What Are Settlement Benefits?



Settlement benefits are bonuses and systems unlocked as a node grows through its stages, especially once it becomes a City (stage 6) or a Metropolis. These benefits affect:



Citizens of the settlement



Vassal settlements connected to it



In some cases, large parts of the world



In general, benefits come from three sources:



Settlement superpowers



Settlement policies



Settlement buildings and node specializations



Most players feel these benefits through easier access to content, better trade options, or stronger regional influence rather than direct stat boosts.



What Is a Settlement Superpower?



Each settlement type has one unique superpower. This ability unlocks when the settlement reaches City stage (stage 6).



Superpowers are not small bonuses. They are meant to change how the surrounding region works. Once unlocked, the superpower applies not only to the City itself but also to all of its vassal settlements.



In practice, this means that even players who never set foot in the City may still benefit from it if they live or operate in its vassal network.



Do Superpowers Stack Across the World?



Yes, and this is one of the most important details.



According to developer explanations, settlement superpowers are additive. If multiple Metropolises of the same node type exist, their influence expands rather than replaces previous effects.



In general:



One Metropolis affects its vassals



Multiple Metropolises of the same type can influence multiple vassal structures



Over time, this can affect a large portion of the world



Most players will notice this through overlapping systems, like trade access or dungeon availability, rather than through direct notifications.



How Do Settlement Policies and Buildings Matter?



Superpowers are only part of the picture.



Settlement leadership can enact policies and construct specialized buildings that further influence how the node functions. These effects are often more localized but still impactful.



Usually, policies and buildings affect:



Tax rates



Access to services



Crafting or economic efficiency



Regional safety or conflict rules



Players who become citizens typically feel these benefits the most, but even non-citizens may interact with them indirectly through markets, travel routes, or PvE content.



Divine Settlement Benefits Explained



Divine settlements offer one of the most distinct PvE-focused benefits once they reach City stage.



What Is the Mega Catacomb?



A Divine City may unlock a procedurally built mega catacomb dungeon beneath it. This dungeon connects to the City’s divine vassal settlements.



In practice:



The dungeon layout is not static



Bosses can vary between different Divine Cities



Loot tables are unique to this dungeon type



Most players will experience this as a long-term PvE hub rather than a quick farming spot.



How Divine Vassals Are Connected



Divine vassal settlements are linked to the main Divine City through the dungeon system.



This means:



Access points may exist across multiple settlements



Control of the City affects dungeon availability



Guilds often compete politically rather than just militarily



In general, Divine settlements appeal most to players focused on PvE progression and boss encounters rather than trade or logistics.



Economic Settlement Benefits in Practice



Economic settlements focus heavily on trade and market access. These benefits start earlier than most players expect.



What Happens at Town Stage (Stage 4)?



Once an Economic settlement reaches Town stage, it unlocks early versions of the linked economy system.



At this stage:



Auction house prices become visible across Verra



Items listed in one linked settlement can be bid on from another



The system connects the settlement with its economic vassals



Most players notice this when comparing prices and realizing they no longer need to physically travel to check multiple markets.



How the Linked Economy Superpower Works



The full Linked Economy superpower unlocks at the Metropolis stage for Economic settlements.



When active:



Auction house listings are shared between all linked Economic settlements



Items listed in one settlement can be purchased from any other linked settlement



The Metropolis and its vassal Economic settlements are fully connected



Up to two Economic cities may be linked in this way.



In general, this creates a massive shared market that spans large regions of the world.



How Players Usually Use Linked Economies



Most players interact with linked economies in very practical ways:



Crafters sell items without traveling long distances



Buyers compare prices instantly



Traders move goods strategically rather than blindly



This system reduces wasted travel time but does not remove risk entirely. Transporting raw materials and controlling territory still matters.



Some players combine this system with external planning tools or communities, and it is not uncommon to see references to things like atrusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold when discussing broader economic strategies, even though in-game systems still determine most outcomes.



Why Economic Settlements Shape the World



Economic superpowers tend to affect more players than any other settlement type.



In general:



Markets become centralized



Wealth accumulates faster in connected regions



Political control of Economic Metropolises becomes extremely valuable



Most large guilds prioritize Economic nodes because control over trade often matters more than direct combat power.



How Vassal Settlements Benefit Overall



Vassal settlements are not passive followers. They receive direct benefits from their parent City or Metropolis.



Usually, vassals gain:



Access to superpower effects



Shared systems like dungeons or economies



Political protection or influence



For many players, living in a strong vassal settlement is more practical than competing for space in the main City.



How Settlement Benefits Affect Everyday Gameplay



Most players feel settlement benefits indirectly.



In everyday play, this shows up as:



Shorter travel for trading



More available PvE content



Better access to crafting or services



Regional stability or conflict shaped by leadership choices



Players rarely interact with these systems through menus. Instead, they notice patterns over time as regions develop.



Final Thoughts on Settlement Benefits



Settlement benefits in Ashes of Creation are designed to be long-term, world-shaping systems rather than short-term rewards.



In general:



Superpowers define regional identity



Policies and buildings fine-tune player experience



Vassal structures spread influence across the map



Most players who understand how these benefits work can make smarter choices about where to live, trade, and invest their time. Whether you focus on PvE, economy, or politics, settlement benefits quietly shape almost every part of the game.