How Internal Conflict Works in Settlements



One common question players have is whether civil wars or direct political revolutions can happen within settlements. In Ashes of Creation, there is no formal civil war mechanic. You cannot simply stage a rebellion to remove a mayor or other leaders. Instead, the game emphasizes more subtle forms of internal conflict, which usually revolve around undermining leadership and affecting economic or political systems within the settlement.



For example, most players will focus on disrupting trade networks or influencing other citizens’ actions to weaken the current leadership’s control. This can include sabotaging trade routes, manipulating local politics, or working within guilds to shift the balance of power indirectly. These actions create tension and competition, but the game encourages working within the established mechanics, rather than allowing instant removal of leaders.



Removing a Mayor



A particularly common question is how to remove an elected mayor before their term ends. The answer is straightforward: the only way to forcibly remove a mayor early is by destroying the settlement itself. This is an extreme measure that most players rarely undertake. As Steven Sharif, the game’s creative director, has stated: “We want consequences to matter, and if that person got elected, then you need to work within the means of the mechanics to get them unelected.”



In practice, this means that if you disagree with a leader, your best options are strategic: influence future elections, create alliances within the settlement to support your preferred candidates, or work to weaken the mayor’s effectiveness through in-game systems like trade or taxation.



Understanding Alliances



Alliances are another critical layer of social and political interaction in Ashes of Creation. Many players see alliances as a way to extend their influence beyond their immediate guild or settlement. The game has systems designed to make alliances meaningful and provide progression pathways for members.



Shared Services and Collaboration



In general, alliances allow guilds to share common services. This can include shared access to crafting resources, coordinated defense strategies, or economic benefits. For players, this usually means that being part of a strong alliance can accelerate growth, provide safety in contested areas, and offer new ways to collaborate on projects like node development or settlement defense.



Settlement Alliances



Settlements themselves can form alliances, which can affect the political landscape of the world. Alliance members can interact with nodes and settlements in specific ways that non-members cannot, which adds a layer of strategic planning. For example, you might form an alliance to control access to certain resources or to coordinate trade routes between nodes. In practice, this often results in complex relationships where players need to negotiate, cooperate, or sometimes compete with other alliances.



Progression within Alliances



One of the unique aspects of Ashes of Creation is that alliances themselves have progression systems. Players can contribute to their alliance’s growth, unlocking shared benefits or special abilities as the alliance matures. Most players find that this encourages long-term cooperation, because individual guilds gain more by investing in the alliance than by acting alone. Alliances can also toggle certain relationships with nodes, which creates additional strategic decisions for members.



Practical Implications for Players



Understanding these systems in practice means knowing where to focus your efforts:



Internal Politics: Most players participate indirectly by influencing trade, elections, or alliances. Direct rebellion is not an option, so subtle strategies are key.



Alliance Management: Being active in an alliance often gives better rewards than working solo. Sharing resources and services can improve your guild’s overall efficiency.



Node Interactions: Alliances that interact strategically with nodes often control resources and influence world events. Players should pay attention to how their alliance’s actions affect the surrounding settlements.



Economic Advantage: Some players also use alliances as a way to secure trade routes or access resources that are otherwise difficult to obtain. For those looking to boost their in-game economy, it may also make sense to buy Ashes of Creation gold from U4N to invest in guild or alliance initiatives, though this is usually optional and depends on individual play style.



In summary, Ashes of Creation encourages players to engage deeply with political and social systems rather than rely on simple combat or direct rebellion. Internal conflicts are subtle and revolve around influencing leadership and economic systems. Alliances provide a structured way to collaborate, share resources, and progress collectively. Both systems reward strategic thinking and long-term planning, which is why most experienced players spend a lot of time understanding and navigating these mechanics.