Ashes of Creation Gearing Guide
Gearing up in Ashes of Creation is not a linear path of grinding dungeons or following a raid tier list — it’s a living, evolving process shaped by player choice, server dynamics, and economic control. Every weapon, armor piece, or trinket you wear could come from a different path: forged in a guild-controlled node, looted off a caravan raid, or earned through political favor.
Rather than revolving around preset endgame checklists, gear in Ashes is part of a wider player-driven system that rewards exploration, risk-taking, and community engagement. The tools you bring to battle or trade will reflect your faction, biome, and influence.
This guide explores the full range of gearing systems — from crafting and PvE drops to enhancement strategies and economic control — helping you prepare for the layered gear game awaiting you in Verra.
Gearing Explained
In Ashes of Creation, gearing plays a central role in your character’s progression and power level, especially as you reach mid-to-late game. The gear you equip doesn't only affect raw damage or healing output — it also determines your effectiveness in PvP, survivability in world events, and success in gathering or crafting tasks.
Characters have access to over two dozen gear slots, broken into three functional groups:
Each piece of gear contributes different stats and may enhance specific traits based on your class and build. As players progress, they’ll want to optimize their equipment loadout not only for output but for synergy and adaptability.
Gear Rarity Tiers:
- Common: Basic gear with minimal stats.
- Uncommon to Rare: Start introducing bonus effects and more focused stat allocation.
- Heroic, Epic, and Legendary: Feature scaling stats, unique bonuses, and higher customization potential.
- Artifact: Ultra-rare items with powerful procs and set bonuses.
Item stats are generated using a layered system that prioritizes primary attributes (e.g., Strength, Dexterity) and then layers secondary traits like crit chance, cooldown reduction, and resistances. This creates countless combinations and variations, even within similar item types.
Durability and Repairs:
Durability also plays a crucial role in gear management. Every item has a wear-and-tear system that reflects battlefield use and time. Once gear reaches zero durability, it becomes unequipped until repaired.
Repair methods include:
- Field Repairs: Fast-acting consumables used during expeditions.
- NPC Repairs: Standard repairs offered in towns, costing currency and basic resources.
- Artisan Repairs: High-end or specialized repairs requiring recipes and rare materials, often restricted to crafting workshops or guild facilities.
This system ensures that gear isn’t just a one-time grind. Players will continuously engage in reforging, upgrading, or replacing worn-out equipment, making gearing an active and evolving part of your journey.
Gear Progression by Level
Gear progression in Ashes of Creation evolves naturally as players move from early-game zones into more dangerous regions and systems. Here's a breakdown of what to expect as you level up:
Levels 1–3
- Grab starter weapons near the Gate Watchers based on your class. Casters take scepters, melee users take longbows.
- Equip both melee and ranged weapons to get simultaneous stat gains.
- Complete early quests like "Welcome to Verra" and "Sweat of Your Brow" for gathering tools and your first mount.
- Farm goblins near Lionhold for early green gear drops.
Levels 3–9
- Complete commissions and side quests to build silver reserves and get early gear.
- Sell glint you earn to avoid losing it from death.
- Prioritize weapon upgrades over armor.
- Use buffs like Scribing or fruit-based foods for early stat bonuses.
Levels 9–10
- Equip your first full Novice (Tier 1) set at level 9. It’s a modest but noticeable power jump.
Levels 10–19
- Upgrade to Apprentice gear at level 10 for a major power increase.
- Continue grinding mobs for XP and gear until crafting and dungeon rewards become available.
Levels 20–25
- Equip Journeyman gear at level 20 for another spike in performance.
- Look for crafted artisan gear — but be aware it may not always work properly in testing.
- Prioritize weapon upgrades before armor.
- Repair gear often to maintain stats.
- Consider expanding inventory space for farming or gathering needs.
As you move into Phase 3 and beyond level 25, expect access to more specialized crafted sets, dungeon gear, and unique vendor gear. These levels emphasize deeper decision-making and min-maxing through stat allocation, quest unlocks, and reputation rewards.
