Of Ash and Steel - Game Mechanics & Tips

General Overview

"Of Ash and Steel" is an immersive third-person open-world RPG. It emphasizes exploration and player choice, notably lacking initial in-game maps and quest markers to encourage a classic RPG experience. Protagonist: Tristan, a cartographer shipwrecked on the island of Grayshaft.

Attributes & Skills

Character development is heavily influenced by attributes:

• Strength: Increases melee damage and allows usage of heavy weapons.
• Dexterity: Improves effectiveness with bows, swords, and rapiers.
• Stamina: Governs running, swimming, and combat actions.
• Insight: Likely affects dialogue or perception.

Combat

• Early Game: Combat can be very challenging.
• Strategy:
  • Lure enemies to friendly NPCs for assistance.
  • Run away from difficult encounters if necessary.
  • XP Tip: Landing the killing blow yields more experience than if an NPC kills the enemy.

Exploration & Environment

• No Handholding: Players must rely on contextual clues from NPC dialogue, quest log descriptions, and a compass.
• Day-Night Cycle: Nighttime is dangerous and very dark. Torches are essential.
• Map System:
  • Initial State: No map available.
  • Unlock: A world map is obtained in Chapter 2 during the quest "Return to the Grotto".
  • Usage: Even after unlocking, players may need to visit specific points to populate it.

Key Items

• Consumables: Brandy, Apples (give to NPCs for XP).
• Resources: Wolfsbane, Gold.
• Equipment: Armour Reinforcement Kits, Meoran Rapier, Adventurer's Clothing Set.