Understanding Freehold Auctions in Ashes of Creation

In Ashes of Creation, Freeholds are player-owned estates within settlements, giving players a home base, production facilities, and more. One of the most common questions new and returning players ask is: how do Freeholds work, and how do you get one? This guide breaks down the mechanics of Freehold auctions, what you need to know to bid successfully, and what strategies most players follow.

How do Freehold auctions work?

Freeholds in settlements are limited resources, and acquiring one isn’t as simple as just showing up. Freehold estates become available through a system-driven auction. Each settlement has a certain number of Freehold Deeds based on the level of its node. These deeds allow players to place a Freehold in a location of their choice within the estate once they win an auction.

The auction system is designed to give players a fair chance and prevent a “land rush.” Cadence and timing are controlled by the system, so mayors or other players cannot influence when auctions happen. Most players see auctions as the main avenue to acquire prime estate locations, as the system cycles estates back into availability after sieges, atrophy, or other settlement changes.

What do you need to bid?

Not every player can bid in a Freehold auction. You must own an unplaced Freehold Deed before you can participate. Some auctions accept gold, while others might require a settlement-type-specific currency. For example, certain node types may have estates that auction using currencies tied to Favor, Honor, or other progression systems.

In practice, most players rely on gold-based auctions. Gold is widely accessible, and it allows for quicker participation for those who focus on level progression or resource gathering. Players who progress through alternative systems—such as earning Favor or Honor—can target estates tied to those currencies, allowing for different playstyles to compete for Freeholds without a direct gold-based advantage.

It’s also worth noting that players often supplement their gold through reliable sources. For example, some turn to a trusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold to ensure they can participate in auctions without delays caused by in-game farming alone. Using a trustworthy source can help maintain fairness and prevent last-minute bidding disadvantages.

How do location and placement work?

Winning a Freehold deed is only the first step. After a successful auction, you can choose where to place your Freehold within the estate’s footprint. Placement matters, as it can affect proximity to key resources, trade routes, and player hubs. Most players spend time scouting potential locations or collaborating with friends and guildmates before placing their deed.

Settlement planning also plays a role. For example, placing near a resource node or on a high-traffic route may offer advantages for trade or crafting. Conversely, secluded areas might offer privacy or safety from PvP encounters. Understanding your goals and playstyle is key to making the most of your Freehold once you win it.

How often are auctions held?

The system manages the timing of Freehold auctions. There is a regular cadence, but it isn’t influenced by player actions. Players need to plan ahead and prepare resources before auctions start. Many families and guilds pool their resources to increase their chances of winning a deed. Individual players can also plan, but coordination becomes important if competing against multiple bidders.

Estates are recycled after certain events, such as settlement sieges or node atrophy. This recycling ensures that freehold availability remains dynamic, giving players opportunities to secure land even if they miss earlier auctions. In practice, this creates a more strategic environment where preparation and timing often outweigh raw speed or luck.

Why are Freehold auctions designed this way?

The auction system in Ashes of Creation is intended to avoid a chaotic land rush. By spacing out availability and using a bid-based system, players have time to prepare and families can pool resources. It also balances different player approaches—gold-based bidding favors those who advance quickly or farm efficiently, while other auctions favor progression in node-specific currencies.

Most players appreciate this system because it rewards planning and strategy rather than speed alone. By mixing auction types and recycling estates, the game encourages a variety of playstyles to interact, from traders to explorers, crafters to PvPers.

Tips from experienced players

1. Plan your budget – Know how much gold or currency you can spend ahead of the auction. Don’t overextend unless a prime estate is worth it.

2. Scout locations – Map potential Freehold spots in advance. Proximity to resources or traffic can matter more than aesthetics.

3. Coordinate with guilds – Pooling resources often increases chances of winning high-demand estates.

4. Stay updated on auction cadence – Even though the system controls timing, knowing when auctions are likely can prevent missed opportunities.

5. Consider alternative currencies – If you’re not competing on gold, explore Favor or Honor-based auctions; less competition can mean better estates.

In summary, Freehold auctions are a central part of land ownership in Ashes of Creation. They combine strategic planning, resource management, and timing to give players a fair shot at estate ownership. By understanding auction mechanics, preparing in advance, and considering both gold and alternate currency options, most players can secure a Freehold that suits their playstyle and goals.