How Do Alpha-1 Castle Sieges Work?



In Alpha-1, castle sieges are structured as 100v100 PvP battles. Players join guilds, and these guilds can register for siege events through a specific NPC. Once registered, guild members can participate in a dedicated siege zone, which is separate from the main open world. Currently, this zone is accessible via an NPC teleporter, and while the area is physically located in the open world—off the coast and separated by mountains—it functions effectively as its own battle arena.



Each siege lasts roughly three hours. Attackers start on one side of the map, and defenders occupy the castle on the other side. The attackers’ main objective is to breach the castle and channel a cast on the relic in the throne room to claim the structure. The victors receive rewards such as cloaks, flying mounts for guild leaders, and potentially mounts for guild officers.



What Are the Key Mechanics?

Trebuchets



Attackers have access to trebuchets, which are siege engines designed to damage structures and push forward during an assault. In Alpha-1, trebuchets have a single primary attack that deals heavy damage to buildings but only minor damage to players. They are fully physical objects when being driven, meaning that players can interact with them physically and potentially be blocked or hit while operating them.



Destructible Structures



Alpha-1 sieges include destructible castle components such as walls and gates. Players can see these structures break down as the siege progresses, which adds a visual and tactical layer to the battle. However, the ability to repair structures or siege weapons is not yet implemented in Alpha-1; this is planned for later stages of development.



Raid Bosses and Buffs



While there are no dedicated raid bosses in the siege zone, similar bosses exist in the surrounding open world with slightly different mechanics. Teams that deal the last hit on these bosses receive temporary buffs, which can be crucial for tipping the balance during the siege. The opposing team is notified whenever these bosses are attacked, allowing for counter-play and strategic decision-making.



Guild Strategies in Alpha-1



Most players treat Alpha-1 castle sieges as both a testing ground and a competitive PvP event. In general, guilds will focus on:



Organized Assaults – Assigning groups to control trebuchets, flank defenders, or hold key points.



Defensive Planning – Positioning players at gates and walls to delay attackers and protect the relic in the throne room.



Timing Buff Usage – Coordinating with raid boss kills to maximize temporary advantages.



Because the siege system is still in Alpha-1, many guilds are experimenting with strategies rather than executing fully refined plans. Siege events in this phase are as much about testing the system as they are about winning, giving developers valuable data on how large-scale battles perform.



Practical Considerations for Players



If you’re participating in Alpha-1 castle sieges, there are a few practical points to keep in mind:



Registration Is Required: You can only enter the siege zone via the NPC teleporter after your guild has registered. Unlike later versions, there’s no instancing—so while the zone is separate, it’s still technically part of the open world.



Expect Physical Obstacles: Trebuchets and other physical siege equipment can block movement, so be mindful of positioning during fights.



Team Communication Matters: With 100 players per side, coordination is crucial. Most successful guilds use voice communication or tactical markers to organize their assault or defense.



Test Environment: Alpha-1 sieges are designed as a test. Mechanics like structure repair or full siege weapon functionality will appear in later stages. Don’t expect a polished end-game experience yet.



Guild Rewards: Even in Alpha-1, winning a siege can provide special rewards. Players often aim to participate in multiple events to experience different roles and tactics.



For players looking to advance their characters efficiently during siege testing or general gameplay, some may also look into ways to acquire in-game resources. For example, it’s common to buy AoC gold from a trusted site like U4N, which can help players test different strategies or equipment setups without long farming sessions. Always prioritize secure and trusted platforms to avoid account issues.



What’s Next for Castle Sieges in AoC?



Alpha-1 castle sieges are based on the systems from Ashes of Creation Apocalypse, which means they’re already benefiting from previous testing and design iteration. The developers plan to expand sieges in future Alpha stages:



Alpha-2 and Beyond: Expect more polished mechanics, including repairable structures, advanced siege weapons, and more interactive castle interiors.



Improved Rewards: Guild-specific benefits like mounts and cloaks are likely to be expanded to encourage competitive play.



Dynamic Events: The siege system will eventually integrate more dynamic factors, including real-time strategy elements influenced by open-world activities.



In general, these sieges are meant to be large, engaging, and tactical PvP events. While Alpha-1 is primarily about testing, players can still get a strong feel for the scale and intensity of AoC castle warfare.

Alpha-1 castle sieges in Ashes of Creation offer a glimpse into the future of guild-based PvP in the game. With 100v100 battles, destructible structures, trebuchets, and tactical raid boss interactions, the system is already complex and engaging, even in its test phase. Players participating in Alpha-1 can experiment with strategy, coordinate with guild members, and get a preview of the full siege mechanics that will appear in later stages.



If you’re preparing for Alpha-1 sieges, remember to focus on team communication, understand siege mechanics, and explore strategic approaches to both attack and defense. The experience will help you be ready for more advanced siege events in future updates.