What Are Service Buildings?



Service buildings are structures within a settlement that provide benefits either to the players or to the settlement itself. They come in two main forms: default buildings and constructed buildings.



Default buildings are automatically present when a settlement reaches a certain stage. These include buildings like the node-type building, which gives a settlement its identity (e.g., a trade-focused node, a military node, or a magical node).



Constructed buildings are initiated by the mayor and built by players. This allows player communities to tailor their settlement toward specific functions, like crafting, commerce, or research.



Chris Justo, one of the developers, described this system as a way for settlements to “shape your node like a character” and carve out unique niches within the game world. For example, if your node becomes known for weaponsmithing, it can attract players who want to craft or buy high-quality gear. Conversely, if another nearby node develops a similar focus, it could create competition and potential conflict over resources and player attention.



Active vs. Passive Service Buildings



Service buildings are divided into active and passive types, depending on whether players interact directly with them.



Active service buildings are used directly by players. They fall into several categories:



Artisanship: Crafting-focused buildings where players can create weapons, armor, or other items.



Business: Buildings that facilitate trade and commerce.



Magic: Structures that allow players to access magical services, like spell crafting or enchanting.



Player housing: Provides living space for characters within the settlement.



Political: Buildings that allow players to participate in governance and decision-making within the node.



Passive service buildings offer benefits that affect the settlement or its surrounding area indirectly. These include:



Civic: Improves overall settlement functionality or efficiency.



Cultural: Enhances social and artistic aspects, attracting more visitors.



Fabrication: Supports the creation of resources or crafting infrastructure.



Scholarly: Provides research or experience bonuses for players engaging in knowledge-related activities.



Vocational: Supports specialized skills or professions in the node.



Most players tend to focus on active buildings for personal benefit, but passive buildings are crucial for long-term growth, as they unlock higher-tier expansions for active service buildings.



How Building Upgrades Work



Service buildings are not static—they can be upgraded through expansions. Expansions are unlocked by placing passive service buildings within the settlement, which means there is a strategic element in deciding what to build and when.



Higher-tier workstations and specialized building functions often require dedicating more plots to a particular building, so mayors and player councils must carefully plan the settlement layout. As a result, nodes gradually specialize over time, creating unique hubs that players recognize for specific services or goods.



Service buildings also have maintenance costs, requiring both settlement commodities and gold from the treasury to operate. Players who manage a node must balance the income and upkeep to keep their buildings running smoothly.



Planning a Node Around Service Buildings



When planning a settlement, most players think about two main goals: attracting visitors and creating a unique niche. For example:



If your node is the only nearby hub offering high-level weaponsmithing, it will naturally draw players who need those services.



Conversely, in densely populated areas with multiple nodes offering similar services, players may experience competition, creating reasons for political alliances or disputes.



In general, constructing a variety of service buildings in different stages allows a node to remain versatile and resilient. Expansions and passive buildings should complement active buildings, ensuring that the node continues to grow without becoming resource-heavy or financially unsustainable.



It’s also worth noting that players often buy gold or commodities to speed up development, especially for active buildings. Some players choose tobuy Ashes of Creation gold from U4N to accelerate upgrades or maintain the settlement treasury for continued operations. While not necessary for every player, this option is part of the practical strategies some settlements employ to maintain competitiveness.



Service buildings in Ashes of Creation are a central mechanic that defines how settlements function and evolve. By understanding the distinction between active and passive buildings, planning upgrades carefully, and balancing maintenance costs, players can shape their nodes into vibrant hubs that attract visitors, support specialized activities, and create meaningful competition. Whether you’re aiming to craft, trade, or lead politically, service buildings provide the framework for almost every aspect of settlement gameplay in the game.