If you play Ashes of Creation, you’ve probably thought about trading gear online. The game’s economy is player-driven, and many people buy or sell items to improve their characters faster or to make some in-game gold. In this guide, I’ll explain how most players handle buying and selling gear, what works in practice, and some key things to keep in mind.
Where Do Players Usually Buy Gear?
In general, there are a few main ways players get gear outside of farming it themselves. Most players rely on:
Player-to-player trading forums or sites: These are websites where players post items they want to sell, often with prices in in-game gold or sometimes real money. Players usually check the reputation of sellers before buying to avoid scams.
Community marketplaces: Many Ashes of Creation communities have Discord servers or forums where trading is common. Usually, these are safer than random websites because the community can vouch for traders. People often use these spaces to trade rare or hard-to-find items.
Auction-style platforms: Some sites allow bidding, similar to in-game auction houses, but outside the game. Most players use these when looking for specific gear that’s in high demand.
In practice, most players start by checking community spaces first. They tend to trust sellers with a history of successful trades and often look for proof, like screenshots of in-game items or completed transactions. For example, platforms like U4N are often mentioned among players as places where trading is organized, though each person should still verify the seller before committing.
How Do Players Sell Gear Online?
Selling gear online usually follows a similar pattern to buying:
Listing your item: Players post the gear with details about its stats, enhancements, and level requirements. Clear descriptions are key because buyers won’t commit to unclear listings.
Setting a price: Most players base prices on current demand, rarity, and what similar items have sold for recently. In general, rare or fully upgraded gear sells for much more than common items.
Confirming the trade: Once a buyer is interested, the item is transferred either in-game or through a verified marketplace system. Many players prefer platforms that offer an escrow service, which holds the buyer’s payment until the item is confirmed to be received.
Handling disputes: Even experienced players can run into issues. Most players rely on platform dispute resolution or community moderators to solve problems if an item isn’t delivered or there’s a disagreement about quality.
In practice, quick and reliable sellers usually respond to questions promptly and provide evidence of the item in-game. Reputation matters a lot, so repeated positive feedback is more important than having the lowest price.
Are Real-Money Trades Safe?
Real-money trading (RMT) is common, but most players are cautious. In general:
Officially, the game may not support RMT, so transactions happen entirely between players. That means there is always some risk.
To reduce risk, most players stick to well-known platforms or community-vetted sellers. They also use services with escrow or trade protection features.
It’s common for experienced traders to use incremental steps, like small trades first, to verify the buyer or seller before completing a larger transaction.
The main takeaway is that RMT can work, but there’s no guaranteed safety. Most players consider it a convenience, not a replacement for farming or in-game trading.
How Are Prices Determined?
Gear prices in Ashes of Creation vary widely. In general, the factors affecting price include:
Rarity: Unique or high-level gear usually costs more.
Enhancements: Items that are enchanted, upgraded, or socketed with rare gems sell for significantly more than base gear.
Demand: If a piece of gear is highly sought after for PvP or raids, its price tends to spike.
Supply: Items that are easy to farm or craft are cheaper, even if they have good stats.
Most players track trends by checking community boards, seeing what similar items sell for, and adjusting their listings accordingly. Over time, experienced traders develop a sense of when to sell quickly and when to wait for the market to improve.
Are There Risks Involved?
Yes, there are several risks players usually consider:
Scams: The most common risk is being promised an item or gold that never comes. Using platforms with escrow or community verification reduces this risk.
Price fluctuations: Gear prices can change quickly. Players who hold onto items too long may find the market has dropped, while selling too quickly may mean missing higher profits.
Account security: Trading outside the official game system sometimes involves sharing login information, which is risky. Most players avoid this entirely and use trade mechanisms that do not require giving out sensitive information.
In practice, the safest strategy is to stick to platforms with some form of protection, trade small amounts first, and rely on community feedback.
Tips From Experienced Players
Based on common behavior, most experienced players follow a few practical rules:
Check the market first: Before listing anything, see what similar items are selling for. This avoids setting prices too high or too low.
Use clear, detailed listings: Include stats, enhancements, and any unique attributes. Buyers usually avoid vague listings.
Build a reputation: Repeat trades with positive feedback make it easier to sell gear quickly.
Start small: If you’re new to online trading, test the waters with smaller items before moving onto expensive or rare gear.
Stay cautious with RMT: If you do real-money trades, only use verified platforms, check escrow options, and avoid giving sensitive account information.
Pay attention to timing: Certain events or updates in the game can increase demand for specific gear. Experienced players often adjust their listings to match these trends.
Buying and selling gear online in Ashes of Creation is a common practice, but it requires attention and caution. Most players rely on community marketplaces, verified trading platforms, and careful reputation management. Prices are influenced by rarity, enhancements, and demand, and the safest trades are usually incremental and verified.
In general, online trading can save time and help you get the gear you want faster, but it’s not risk-free. Understanding how most players handle transactions and staying cautious is key to successful trading. Platforms like U4N are part of the ecosystem, but the same principles of verification and reputation apply wherever you trade.