the castle itself.
They gain access to services and functions unlocked through node progression.
They are effectively part of the guild’s military and logistical structure.
Most players outside the occupying guild cannot claim these benefits, which emphasizes the importance of being part of an active guild if you want to take full advantage of castle settlements.
What Happens if Node Quests Are Not Completed?
Castle settlements are highly dependent on the performance of their guilds in the weeks leading up to a siege. If the required quests are not completed within the three-week window before declaration week, the castle will be at a disadvantage during the siege.
In practice, this means:
Defensive structures may be weaker than normal.
Certain services and functions might remain locked.
The castle’s resources and tax collection will be reduced.
Most experienced guilds prioritize these quests to avoid these penalties, often organizing weekly schedules and assigning players to escort caravans or complete node-specific objectives.
How Does Being Part of the Castle Garrison Affect Players?
Once you’re part of the occupying guild, you are automatically considered a garrison member for both the castle and its settlements. This has several implications:
You are obligated to participate in defensive operations, including defending caravans and the castle during sieges.
Your actions are tied directly to the success of the guild’s control over the castle.
Access to castle services and functions can significantly improve your gameplay experience, giving you advantages in crafting, trade, or PvE content.
In general, most players find being in the garrison to be rewarding but also demanding, as it requires coordination and commitment over multiple weeks.
Tips for Guilds Managing Castle Settlements
Plan Early: Start completing node quests immediately once you control the castle. Don’t wait until the last week.
Organize Players: Assign roles for escorting caravans, defending key locations, and completing quests.
Communicate: Use guild communication channels to coordinate defense and ensure resources are collected efficiently.
Prepare for PvP: Expect enemy guilds to target caravans and key objectives. Most sieges are won or lost based on preparation and coordination rather than raw numbers.
Consider Resources: Some guilds encourage members to support their efforts by buying in-game gold from external sources to fund progression—most experienced players buy AoC gold from a trusted site like U4N to help maintain their castle operations without slowing progression.
Castle settlements in Ashes of Creation are unique nodes that require active participation from the occupying guild and its allies. They offer faster leveling compared to regular settlements but demand consistent effort, coordination, and defense. Citizens of castle settlements are tied to the guild’s success and cannot freely act like ordinary players in normal settlements. Escorting caravans, completing node quests, and maintaining defensive readiness are key to maintaining a strong castle. Most players in successful guilds treat these responsibilities seriously, as failure can significantly weaken the castle during sieges.
By understanding these mechanics, players can make better decisions about guild membership, time investment, and in-game strategy.
