The balance between PvP and PvE in Ashes of Creation has been a hot topic in the community, and the latest episode of the LoreForged podcast discusses if the game is leaning too heavily into PvP. Drawing from both in-game experiences and broader MMO history, the podcast hosts talk about the challenges of maintaining a healthy balance that keeps all player types engaged.
PvP Dominance
During the discussion, the Loreforged hosts highlight how Ashes of Creation currently feels like a PvP MMO, with limited PvE content, in the current Alpha Phase 2 state. Guilds dominate servers, professions are incomplete, and PvP remains one of the few interesting and rewarding activities. While the game mostly focuses on large-scale battles, sieges, and dynamic conflict, the concern is that conflict for the sake of conflict could drive away other types of players.
Another big issue raised is the lack of protected experiences: areas where players can enjoy PvE content without fear of being interrupted by PvP players. Role-players, gatherers, and questers often find themselves targeted, which can create frustration and possibly drive away potential long-term players. The podcast also references game theory, suggesting that if PvP players become too dominant, they may eventually be left with no one to fight, leading to burnout.
Potential Solutions: Safe Zones and Consequences
The community wishes to explore possible ways to balance Ashes of Creation without sacrificing its vision of meaningful conflict. Ideas include:
- Protected Spaces: Towns could have stronger NPC guards, making open combat in settlements a significant risk.
- Consequences for Attacking Caravans: Becoming an outlaw for attacking a caravan could make a player a marked target, discouraging griefing.
- Guild Wars Restrictions: Preventing guild wars in major settlements could help create places where players can safely engage in non-combat activities.
The Bigger Question: What Kind of MMO Will AoC Be?
Rather than simply asking if Ashes of Creation is too PvP-focused, the Loreforged podcast reframes the debate: What kind of game do the developers want to create? If the goal is a dynamic world with strong player conflict, the challenge is making sure that PvP does not overshadow everything else. The game must offer interesting PvE experiences, economic systems, and social spaces to appeal to a broad player base.
As Ashes of Creation continues development, the balance between PvP and PvE will become more and more important. Will it evolve into a well-rounded MMO, or will it serve primarily to PvP enthusiasts? The discussion remains open, and players will be watching closely to see how the game grows.
If you want to watch the whole podcast episode from LoreForged, here is the video: