Ashes of Creation: Alpha Release Dates, Gameplay Information & Complete Guide

Ashes of Creation is an eagerly awaited MMO that is making waves thanks to a blend of private backing and community support, generating excitement among fans.

Set in the enchanting universe of Verra, this game has made ambitious promises regarding the technology that will power it. The standout feature is its dynamic environment, which will evolve based on player interactions, fundamentally altering the game world through their choices.

This innovative concept sparked interest when the game launched on Kickstarter in 2016, where it garnered more than $3 million—well beyond its initial $750,000 target. By 2018, over 40,000 players had already signed up for the Alpha and Beta testing phases, a number that has only continued to grow.

Excitingly for backers, the moment to dive into the game is finally here, with multiple Alpha testing periods scheduled to begin.

Ashes of Creation Alpha Testing Timeline

A foggy day scene in Ashes of Creation — Intrepid Studios LLC

The next landmark for Ashes of Creation is the launch of Alpha Two, featuring four distinct waves, each with specific release dates that vary based on the type of purchase made and the timing of player registration.

Players who acquired the appropriate Kickstarter/Pre-order package will gain access as early as October 25.
The Alpha Two First Wave Bundle will allow access starting from November 8, and continue through subsequent phases.
The Alpha Two Second Wave Bundle opens access on December 20, also continuing through all later phases.
Finally, the Alpha Two Third Wave Bundle provides access from May 1, 2025, with availability extending through all phases thereafter.

The three bundle options remain available for purchase on the Ashes of Creation website for those eager to participate.

Insights into Ashes of Creation

A massive creature battles a solitary figure in Ashes of Creation — Intrepid Studios LLC

As with many fantasy MMOs, Ashes of Creation features various races such as Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and Orcs, each with distinct sub-species or factions—similar to the Mag’har Orc and Lightforged Draenei seen in World of Warcraft. Players can select from a total of eight races, in addition to a ninth, the Tulnar, which blends aspects of both humanoid and animal species.

The game also incorporates eight archetypes functioning as the class system, heavily inspired by contemporary Dungeons & Dragons mechanics. The complete list of archetypes includes:

Bard
Cleric
Fighter
Mage
Ranger
Rogue
Summoner
Tank

A significant highlight of Ashes of Creation is its responsive world, allowing players to actively shape its development. Players will witness the emergence of cities from residential nodes or observe the aftermath of catastrophic events.

The community marketing lead at Intrepid Studios articulated this feature as a world that “evolves based on player activity,”emphasizing that “Ashes of Creation will be a living, breathing, reactive world. Your actions will influence the Zones of Influence, upgrade Nodes into impressive Cities, and contribute to the collective narrative experienced by all players.”

Customization of Characters

A formidable dragon in Ashes of Creation — Intrepid Studios LLC

Ashes of Creation features a comprehensive character creation system, enabling players to express their creativity or realism in character design.

Players can manipulate multiple sliders and shaders to customize everything from body proportions to facial hair intricacies. With a diverse range of races available, including the fan-favorite Vek, the possibilities are extensive.

The innovative blending mechanic allows players to select from preset features and merge them with their character’s design. This means if you wish to create a unique family of NPCs that share similar traits, you can simply drag and drop features from one character to another.

Available Platforms

Currently, Ashes of Creation will launch exclusively on PC, with no plans for adaptation to Xbox or PlayStation systems. The game’s structure resembles traditional MMOs like World of Warcraft, distinguishing it from action-focused games such as New World or Throne and Liberty, making console compatibility unlikely without substantial alterations.

The development team is committed to providing monthly updates on new features and overall progress. Although there’s no definitive word on the beta launch, with the Alpha phase persisting beyond May 1 of the next year, opting into the Alpha may be a preferable choice over waiting.

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