Ashes of Creation Alpha 2 Early Access: The Complete Steam Launch Guide

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If you’ve been waiting years to step foot into Verra, the wait is finally over—and this time, everyone is invited. Ashes of Creation has officially launched on Steam Early Access, transforming its long-running closed test into a massive, community-driven alpha.

This isn’t just a new download button. It’s the first real chance for the global MMORPG audience to help shape a living, breathing world where every mob killed, node leveled, and caravan ambushed becomes part of the server’s permanent history.

Before you hit Play, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—from how Early Access really works, to the massive v0.18 Harbinger Update, to how you can prepare for the most ambitious alpha launch in MMORPG history.

🕒 Alpha Two Steam Launch Details

Launch Date: December 11, 2025
Launch Time: 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Platform: Steam (standalone launcher retired)

This marks the true global opening of Alpha Two. But remember: this is still very much an active development environment.

💡 What “Early Access” Really Means

This might be the most important part of the entire guide.

Ashes of Creation Alpha Two is:

  • A work-in-progress build

  • Full of bugs

  • Featuring placeholder systems

  • Guaranteed to undergo full progression wipes

  • A testing phase—not a finished game

Your job as a player is to experiment, provide feedback, and help shape the final product.

If you come in expecting a polished release, you will be frustrated.
If you come in expecting to help build an MMORPG—this is your moment.

🛠️ How to Get Access

Ashes of Creation Alpha 2 Early Access

1. Existing Testers

If you previously bought an Alpha/Beta package or backed the project:

  • Your access is already active.

  • You must link your Intrepid Studios account to Steam.

  • The old launcher has been fully removed.

2. New Players

Grab the new Early Access Bundle on Steam:

  • Price: $49.99 USD

  • Launch Discount: 15% off → $42.49 (Dec 11–25, 2025)

  • Includes access to all future testing phases (Beta One + Beta Two).

💻 System Requirements

Minimum (1080p)

  • i5 8400 / Ryzen 5 2600

  • 12GB RAM

  • GTX 1070 / RX 580

  • 120GB SSD

Recommended (1440p)

  • i7 8700 / Ryzen 5 3600

  • 16GB RAM

  • RTX 3070 / RX 6700 XT

  • 120GB NVMe SSD strongly recommended for smooth streaming

🔥 What’s New in Alpha 2 (v0.18 Harbinger Update)

This update isn’t just a content drop—it’s a rebuild of several key systems.

🧙‍♂️ New Archetype: The Summoner

  • 8th and final primary archetype

  • Controls spirit Vessels: Guardian (tank), Hunter (DPS), Mystic (support)

  • A highly tactical, pet-driven playstyle

🌑 Harbinger Invasion (Open-World Event)

Huge zone-wide chaos featuring:

  • Corrupted enemies

  • 5-star world bosses (Ancient Commanders)

  • New “Narthex” dungeons

  • Top-tier loot

🎣 Sport Fishing

An active, skill-based life activity with:

  • Hotspot hunting

  • Lure selection

  • Fight-and-reel mini-game mechanics

🌄 Anvils Starting Zone

A refined new-player experience introducing:

  • Core mechanics

  • Early quests

  • Smoother onboarding

🌱 New Races

You can now play:

  • Dünir

  • Py’Rai

  • Niküa

📦 Crate System (New Economy Loop)

Trade goods now exist physically in the world.
You must carry crates:

  • On your back

  • Or using caravans
    Risky, tactical, and deeply tied to player-driven markets.

🏘️ Node System Overhaul → "Settlement Progression"

  • Faster progression

  • Simpler stage path

  • Metropolis removed to streamline growth

  • More dynamic world evolution

🧭 How to Prepare: Your Pre-Launch Checklist

1. Adopt the Tester Mindset

You’re here to test—not hoard levels or gold.
Use:

  • /bug for issues

  • Forums + Discord for feedback

Wipes will happen. Embrace them.

2. Plan Your Character Start

You can begin in:

  • Anvils (guided intro zone)

  • Ruins of Aela (classic starter zone)

Primary archetypes are permanent, so choose wisely:
Fighter, Tank, Mage, Cleric, Bard, Ranger, Rogue, Summoner.

At Level 25, you’ll unlock a secondary archetype → one of 64 hybrid classes.

3. Learn the New World Rules

Key systems to understand:

  • Settlement progression

  • Lawless zones (open PvP)

  • Crate-driven economy

  • Caravan logistics

Mastering these early gives you a huge advantage.

4. Connect with the Community

The game thrives on community feedback, so join:

  • Official Discord

  • Reddit /r/AshesofCreation

  • Steam community forums

Your experience shapes future updates.

🚀 The Road Ahead

The Steam Early Access launch isn’t the finish line—it’s the start of the real journey. Alpha Two will continue to evolve rapidly, and the feedback from this massive influx of testers will influence:

  • Class balance

  • Settlement progression

  • PvP rules

  • World events

  • Crafting systems

  • Future Beta phases

  • The eventual full release

You’re stepping into the birth of a world.
You’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes—and bugs that crash your client.
You’ll lose progress—but gain influence.

If you’re ready not just to play a game, but to shape one, then welcome to Ashes of Creation Alpha Two.

Verra is waiting for you.

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