What Are Trade Routes?

In Ashes of Creation, trade routes are economic pathways between settlements. These routes are established by mayors through mayoral caravans, which transport resources from one node to another. Trade routes are not just about moving goods—they reflect a settlement’s relationships, development, and planning strategy.

For example, a settlement might produce a unique resource like cotton. When processed locally, it could become a rare type of linen, available only from that node or a few others. A mayor may decide to establish a trade route so this linen can be delivered to a neighboring settlement that needs it for construction or crafting purposes. This is often tied to unlocking new buildings, blueprints, or service upgrades in the receiving node.

In practice, most players interact with trade routes indirectly. You might see the benefits in the form of better goods in local markets or faster settlement growth, but the underlying system is a combination of resource management, node strategy, and player-driven logistics.

How Trade Routes Work

1. Mayoral Caravans and Agreements

Trade routes are initiated by mayors through trade agreements. These agreements specify the type of resources to be moved and the destination node. Caravans, either land-based or naval, handle the transportation. Land caravans follow roads, while naval trade is conducted via ships along established sea lanes.

The agreements are often part of a diplomatic process. Mayors might negotiate with each other to establish mutually beneficial trade, and players can sometimes influence these negotiations. In general, settlements with strong trade networks grow faster because they have consistent access to rare resources and essential materials.

2. Resource and Node Considerations

Different nodes have access to different resources. Some resources are rare or only appear in certain zones, which makes trade routes crucial for crafting or construction. For example, a remote node may have cotton or specialized wood needed to build a particular service building or upgrade an existing one. By establishing a trade route, the mayor ensures these materials are delivered efficiently.

Players often find themselves contributing indirectly by defending caravans, guiding resources through dangerous areas, or even just buying items produced along these routes. This system makes trade routes a mix of economic planning and community activity.

3. Seasonal and Dynamic Effects

Trade routes aren’t static. In general, environmental and player-driven factors affect how goods move. For instance, a mountain pass might be closed in winter, rerouting caravans or temporarily halting deliveries. Player activity, like PvP blockades or city expansions, can also change trade dynamics. Most players notice these changes in market prices, availability of goods, or even increased caravan escort activity in contested zones.

This dynamic system adds a layer of realism. Unlike fixed economic simulations, Ashes of Creation encourages players to pay attention to geography, seasons, and other players’ actions. Understanding how these factors affect trade can give a strategic advantage, whether you’re managing a node or participating in its economy.

4. Naval Trade Routes

While land-based trade relies on roads and caravans, naval trade uses merchant ships to transport goods between coastal settlements. Players often overlook naval trade at first, but it can be critical for linking distant nodes or moving large quantities of goods efficiently. In general, settlements with access to both land and sea routes enjoy more robust economic growth, as they can adapt to seasonal changes and regional conflicts more effectively.

5. Practical Tips for Players

• Pay attention to node resources: Knowing what resources are rare or locally produced helps you understand trade priorities.

• Support mayoral trade: Even if you’re not a mayor, protecting caravans or participating in node economy boosts your community.

• Adapt to seasonal changes: Routes can change depending on terrain or time of year, so flexibility is key.

• Use trusted sources: For players looking to supplement resources, using a trusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold can sometimes help fund trade or node development, but in-game activity remains the primary way to grow settlements.

Why Trade Routes Matter

Trade routes are more than a convenience—they are a core part of the game’s node development and diplomacy. Well-managed trade routes allow settlements to:

• Unlock higher-tier service buildings and blueprints.

• Strengthen political alliances between nodes.

• Provide goods and materials consistently, supporting crafting and economy.

• Influence PvP and PvE strategies, as controlling trade routes can give economic and tactical advantages.

Most players recognize that settlements with strong trade networks tend to become economic and political hubs. Conversely, neglecting trade can slow node progression and limit available resources.

Trade routes in Ashes of Creation combine resource management, diplomacy, and player-driven logistics. They are dynamic, influenced by geography, season, and player activity, and they play a central role in node development. By understanding how caravans, trade agreements, and both land and naval routes work, players can make better decisions—whether defending a node, supporting its economy, or simply participating in local markets.

For most players, the practical takeaway is that trade routes aren’t just background mechanics—they are living systems that shape the game world and create opportunities for strategy, cooperation, and competition.