Beginner Survival Guide: First 3 Hours

Welcome to the Kingdom of the Seven! This guide will help you navigate your first few hours without getting completely lost. Unlike modern RPGs, Of Ash and Steel doesn't hold your hand—and that's exactly what makes it special.

Understanding the No-Marker System

Of Ash and Steel deliberately omits quest markers and GPS-style navigation. This is a feature, not a bug. Here's how to adapt:

• Listen to NPCs: They'll give you directions like "head north past the old mill" or "follow the river downstream"
• Read your journal: Quest descriptions contain crucial clues about locations
• Explore landmarks: Towers, rivers, mountains, and distinctive trees are your navigation tools
• Use our map: That's why we built this site! Mark locations you discover

Starting Area: Tristan's Camp

You begin at Map: Tristan's Starting Camp, a small campsite on Grayshaft Island where you first awaken.

Quick Reference: Essential Controls

• Movement: WASD
• Sprint: Shift (Drains Stamina)
• Interact: E
• Light Attack: Left Click
• Heavy Attack: Right Click
• Block/Parry: Spacebar (Hold to Block, Tap to Parry)
• Dodge: Ctrl
• Inventory: I
• Map: M (Remember, no GPS markers!)

Checklist: Before You Leave Camp

• Equip your weapon: You are defenseless without it.
• Loot the chest: Near the boat for starting supplies.
• Check your hunger: Eat a berry if needed.
• Fill waterskin: At the nearby stream if available.

What to Do First

1. Explore the immediate area: Get familiar with the controls
2. Check your inventory: You start with almost nothing—this is intentional
3. Practice movement: Stamina affects everything, so learn to manage it early

Your First Destination: Forgotten Reach

Your first objective is to reach Map: Forgotten Reach, where you'll meet Nerest, who offers your first quests.

Route Guide

1. Exit camp heading west
2. Follow the dirt path (avoid going off-trail initially)
3. Look for a clearing with campfire smoke
4. You'll reach Forgotten Reach in about 3-5 minutes

Warning: Don't wander into the deep forest yet. The Map: Forest Guardian will destroy you at level 1.

Early Quests

At Forgotten Reach, Nerest will give you two simple quests to teach you the basics:

Pull Up Weeds

• Objective: Clear 'Corpse Wart' weeds from Map: Nerest's Garden
• Location: Small garden patch near Nerest's house
• Reward: 100 XP, 50 gold
• Tip: Look for glowing plants. This teaches you interaction mechanics.

Move The Barrels

• Objective: Relocate 2 barrels to the storage area
• Location: Right side of Map: Nerest's House
• Reward: 100 XP, 50 gold, Leather Gloves
• Tip: Carrying heavy objects drains stamina. Place them exactly in the marked spot.

Combat, Survival, and More

For detailed guides on specific topics, check out:

• Combat Mastery Guide - Learn stamina, parrying, and stances
• Survival Essentials - Master hunger, camping, and resources
• Crafting & Economy - Build your wealth and gear
• Skill Tree Optimization - Perfect your character build

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Need help finding a specific location? Use our Interactive Map to navigate the Kingdom of the Seven!