Ashes of Creation Anvils Guide | Leveling in the Anvils
The Anvils is one of the main starting zones in Ashes of Creation, set deep within the mountains of Vandagar. It’s a great spot if you want a smoother start without the heavy crowding seen in the Riverlands.
Where the Anvils Is Found
The Anvils sits in the heart of the Dünzenkell Mountains. It’s the homeland of the Dünzenkell dwarves and holds the divine gateway known as Duunthol. You’ll start here if you choose the Dünir or Niküa races. Dünir begin in Hammer Rest, while Niküa start in Bonfire. Both paths lead through the interior of Mount Dün before branching into open mountain routes.
How to Start in the Anvils
After character creation, you’ll appear in a stone chamber with a blue portal. You already have crude weapons and gathering tools, so skip the scattered items in the room. Step outside and talk to the NPCs waiting near the exit.
The left path sends you toward Hammer Rest, and the right toward Bonfire. Both offer the same early quest to defeat five clay creatures. Completing that fight gets you to level 2 and unlocks the first stage of your combat progression.
Using the Destiny System
Press L to open your Destiny window. This tracks small goals tied to combat, crafting, and gathering. Completing stars gives Glint and XP, and filling out full constellations unlocks chest rewards with useful gear.
During the first few quests, dodge three times, block three times, and fire one ranged attack. Those actions finish early Destiny tasks, letting you claim a solid weapon around level 5 that should carry you through the next ten levels.
Leveling Fast in Early Access
Keep pushing through the cave quests until you reach the Ember Spring area. Before you interact with the spring, talk to the two NPCs nearby. If you attune early, their quests won’t complete, and you’ll need to backtrack.
After you clear the cave, you’ll move into the open areas near Hammer Rest and Bonfire. Finish the crafting and storage tutorials there to get your first uncommon gathering tools. This zone flows well for new players since most quest chains connect cleanly from one camp to the next.
Extra Tips for Players
Save your Glint for marketplace trading once you reach a settlement
Store extra materials in a bank chest before you die to avoid losing half your loot
Group up in local chat using say or shout for faster XP when fighting crowded mob areas
The Destiny rewards give stronger weapons than early crafted gear, so focus on those first
Explore both sides of the zone once you’re out of the cave since each has unique mob drops
Final Blurb
The Anvils is a strong alternative to the Riverlands for early leveling. The quests move smoothly, the enemies are balanced, and the setting feels more focused. You’ll get through your first few levels quickly here while learning how the Destiny system and Ember Springs work.
FAQ
What level range is the Anvils for
The Anvils is a starting area meant for players around level 1 to 10 in early access.
Which races start here
The Dünir begin in Hammer Rest, and the Niküa begin in Bonfire.
Is the Anvils smaller than the Riverlands
Yes, it’s a tighter area but easier to navigate, with less travel between quest hubs.
How big is the zone
It’s about 72 square kilometers in size, making it a mid-scale starting area compared to others.
Are there special forges or landmarks
Yes, ancient forges called Unyielding Machines are hidden in the mountains and connected to early Dünzenkell lore.
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