Mid-December marks the arrival of Ashes of Creation, a new MMORPG offering eight playable classes. We’ve gathered all key details on the release, archetypes, Early Access and more.
Ashes of Creation is launching in just a few days, bringing a new MMORPG to the scene. The developers at Intrepid Studios are building a dynamic world that changes based on player actions – including political power struggles, player-built cities, large-scale battles and complex economic systems. In December 2025, the game enters Early Access on Steam. Here, you’ll find everything important about the release, gameplay systems, archetypes and PC requirements.
Ashes of Creation Release: When does Early Access begin?
The Early Access phase of Ashes of Creation begins on December 11, 2025, on Steam. This marks the start of the Alpha Two phase with the v0.18 Harbinger Update. A precise launch time hasn’t been announced yet. Prior to release, several testing periods took place on the “Lotharia” (EU) and “Shol” (US) Realms, as well as on the Public Test Realm (PTR).
Why Early Access?
According to the developers, Ashes of Creation is a “reactive world” that constantly evolves based on player behaviour. Early Access makes it possible to test these systems under real-world conditions. Settlements grow, new quests emerge, PvP threats arise and economic opportunities develop depending on how players interact with the world. Community feedback helps refine these mechanics in real time.
How long will the game remain in Early Access?
No exact end date has been confirmed. The plan is to transition from Alpha Two into two separate beta phases before launching the final version. According to Intrepid, the timeline depends on when the game meets their standards for quality, stability and content depth.
How does Early Access differ from the full release?
During Early Access, the focus lies on core systems: dynamic settlements, a player-driven economy, crafting, PvP and PvE combat, sieges, guild mechanics and archetypes. The full release aims to expand these systems with additional content, performance improvements and worldwide events.
Steam Launch: Everything you need to know
Ashes of Creation launches exclusively via Early Access on Steam on December 11, 2025. Players currently using the Intrepid Launcher will also need to switch to Steam. Steam accounts can be linked to an Intrepid account, but each Intrepid account requires its own individual Steam account.
Ashes of Creation: Can you pre-order the game?
As of now, the game cannot be pre-ordered on Steam. However, you can add Ashes of Creation to your wishlist to receive notifications as soon as new information becomes available. You’ll find the store link in our sources below.
System Requirements: What your PC needs
Minimum Requirements:
- Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Intel i5 8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- 12 GB RAM
- NVIDIA GTX 1070 or equivalent
- DirectX 12
- SSD (internal, SATA/M.2)
- 120 GB storage space
Recommended:
- Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Intel i7 8700 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- 16 GB RAM
- NVIDIA RTX 3070 or equivalent
- SSD (internal, M.2 NVMe)
- 120 GB storage space
The Archetypes in Ashes of Creation
There are eight primary archetypes in total, each of which can later be combined with a secondary archetype. Even the base classes offer a wide range of gameplay styles:
- Fighter: A melee specialist focused on offense. Uses magical essence to enhance attacks and has resistance to control-based magic.
- Tank: The group’s shield, drawing aggro, absorbing damage and controlling the battlefield through interrupts.
- Cleric: A restorative and support-focused healer. Can resurrect allies, remove negative effects and regenerate mana.
- Mage: Master of arcane magic, specialising in AoE spells, elemental damage and debuffs, with additional utility skills.
- Ranger: A ranged fighter with supernatural senses. Uses nature magic for stealth and mobility, paired with deadly volleys and traps.
- Rogue: Strikes from the shadows with critical hits, poisons and deception. Can teleport, bypass enemies and execute quick ambushes.
- Summoner: Calls allies from other dimensions to assist in combat. Highly flexible depending on the chosen summon – control, damage or healing.
- Bard: A musical support class that enhances allies, weakens enemies and adds tactical depth to group play.
World & Story of Ashes of Creation
In Ashes of Creation, you return to the world of Verra – a land reborn after a devastating catastrophe, waiting to be reshaped by your actions. You begin on a wild, long-forgotten continent that slowly transforms as you settle, explore or fight within it.
Every decision has consequences: cities rise or collapse, regions open paths or close them again, and political balances shift as you forge alliances or trigger wars. While uncovering ancient secrets, engaging in trade or joining massive battles, you actively shape the history of this world. Your actions determine what Verra becomes – and which legends will be told about you.
Community & Involvement
The community plays a central role in development: feedback is gathered through forums, Discord, livestreams, surveys and player reports. Every alpha session helps refine the game. Updates and adjustments are based on player input and implemented in subsequent patches.
Players who reach at least level 25 before Early Access ends will receive a cosmetic mount reward. Earlier testers also receive exclusive titles such as “Cultist of the Eternal Fire” and “Knight of the White Flame,” which affect the appearance of their cape.
Sources: ashesofcreation.com, Steam
