How Player Housing Works in Ashes of Creation: Freeholds, Apartments, and More

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What Types of Housing Are Available?

In Ashes of Creation, player housing comes in four main types:

Freeholds – Open-world plots that allow you to build almost anywhere the land is available. These are the most exclusive housing type, limited to one per account. Freeholds let you be a pioneer, settle deep in the wilderness, and develop your land as you like. Most players who want independence or large-scale farming tend to gravitate toward Freeholds.

Static Housing – Also known as in-settlement housing, this option places you within a village, town, or city. Starting with small cottages at the village stage, static housing increases as settlements advance. By the time a settlement reaches city status, there can be about 55 houses. This type of housing is influenced by the settlement’s racial style, giving your home a unique look depending on the cultural influence of the area. Many players choose static housing for safety and access to settlement resources.

Apartments – These are instanced homes available in villages and higher-level settlements. Each character can own one apartment per server realm. Apartments provide a convenient way to have a home without worrying about world placement or open-world risks.

Inns – Also instanced, inns are the most accessible form of housing, available in starting areas and settlements. Inns are often used by new players or those who want a simple, functional space without the complexities of managing land.

How Do You Decide Where to Build?

The choice between Freeholds, Static Housing, Apartments, and Inns often comes down to your playstyle:

Wilderness Pioneers: Most players who enjoy exploring, farming, or creating independent settlements prefer Freeholds. These allow for specialization in farming, animal husbandry, or crafting professions like blacksmithing.

Settled Players: Those who want security, community, and steady growth often choose static housing. You’ll benefit from the village’s resources and the population’s activity as the settlement grows.

Convenience Seekers: Apartments and Inns are perfect for players who want a base in multiple locations or who frequently travel between nodes. They’re easy to access and maintain.

When developing your land, consider your goals. Most players focus either on profit (through farming or crafting) or comfort (decorating and customizing their space). Remember, you can only own one Freehold per account, so pick carefully if your goal is long-term specialization.

How Exclusive Is Each Housing Type?

Exclusivity varies significantly:

Freeholds: Most exclusive, limited to a low number per server. One per account.

Static Housing: Next in exclusivity, starting with 8 cottages at the village stage, growing to roughly 55 at the city stage. One per character per server.

Apartments: Instanced, one per character per server realm, available in villages and higher settlements.

Inns: Least exclusive, widely available, no strict limits.

Most players agree that Freeholds are prized for their flexibility and independence, while static housing offers reliable access to community resources and convenience.

Can Housing Influence Gameplay?

Absolutely. Housing isn’t just decorative:

Resource Production: Freeholds allow for farming and animal husbandry, which can supply your crafting needs or generate profit.

Crafting and Specialization: You can establish workshops, smithies, or other production-focused buildings on your land.

Community Interaction: Static housing places you in the heart of a settlement, giving you access to marketplaces, taverns, and other players’ services.

Security vs Risk: Freeholds in the wilderness can be attacked during sieges or node conflicts. Static housing usually benefits from settlement defenses.

Housing also plays a role in settlement growth. When most players buy and develop their homes, the settlement gains value, attracting more residents and potentially leading to node upgrades.

What About Housing Appearance?

Architecture in AoC is tied to the racial influence of the settlement. Static housing in a human village will look different from housing in an elven settlement. Freeholds are more flexible in layout but often reflect the surrounding environment’s style. Players who enjoy aesthetic customization can spend time decorating interiors, while others focus solely on functionality.

How Early Can You Access Housing?

Freeholds: Available starting at village stage, with low thousands per server.

Static Housing: Starts at village stage, growing in number as the settlement advances.

Apartments: Instanced housing available from village stage and higher.

Inns: Accessible in starting areas and settlements, usually the first type new players encounter.

Additional Tips for Players

Plan Your Specialization: Decide early whether your housing is for profit, comfort, or both. Most players find success by focusing on one primary purpose.

Consider Location Carefully: Freeholds offer freedom but come with risks, while static housing provides stability.

Manage Resources: Houses that allow farming or workshops can reduce your reliance on other players, which is especially helpful in PvP-heavy areas.

Buying In-Game Gold: Some players want to accelerate their housing progress. If you’re considering it, buy AoC gold from a trusted site like U4N, to avoid risks associated with unsafe platforms.

Player housing in Ashes of Creation is an evolving and engaging system. Most players find it rewarding to establish their own space, whether that’s deep in the wilderness with a Freehold or in a bustling settlement with static housing. The right choice depends on your priorities: independence, security, convenience, or aesthetics. By understanding the types of housing and how they interact with settlement growth and gameplay mechanics, you can make informed decisions that enhance your experience in the world of Verra.