Understanding Freehold Placement in Ashes of Creation

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How Close Can Freeholds Be to Each Other?

One common question is whether you can cluster multiple Freeholds together. The short answer: there are strict distance requirements.

Freeholds must be at least 100 meters apart from other Freeholds. Previously, this was noted as around 150 meters, but current guidance has reduced it slightly.

Placing Freeholds closer than this limit is not allowed. Even if you are roleplaying or trying to create a tight-knit village feel, the game treats these as separate plots within the same parent settlement. Only roleplay decisions can distinguish them as a separate settlement in a narrative sense.

Most players who plan to build multiple Freeholds usually measure out distances carefully to avoid wasted space or invalid placements.

Freehold Restrictions Near Roads and Terrain

You cannot just place a Freehold anywhere. The game prevents plots from being too close to certain key areas:

Pathing routes (roadways) – This ensures that Freeholds don’t interfere with main travel paths.

Dungeons and Points of Interest (POIs) – Regardless of whether a dungeon is active or its advancement level, you cannot place Freeholds too close.

Event spawn areas – Freeholds cannot overlap with zones where dynamic events spawn.

Hard terrain features – Mountains, cliffs, and similar difficult terrain cannot host Freeholds.

In practice, this means players need to scout locations carefully. Most experienced players walk or fly around a zone to find plots that are flat enough, far from POIs, and still within the settlement’s Zone of Influence (ZOI).

Freeholds Within Settlements

Another question players often ask is how Freeholds interact with settlements. Some key points:

The more advanced a settlement is, the more Freeholds it can support within its ZOI. This means that as villages or towns level up, there is more space available for personal plots.

Collections of Freeholds in close proximity are still part of their parent settlement. They don’t automatically become a separate village or town. This is important for guild planning, as it affects taxes, benefits, and guild bonuses.

Adjacent Freeholds do not share bonuses with their neighbors, so putting two Freeholds next to each other doesn’t provide any passive advantages. However, if a patron guild owns a guild hall nearby, Freeholds can receive indirect benefits from that.

Most players who specialize in crafting or gathering like to place Freeholds near guild halls if possible, as it provides access to perks without breaking placement rules.

Practical Advice for Placement

Check the ZOI first – Freeholds can only be placed inside a settlement’s Zone of Influence, so always make sure your chosen area is eligible.

Use distance markers – Since Freeholds must be ~100m apart, it helps to use in-game markers or measuring tools to plan your layout.

Avoid high-traffic areas – Roads, event spawns, and POIs are off-limits. Even if a spot seems convenient, it may be blocked by invisible restrictions.

Think about terrain – Mountainsides or cliffs might look scenic, but they are usually unusable for Freehold placement. Flat or gently sloping areas are safest.

Most players who plan carefully will spend some time flying over potential plots to make sure nothing is restricted. Once a plot is chosen, placement is usually straightforward if these rules are followed.

Why Location Matters

Beyond placement restrictions, location influences convenience and efficiency:

Freeholds near resource nodes reduce travel time for gathering professions.

Proximity to guild halls or settlements can provide benefits and social opportunities.

Safe placement, away from high-PvP areas or crowded event zones, can prevent frustration during busy times.

Some players even consider buying external resources to speed up leveling of their Freehold or personal skills, such as items or currency to reduce grind. For example, it’s common to see guides mentioning options like buy Ashes of Creation gold for leveling on U4N, though this should always be approached carefully and within the game’s terms of service.

In general, Freehold placement in Ashes of Creation is a combination of strategy, patience, and knowledge of the world. While the rules may seem restrictive at first, most players find that with some scouting, planning, and consideration of settlement ZOIs, they can find an ideal location that balances aesthetics, convenience, and gameplay benefits.

Careful placement not only ensures compliance with the game’s mechanics but also helps you enjoy your Freehold to its fullest without unexpected restrictions or interference.