Where Are Settlements Located in Ashes of Creation?

One of the most common questions new and returning players ask is where settlements are actually located in Ashes of Creation, and what those locations mean in practice. While the exact layout can still change before Beta-1, the current settlement map already gives a good idea of how the world is structured and how players usually interact with it.

In general, settlements are spread across several major regions, and each region tends to support certain playstyles better than others. Most players don’t choose a settlement just by name. They usually look at location, nearby content, travel routes, and the type of node that develops there.

Below is a practical breakdown of settlement locations, explained the way most players experience them.

What Regions Contain Settlements?

Settlements are currently placed across five major regions:

  • Sandsquall Desert

  • The Jundark

  • The Anvils

  • The Turquoise Sea

  • Riverlands

Each region has a different feel, difficulty level, and travel flow. In practice, this affects where players level, trade, and fight.

How Do Settlement Types Affect Location Choice?

Before looking at individual regions, it helps to understand how node types interact with location.

  • Economic settlements usually attract traders, crafters, and players moving goods.

  • Academic settlements are popular with explorers and players who focus on progression systems.

  • Religious (Divine) settlements often draw PvE-focused groups and guilds.

  • Military settlements tend to become PvP hotspots or defensive strongholds.

Most players choose a settlement where the node type matches both the region and their preferred activities.

What Settlements Are in the Sandsquall Desert?

The Sandsquall Desert is generally considered a harsher region. Travel takes longer, resources are more spread out, and conflict is more common.

Settlements currently located here include:

  • Aithanahr (Economic)

  • Azmaran (Divine)

  • Djinna (Divine)

  • Squall’s End (Academic)

  • Sunhaven (Military)

In general, most players who settle here are either part of organized guilds or focused on specific goals. Sunhaven, as a military node, usually becomes a defensive hub. Economic and academic nodes in this region often rely on caravan routes to safer areas.

What Is Settlement Life Like in The Jundark?

The Jundark is dense, dangerous, and often contested. Visibility can be limited, and PvE and PvP content overlaps heavily.

Settlements here include:

  • Arisalon (Academic)

  • Hecribba (Divine)

  • Mythbreak (Divine)

  • Tangled Post (Economic)

  • Vinebreach (Military)

  • Wildport (Economic)

In practice, most players in The Jundark expect conflict. Economic settlements like Wildport usually depend on escorts, while military nodes such as Vinebreach become rally points for guild activity. Divine settlements often act as stable PvE anchors in an otherwise hostile area.

Why Do Players Choose Settlements in The Anvils?

The Anvils region is more structured and tends to support long-term development. Many players consider it a balanced zone for both solo and group play.

Settlements here include:

  • Dhurgrum (Economic)

  • Duunhold (Military)

  • Kal Torhum (Divine)

  • Vexhelm (Academic)

  • Vhalgadim (Military)

Most players who want stability usually prefer The Anvils. Military settlements like Duunhold and Vhalgadim often control surrounding routes. Economic and academic nodes benefit from predictable traffic, making this region popular for crafting-focused players.

How Do Settlements Work Around The Turquoise Sea?

The Turquoise Sea settlements are shaped by coastal access and naval travel. Trade routes here are often faster but more exposed.

Current settlements include:

  • Brinebarrel (Academic)

  • Korrin (Divine)

  • Seahook (Academic)

  • Shorefoot (Economic)

  • Windansea (Military)

In general, most players in this region care about shipping, fishing, and sea-based trade. Economic settlements like Shorefoot often rise or fall based on naval security. Military nodes such as Windansea usually focus on controlling nearby waters rather than land routes.

Why Are Riverlands Settlements So Popular?

Riverlands is usually one of the first regions players talk about when discussing “safe” development paths. Travel is easier, and zones are more forgiving.

Settlements here include:

  • Halcyon (Divine)

  • Joeva (Academic)

  • Miraleth (Academic)

  • New Aela (Economic)

  • Winstead (Military)

Most players leveling early characters prefer Riverlands. Economic settlements like New Aela benefit from steady traffic, while academic nodes are popular for players who want long-term progression without constant PvP pressure.

Do Settlement Locations Change Over Time?

Yes. Settlement locations and outcomes are not fixed. While the starting points are predefined, what actually develops depends on player activity.

In practice:

  • Some settlements never grow past early stages.

  • Others dominate entire regions due to guild control.

  • Popular locations can shift if trade routes or wars change.

Most players adapt rather than commit too early.

How Do Players Usually Decide Where to Live?

In general, players look at:

  • Distance to leveling zones

  • Risk versus reward

  • Nearby guild presence

  • Access to trade routes

Some players even move frequently. Others may stockpile resources, trade caravans, or, in some cases, buy Ashes of Creation gold from U4N to save time when relocating or rebuilding after conflict.

What Should New Players Keep in Mind?

For most players, the best settlement is not the “strongest” one, but the one that fits their routine.

  • Solo players usually prefer Riverlands or academic nodes.

  • Guild players often choose military or economic nodes.

  • Traders focus on route safety, not just profits.

Understanding settlement locations early helps avoid wasted time and frustration later.