What Freeholds Really Do in Ashes of Creation

CrystalNova

What is a Freehold?

A Freehold is a player-owned plot of land located outside of node settlements. It's a personal space where you can build structures related to crafting, processing, storage, farming, and more.

In terms of size, a Freehold is approximately 1.5 acres, or roughly 100 meters by 60 meters. That’s a substantial area, and unlike many systems in other MMOs, the size of a Freehold does not scale up with node progression. Once you own a Freehold, the footprint stays fixed.

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How Many Freeholds Are Available?

Most players won’t be able to own a Freehold. The number of Freehold plots on each server is limited—usually in the low thousands. This can change depending on how the world evolves, especially how players develop and advance nodes.

So, if you're set on owning one, you'll need to plan early, keep an eye on node progression, and be ready to compete with others. The limited supply makes them highly valuable and competitive.

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Why Are Freeholds So Important?

The main reason Freeholds are considered such a big deal is because of processing. While some processing tasks can be done in towns and nodes, the best processing—the kind that converts raw resources into high-quality crafting materials—can only be done on Freeholds.

This ties Freeholds directly to the crafting economy. If you want to be a serious artisan or supply high-end materials to crafters, owning a Freehold gives you a major advantage.

Because of this, the developers have intentionally made Freeholds hard to obtain. It's meant to be a monumental achievement, not something handed out easily. You’ll need time, effort, resources, and coordination with node progression.

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What Buildings Can You Place on a Freehold?

Freeholds allow you to place various buildings, but you can’t just throw them down freely. You’ll need permits for each building, and each permit adds to your tax burden.

Yes, Freeholds are taxed by the nearby node. This tax is calculated based on how many buildings you’ve placed and what kind they are. Buildings that require permits also have upkeep costs, so the more you build, the more you pay.

You’ll also need blueprints to construct processing buildings. These aren’t free, and some may only be available through specific means like quests, vendors, or events.

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What Kind of Player Should Go for a Freehold?

Freeholds are best suited for players who are serious about crafting, especially the processing side. If you’re someone who wants to control part of the crafting economy, process rare materials, or support a guild’s supply chain, a Freehold is likely your goal.

However, if you just want a home or a place to decorate, you don’t need a Freehold. There are other housing options available—like apartments, inn rooms, or in-node houses—that are easier to get and still allow for furniture placement.

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Are There Downsides to Owning a Freehold?

Yes. The major downside is the effort and cost. Not only is the initial acquisition tough, but maintaining the Freehold comes with taxes, permit upkeep, and possibly defending it if the nearby node is under siege.

Also, Freeholds don’t move. If a node is destroyed, your Freehold might be at risk depending on the situation. It's a long-term commitment that requires strategic thinking and time investment.

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How Do Players Usually Get a Freehold?

To even place a Freehold, certain conditions must be met:

• The nearby node must reach a certain stage (usually Stage 3 or higher, depending on the system).
  
• There must be Freehold plots available.
  
• You’ll need to acquire the necessary permits and possibly participate in an auction or lottery system, depending on how the devs implement it.
  
  

In practice, most players who aim for Freeholds are part of organized guilds or large groups that help push node development forward. Solo players may still get one, but it’ll be harder and require more strategic planning.

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Final Tip: Invest Wisely

Because Freeholds are tied to the economy, they’re a long-term investment. If you're focusing on gold and crafting profit, it might be worth your time to buy AoC gold from a trusted site like U4N, especially if you’re trying to catch up to other players who already have a strong foothold. Just make sure the platform is secure and legit.

Freeholds in Ashes of Creation are high-effort, high-reward player housing systems focused on crafting and processing. Most players won’t get one, but for those who do, it opens up powerful gameplay options.

They require planning, investment, and a good understanding of how the node system evolves. But if you’re serious about crafting and want to control part of the economy, aiming for a Freehold could be one of the most meaningful goals in the game.