How to Get Gear
There are several methods to obtain gear, each supporting different types of gameplay:
- Crafting: The crafting system is tied to the game’s Artisan Path. Blacksmiths, armorers, and weapon crafters can produce powerful gear, especially when they control high-tier nodes and workbenches. Crafters can refine base gear and eventually build epic/legendary items.
- Mob and Dungeon Drops: Many gear pieces drop from open-world mobs, dungeon bosses, and world events. These items may vary by region, enemy type, or event tier. Higher-end dungeons and raid bosses offer unique named gear with enhanced properties.
- PvP and Sieges: Participating in Castle Sieges, Node Wars, and Caravan PvP can reward gear tokens, currencies, or loot crates. PvP-oriented gear may prioritize survivability, control, and counter stats over raw damage.
- Quests and Reputation: Certain quests, especially those tied to religious paths or node progression, will grant powerful gear. Reputation with specific factions, temples, or guilds may unlock cosmetic variants and utility-based items.
How to Upgrade Gear
Improving your gear in Ashes of Creation isn’t just about replacing old pieces — it’s about enhancing, modifying, and maximizing the stats of your favorite equipment. There are several upgrade paths that players can use, each with distinct goals and resources:
- Crafting Quality: Using high-grade materials during the initial creation phase leads to higher-rarity gear and better base stats. This creates your first major power spike and reduces the need for later enhancements.
- Enchanting (Vertical & Horizontal):
- Vertical Enchanting boosts raw stats like damage or mitigation but carries risks such as stat resets or item destruction.
- Horizontal Enchanting modifies gear functionality (e.g., changing damage type) with no risk of destruction — ideal for customization.
- Tempering: Tempering allows you to fine-tune crafted gear after creation, narrowing stat ranges for optimal performance. Think of it as post-processing to reach min-max perfection.
- Socketing with Gems: Socketed gear can hold gems that enhance passive traits like crit chance or resistances. There’s no RNG — socketing is safe, scalable, and reliable.
- Weapon Skill Trees: Each weapon type has its own skill tree that levels up through combat use. You unlock damage boosts, utility perks, and passive effects by earning XP with the weapon equipped.
- Power Stones & Seasonal Enhancements:
- Power Stones (Runes) grant elemental enhancements for PvE or PvP counterplay.
- Enchantment Stones (PvP) provide temporary power boosts from long-term activities like PvP ladders or raid rotations.
These six systems offer a mix of reliable growth and high-risk upgrades, giving you full control over your gear's power path.
Tips for Efficient Gearing
- Specialize Early: Whether you’re crafting or adventuring, focus on a few roles to maximize gear access.
- Engage in Node Politics: Controlling key zones affects gear production and acquisition.
- Farm Reputation: Unlock exclusive vendors and quest chains for unique gear lines.
- Join a Guild: Cooperative access to raid content and artisan workshops improves gearing pace.
- Balance Power vs. Risk: Know when to push upgrades — and when to save your resources.
Conclusion
Gearing in Ashes of Creation is a long-term, player-influenced process that reflects the game’s dynamic world. From crafted legendaries to siege-earned trophies, every piece of equipment tells a story. Whether you’re dominating PvP, leading a raid group, or shaping the market, the right gear is your foundation.
Gear management isn’t just about numbers — it’s about mastery. Understanding rarity, enhancing with care, and aligning your build with your environment all play a role. As the world of Verra changes, so too will your gearing needs.
Prepare now, specialize wisely, and embrace the grind — because in Verra, your gear is more than stats: it’s your legacy.
FAQ
Quest rewards, open-world mob drops, and green items from goblin farms are your first sources. Progressing through tiers (Novice → Apprentice → Journeyman) provides steady upgrades.
Yes — Vertical Enchanting comes with destruction risk at higher levels, especially above +7. Horizontal Enchanting and socketing, however, are safe enhancement paths.
Change Log
- 22.05.2025 - Ashes of Creation Gearing Guide published.