Ashes of Creation Alpha-2 Phase-3 Overview
Alpha-2 Phase-3 is the final stage of Ashes of Creation’s Alpha-2 testing and brings significant updates before the game enters its Beta phase. According to the latest official announcements, players can expect a full character wipe, the opening of a 24/7 testing window, a new EU test realm, and a level cap increase.
In this article, we’ll break down everything we know so far about the release date, testing schedule, new gameplay systems like monster coins, and important features such as name reservation and progression wipes. All information is sourced from the developers' official updates and community posts.
Whether you're preparing for the next testing phase or just want to stay informed, this overview covers all the key changes arriving with Phase-3 of Alpha-2.
Why Alpha-2 Phase-3 Was Delayed Until August 4
Alpha-2 Phase-3 was officially delayed until August 4, 2025, as the developers opted to extend Phase-2 testing in order to finalize several core systems. This extra time is being used to polish and expand major features that are crucial for the success of Phase-3 and beyond.
During the extension period, the team is focusing on improvements like dynamic gridding to stabilize performance in crowded areas, adding a second starting zone in The Anvils, and overhauling the onboarding experience for new players. Key back-end upgrades are also underway, including server and realm optimizations and the transition to Unreal Engine 5.5, which brings advanced development tools and smoother gameplay potential.
Other milestones include balance updates for the economy and stats, the return of the Summoner archetype, and the inclusion of three new playable races: Py’rai, Ren’Kai, and Niküan — each launching with full armor sets. These additions set the stage for a much more complete and representative testing environment once Phase-3 opens.
Testing Access and Schedule for Alpha-2 Phase-3
All players who currently have Alpha Two access will be able to participate in Phase-3 testing. This includes:
- Alpha Two Kickstarter, Pre-Order Backers, and First and Second Wave Bundle owners.
- Third Wave Bundle holders, who gained access starting May 1, 2025, during the extended Phase-2 period.
The testing schedule will shift as we approach Phase-3:
- Now through August 4, 2025: Testing continues on a flexible 5+ day per week schedule.
- Starting August 4, 2025: Phase-3 launches with a 24/7 live testing schedule, with planned downtime for maintenance and updates.
- During the remainder of Phase-2, testers can expect intermittent full-week sessions where servers will stay active for extended testing windows.
Ashes of Creation Alpha-2 Phase-3: Zones, Nodes, Races & More
The Alpha-2 Phase-3 of Ashes of Creation is shaping up to be a major evolution of the game, bringing with it sweeping changes across zones, nodes, archetypes, weapons, and races. Here’s a full breakdown of what players can expect to explore, test, and experience during this exciting new chapter.
🗺️ Zones
- The Turquoise Sea — A new zone likely to debut in March 2025, featuring fresh exploration opportunities.
- The Anvils — Moved back to Phase-2, but crucial for realm testing in the earlier phase.
- The Crucible — A volcanic zone confirmed for this phase, promising high-intensity terrain and encounters.
- Underrealm — Dark underground content is scheduled to arrive early to mid-phase 3.
- Vandagar — The western continent is expected around mid-2025, marking a major world expansion.
🏛️ Nodes System
- Four new node layouts will offer fresh structural and strategic choices.
- Six distinct node stages are being tested with new visuals and mechanics.
- Vassalship feature moved from Phase-2 to Phase-3 for testing under new balance systems.
- Introduction of Node Election Methods — including Military & Divine voting paths.
- New features: Node Atrophy, Node Happiness, Node Policies and added XP counters.
- Expanded Mayoral Commissions and construction of Service Buildings to enhance node dynamics.
🧬 Races
- Py’Rai, Ren’Kai, and Niküa — Officially pushed to Phase-2.
- Tulnar — Expected to enter playtesting during early or mid Phase-3.
🌀 Archetypes
- Summoner Archetype will begin testing, with production rollout in this phase.
- Secondary Archetypes will be introduced — starting with Cleric and Tank, followed by more.
- Each archetype may begin with two augment schools that allow class hybridization.
- Switching secondary archetypes will be simplified for easier testing.
⚔️ Weapons
Early Phase-3 Weapons:
- Rapiers / One-Handed Piercing Swords
- One-Handed Axes & Two-Handed Axes
- Two-Handed Maces
- Two-Handed Spears
Later in Phase-3:
- Staves
- Orb (potentially)
Each of these weapon types will be supported by their own skill trees, offering in-depth combat customization. New additions will continue to roll out during the phase as development progresses.
📌 Gameplay Systems
- Guilds: Fully functional with storage coming later in the phase.
- Freeholds: Players will get access to placeable guild freeholds.
- Castle Sieges: Large-scale PvP battles for control over castles.
- Naval Content: Introduces sea travel and battles across the Eastern continent.
- Mounts: Aquatic, gliding, and underwater mounts will be usable.
- Instanced Content: Includes dungeons and PvE challenges.
- Gear Systems: Transmog and dye options allow for customization.
- Combat: Aerial combat makes its debut with new dynamic mechanics.
- Titles & Religions: Additional progression and roleplay systems.
- Auction & Marketplace: Overhaul of trading infrastructure.
- Alliances: Enable larger social coordination across guilds.
- Family System: Introduces summoning and shared housing options.
- Dueling & Mail System: Classic MMO interactions included.
- Caravan Progression: Expanded transport and trading mechanics.
- Seasonal Variations: Dynamic weather and environmental changes.
- First-Time User Experience: Improved onboarding in zones like The Anvils and Riverlands.
- Animal Husbandry: Raise and breed creatures with unique traits.
- Small Crates: Pick-up containers that can be moved via Mules.
- Stat Reworks: Enhanced clarity with better UI and rebalanced values.
📦 Content Additions
- Castles: Not only siegeable, but also tied to player governance.
- Lawless POIs: Dynamic open-world areas with PvPvE mechanics.
- Turquoise Sea: Water zone with connections to The Anvils.
- Treasure Maps: New way to find hidden loot and secrets.
- Quests, Events, and Commissions: Include dynamic world events and objectives.
- Unique Story Arcs: Narrative-driven progression with deep lore.
- World Dungeons: Large PvE zones with shared boss fights.
- Cosmetic Entitlements: A new system for managing visual unlocks.
- New Commodities: Additional crafting and trade resources to enrich the economy.
Conclusion
The Alpha-2 Phase 3 of Ashes of Creation marks a major step forward in the game's development, introducing an impressive scope of content, systems, and refinements that reshape the entire experience. From massive world systems like naval combat and castle sieges to nuanced features such as transmog, family summons, and advanced trading mechanics — this phase is clearly designed to deliver a robust sandbox MMORPG experience. Whether you're eager to explore the Eastern continent, engage in guild wars, or master your archetype's new skill trees, Phase 3 offers something meaningful for every type of player.
FAQ
All players with Alpha Two access, including Kickstarter, Pre-Order, and Bundle backers.
No, as this is an Alpha phase, progression will likely be reset before Betas or official launch.
Change Log
- 30.07.2025 - Ashes of Creation Alpha-2 Phase-3 Overview published.