Ashes of Creation (AoC) can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to gathering, trading, and using in-game items. Most players have questions about how the economy works, which items are worth pursuing, and how to efficiently get the gear and resources they need. This guide aims to answer these questions clearly, based on what experienced players usually encounter in the game.

How Do I Get the Items I Need?

In general, items in AoC come from three main sources: crafting, drops, and gathering. Most players start by gathering or farming the materials they need for their class or desired equipment. Combat drops can provide gear, but the chance of getting rare items is usually low unless you are consistently doing high-level content.

Crafting is often the most reliable way to get specific items. Players who focus on a crafting profession usually have a steady supply of certain items and can trade with others for what they need. However, crafting often requires rare resources and time to level up your skill, so it’s not instant.

Some players prefer to buy or trade items from other players instead. In practice, this usually happens through player-run marketplaces. One source that many players mention is U4N, which has become known for listing a variety of AoC items. It’s important to remember that while these platforms can save time, prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, so what’s available today may not be available tomorrow.

What Are the Most Valuable Items?

The answer depends a lot on your play style. Most players agree that rare crafting materials, high-tier weapons, and unique gear are the most valuable. These items often take the longest to acquire, either through difficult farming routes, end-game dungeon drops, or high-level crafting recipes.

Consumables like potions, scrolls, and temporary buffs are usually less valuable individually but are in constant demand. Players who focus on PvP or raiding often stock up on these, since having them ready can make a noticeable difference in performance.

Housing and cosmetic items are another category. They don’t affect gameplay directly, but many players invest in them because they enhance the personal experience or status in the game. In practice, these items are usually traded less frequently and can maintain high value over time due to scarcity.

How Does the Economy Work?

AoC’s economy is largely player-driven, meaning prices are determined by supply and demand rather than fixed values. Most players will notice that rare materials and crafted gear are significantly more expensive than items you can gather in low-level zones.

Trade hubs are key to this economy. Players usually gather in central towns or use online platforms to check current market prices before buying or selling. Timing is important; selling at the right moment, such as after a new patch or event, can yield better returns because demand spikes temporarily.

In general, players try to balance crafting and gathering with trading to maximize efficiency. For example, a player might farm materials during the week and then sell the finished items on a marketplace over the weekend when more people are online.

Should I Focus on Crafting, Combat, or Gathering?

This depends on your personal goals and play style. Most experienced players recommend starting with one focus to avoid spreading yourself too thin.

• Crafting: Good for players who like planning and long-term investment. Crafting high-level gear can take time, but it provides steady rewards.

• Combat: Best for players who enjoy dungeons, PvP, and farming rare drops. Combat-focused players usually need to be aware of the market for selling what they find.

• Gathering: Useful for players who prefer exploration and resource collection. Gathering supports crafting and trade, and high-level nodes can provide rare materials in demand.

Usually, the most successful players combine at least two of these paths, but specialization early on helps you build a foundation.

Are There Tips for Managing Inventory?

Yes. Inventory management in AoC can be tricky because many items take up space, and high-level gear is heavy and often requires careful planning. Most players recommend keeping a few key points in mind:

1. Prioritize high-value items: Only keep what you need or what is hard to replace. Consumables and low-tier materials can be sold or stored.

2. Use storage wisely: Town storage is usually shared among your characters, so you can store items there instead of carrying them all the time.

3. Plan crafting in batches: Instead of crafting one item at a time, gather enough materials to craft several. This saves trips back and forth to storage.

Efficient inventory management usually separates experienced players from those who get bogged down by clutter.

How Do Players Decide What to Trade or Sell?

In practice, players look at a combination of rarity, demand, and personal need. Items that are rare and in high demand, such as end-game gear or crafting materials, are usually the best candidates for trading.

Most players also keep an eye on trends. For example, if a new expansion or patch introduces a high-level dungeon, the materials needed for that content may temporarily spike in value. Experienced players often stockpile certain resources ahead of time, then sell them when demand increases.

Some players rely on online marketplaces like U4N to track prices and availability. Using these tools can save time, but it’s important to cross-check with in-game prices, because supply and demand can shift quickly based on how many players are farming or crafting.

What About Group Play and Item Sharing?

Group play affects how items are acquired and distributed. In general, players in raids or dungeons often need to coordinate who gets certain drops. Most groups use pre-agreed rules, such as “need before greed” or rotating priority among members, to ensure fairness.

Crafting groups also exist, where players specialize in different items and trade with each other rather than everyone crafting everything themselves. This system reduces redundancy and helps everyone focus on what they do best.

Understanding items in Ashes of Creation requires balancing gathering, crafting, combat, and trading. Most players find that specializing early, monitoring the market, and keeping an eye on trends leads to the best results. Platforms like U4N can be helpful for seeing what’s available, but success usually comes from knowing the game’s mechanics and staying flexible with your play style.

By focusing on the practical aspects of item acquisition, management, and trade, you can make informed decisions and enjoy the game without feeling lost in the economy. In general, experience and careful planning matter more than rushing to get rare items, and most players eventually find a rhythm that works for them.