Ashes of Creation How to Pack Crates for Caravans
Packing crates is the first real step into caravan gameplay in Ashes of Creation. It is where risk, profit, and player conflict all begin. If you get this part wrong, you lose time and resources. If you get it right, you make enemies… and gold.
How Packing Crates Works in Ashes of Creation
Crates are created from gathered or processed resources. These crates are then loaded onto caravans for transport between nodes.
Once a crate is packed, it becomes part of the open world caravan system. It is no longer safe inventory loot.
Crates are physical objects tied to caravans. They can be attacked, destroyed, or stolen.
Where Crates Come From
Crates are produced at specific nodes and facilities. You cannot pack them anywhere.
Crate creation depends on node development and available buildings. Higher tier nodes unlock better crate options.
Common crate sources include
Processing buildings
Crafting related node structures
Economic node facilities
Trade focused buildings
You must own or have access rights to create crates at that location.
Steps to Pack Crates Onto a Caravan
Packing crates is intentional and slow. This prevents instant profit runs.
Basic flow looks like this
Create or acquire trade crates
Spawn or access a caravan
Load crates onto the caravan
Confirm caravan ownership and destination
Begin transport
Once crates are loaded, the caravan becomes a valid PvP target.
What Happens After Packing Crates
After packing, the caravan must travel through the open world. There is no fast travel.
Other players can attack the caravan. Guards and escorts are optional but smart.
If a caravan is destroyed
Crates can drop
Attackers can steal resources
Owners suffer loss
If the caravan arrives safely, crates can be unpacked and sold or used.
Risk vs Reward of Packing Crates
Crate value scales with distance and danger. Longer routes pay more.
Short safe routes pay less. Dangerous routes attract PvP.
You choose how spicy the trip gets.
This system pushes player driven conflict without forcing participation.
Solo vs Group Crate Packing
Solo players can pack crates, but survival is harder. One ambush can end the run.
Groups can escort caravans. This increases success but splits profit.
Guilds dominate large scale trade routes. Small players thrive on timing and stealth.
Common Mistakes New Players Make
Many players pack crates without scouting routes. That usually ends badly.
Others overload caravans without protection. That is basically free loot for bandits.
Smart players move during off hours, use scouts, and avoid obvious roads.
Final Blurb
Packing crates in Ashes of Creation is not busywork. It is a commitment to open world risk. Once crates are packed, the game stops being safe and starts being interesting. Plan the route, bring friends, or embrace chaos.
FAQ
Can I pack crates solo
Yes, but it is risky and not recommended for high value routes.
Are crates safe once packed
No. Packed crates are vulnerable until delivered.
Can attackers steal my crates
Yes. Destroyed caravans can drop crates for others to take.
Do crates scale with distance
Yes. Longer and riskier routes offer higher rewards.
Can anyone attack a caravan
Yes. Caravans are designed to create open world conflict.
Related Guides:
Ashes of Creation Crate System Explained
