What Are Castle Siege Defenses?

In Ashes of Creation, Kings and Queens have the ability to deploy defenses to protect their castles from sieges. Each castle has its own static layout, meaning that the position of walls, gates, and key structures doesn’t change between sieges. While the layout is fixed, defenders have flexibility in how they use the castle’s internal space.

Defenders can:

• Set traps and blockades in strategic locations.

• Hire mercenary NPCs to defend critical points.

• Place buffs or control points to give their team advantages during the siege.

Most players find that the effective use of these defenses can significantly slow down or even halt an attacking guild, especially in the early stages of a siege.

Early Castle Occupation: Leveling and Preparation

When a guild first captures a castle, there is an initial three-week period where they need to develop their castle settlements. These settlements must be leveled up to Village (Stage 3) through questing. During this time, the castle’s defensive capabilities are growing.

In practice, most guilds use this period to:

• Upgrade their walls and gates.

• Increase the number of available traps and fortifications.

• Recruit additional mercenary NPCs to cover vulnerable areas.

Proper preparation during this period can make a significant difference when the first major siege arrives. Players who neglect this phase often find themselves underprepared, even if their guild has strong coordination.

Balance Considerations in Sieges

The developers aim to balance aspects of castle sieges that are within the game mechanics, such as:

• Hit points of walls and doors.

• Damage output and cost of mercenary NPCs.

• Placement and effect of traps.

However, certain factors are inherently player-dependent. These include:

• Gear quality of attacking and defending players.

• Coordination and communication within guilds.

• Number of participants on either side.

Steven Sharif, the creative director, explained that while the mechanics can be balanced, the human element is not controlled. In practice, this means that even a well-prepared castle can fall to a highly coordinated or better-geared attacking guild. Most players accept this as part of the competitive and dynamic nature of Ashes of Creation sieges.

Defensive Strategies Most Players Use

Experienced guilds usually combine multiple layers of defense to maximize their chances of success. Some common strategies include:

1. Trap and Blockade Placement: Players typically deploy traps at choke points and near key objectives. Effective trap placement forces attackers to slow down or split up their forces, giving defenders more control.

2. Mercenary NPCs: Hiring mercenaries is not just about having extra fighters. Players often place them in areas where attackers are expected to push. Well-placed NPCs can stall progress while players reinforce defenses or counter-attack.

3. Buff Management: Certain objectives and boss kills provide buffs to the defending side. In general, organized guilds make sure to prioritize these to enhance survivability during the siege.

4. Communication and Coordination: Even with perfect mechanics, sieges rely heavily on player coordination. Most players use voice chat or strategy channels to quickly relay information and adjust defenses in real time.

Player Behavior and Siege Outcomes

One of the most interesting aspects of castle sieges is how player behavior affects outcomes. While mechanics provide the tools, success often comes down to guild strategy, individual skill, and timing. Experienced players know that the “best” defense is not always about having the strongest walls or most mercenaries; it’s about anticipating the enemy’s movements and reacting quickly.

For instance, a small but coordinated defending team can hold off a larger attacking force if they exploit choke points and make efficient use of traps. Conversely, even a strong defensive layout can fail if attackers coordinate their assault effectively or bring superior gear.

The Role of External Resources

While preparation and coordination are key, players often seek additional resources to maintain an edge. Some use trusted external sources for in-game gold to ensure their guild can afford mercenaries, repairs, or fortifications. A trusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold is one option that many players have relied on for maintaining a consistent defense setup without affecting gameplay integrity.

Castle sieges in Ashes of Creation are a mix of mechanical design and player-driven action. Understanding the fixed layout of castles, how to deploy traps and mercenaries, and how to coordinate as a guild are all critical. Most players will find that the most successful defenses combine preparation, strategic deployment, and real-time coordination.

While developers balance the mechanical elements, player skill, coordination, and gear will always be the deciding factor in siege outcomes. Approaching sieges with this mindset helps guilds adapt and improve over time, making the experience both challenging and rewarding.