Welcome to Of Ash and Steel
Of Ash and Steel is a challenging low fantasy action RPG developed by Fire & Frost Studios that throws you into the harsh world of Greyshaft island. Released on November 24, 2025, this unforgiving RPG requires careful planning and strategic thinking to survive.
This comprehensive beginner’s guide is based on extensive gameplay experience and will help you survive your first days on Greyshaft island. We’ll cover essential mechanics, common pitfalls, and proven strategies that work in practice.
The harsh world of Greyshaft island awaits your exploration
Video Guide
⚠️ Important Note
Of Ash and Steel is known for technical issues and challenging gameplay. This guide will help you navigate both the game mechanics and common problems you might encounter.
Quick Start Checklist
Before diving deep, here are the essential first steps:
- ✅ Complete the opening cutscenes and tutorial
- ✅ Learn basic movement and interaction controls
- ✅ Understand the stamina system
- ✅ Complete “The Hardships of Seafaring” quest series
- ✅ Find your first trainer to learn combat skills
- ✅ Manage your limited starting equipment carefully
Understanding the Game World
The Island of Greyshaft
You play as Tristan, a cartographer who arrives on Greyshaft island with a group of knights. Greyshaft is part of the Kingdom of the Seven but operates as a lawless frontier where survival depends on your wits and combat skills.
The dangerous landscapes of Greyshaft require careful navigation
Key Features:
- No Map Markers: The game encourages exploration without quest markers
- Harsh Environment: Resources are scarce and enemies are dangerous
- Social Dynamics: NPCs have complex relationships and faction allegiances
- Skill-Based Progression: You must find trainers to learn new abilities
Character Development Basics
Starting Stats and Limitations
Tristan begins the game extremely weak:
- Cannot use most weapons due to low stats
- Very limited stamina for combat and movement
- No combat skills initially
- Minimal equipment
Stat Requirements
Different weapons and equipment have stat requirements:
- Strength: Required for axes, heavy weapons
- Dexterity: Needed for crossbows, light weapons
- Constitution: Affects health and stamina
- Intelligence: Influences magic abilities (if available)
Finding Trainers
Critical for progression: You must locate NPCs who can train you in various skills:
- Combat trainers teach weapon proficiencies
- Skill trainers unlock new abilities
- Crafting masters teach item creation
Combat System Guide
Stamina Management
Most Important Mechanic: Combat revolves around stamina management.
- Every action consumes stamina: Attacking, blocking, running
- Low stamina = vulnerability: Slow attacks, poor defense
- Recovery time: Stamina regenerates slowly
- Strategic timing: Plan your attacks carefully
Early Combat Tips
Combat requires careful stamina management and timing
- Avoid prolonged fights until you improve your stats
- Use hit-and-run tactics when possible
- Let companions do the fighting when traveling with NPCs
- Focus on one enemy at a time
- Learn enemy attack patterns
Essential Survival Tips
Resource Management
Money is crucial for progression:
- Save every coin for essential purchases
- Prioritize stat-boosting items over cosmetics
- Plan major purchases carefully
Equipment Care:
- Weapons degrade with use
- Repair costs money - avoid unnecessary combat
- Upgrade when possible but don’t waste resources
Navigation Without Maps
Since there are no quest markers:
- Pay attention to NPC directions
- Use landmarks like buildings, roads, and terrain features
- Ask multiple NPCs for directions to important locations
- Explore systematically to avoid getting lost
The Starting Area: Shores Region
Key Locations
Medical Camp:
- Find Emmett the Physician here
- Important for early quests
- Source of healing items
Shoreline:
- Where you’ll find Chump and the boat
- Several quest NPCs gather here
- Contains important quest items
Soldier Checkpoint:
- Blocked path requiring higher stats
- Alternative routes may be available
- Guards provide information
Important NPCs
Sirdar: Your main quest giver in the starting area
Chump: Boat keeper with equipment and quests
Emmett: Physician who provides medical supplies
Squid: Soldier with tobacco-related quest
Fish: Combat trainer for sparring practice
Technical Issues and Solutions
Common Problems
Performance Issues:
- Low framerate is common even on high-end PCs
- Long loading screens between areas
- Frequent autosave hitching
Control Problems:
- Mouse sensitivity may need adjustment
- Aspect ratio issues can break mouse controls
- Menu navigation can become inaccessible
Workarounds
- Lower graphics settings regardless of your hardware
- Restart the game if mouse controls break
- Save frequently due to potential crashes
- Be patient with loading times
- Adjust settings gradually to find stable configuration
Progression Strategy
Early Game Priorities
- Complete starting quests to gain experience
- Find a combat trainer as soon as possible
- Improve basic stats before attempting difficult content
- Learn the local geography through exploration
- Build relationships with key NPCs
Skill Development Path
Recommended Order:
- Basic weapon proficiency (whatever you can afford)
- Stamina management skills
- Combat techniques from trainers
- Crafting abilities for self-sufficiency
- Advanced combat skills
Common Beginner Mistakes
What to Avoid
❌ Rushing into combat without proper stats
❌ Ignoring stamina management during fights
❌ Spending money carelessly on unnecessary items
❌ Skipping dialogue that provides important directions
❌ Attempting high-level content too early
❌ Fighting when you can avoid it
Best Practices
✅ Take your time to understand mechanics ✅ Talk to every NPC for information and quests ✅ Explore thoroughly but safely ✅ Save before risky situations ✅ Focus on character development over exploration initially ✅ Use companions to handle difficult enemies
Next Steps
Once you’ve mastered the basics:
- Complete The Hardships of Seafaring quest series
- Reach the main city and explore new opportunities
- Find advanced trainers for better skills
- Begin Act 1 of the main storyline
- Start working on achievements for additional rewards
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Of Ash and Steel suitable for RPG beginners?
A: Of Ash and Steel is quite challenging and better suited for experienced RPG players. New players should expect a steep learning curve and be prepared for frequent deaths while learning the mechanics.
Q: How long does it take to complete Of Ash and Steel?
A: The main story takes approximately 40-60 hours, while completing all side content and achievements can extend gameplay to 80-100 hours.
Q: Can I change my character build later in the game?
A: No, there’s no respec system. Character development is permanent, so plan your build carefully from the beginning.
Q: What’s the best starting build for new players?
A: Focus on Constitution and basic weapon skills first. A balanced warrior build with some crafting abilities provides the most forgiving experience for beginners.
Q: Are there difficulty settings in Of Ash and Steel?
A: No, the game has a fixed difficulty level. The challenge comes from learning the systems and making smart decisions rather than adjustable difficulty sliders.
Conclusion
Of Ash and Steel is a challenging game that rewards patience and careful planning. While it has technical issues, understanding the core mechanics and taking a methodical approach will help you succeed on Greyshaft island.
Key Takeaways for Success:
- Survival comes first, exploration second - Build up your character’s capabilities before attempting dangerous areas
- Learn from every death - Each failure teaches valuable lessons about combat and resource management
- Take your time - Rushing leads to mistakes and unnecessary deaths
- Save frequently - Technical issues can cause progress loss
- Don’t be afraid to retreat - Running away is often the smartest tactical choice
With patience and the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll master the harsh world of Greyshaft and become a legendary survivor.
Next Steps: Ready to dive deeper? Check out our Complete Walkthrough for all quests, Character Development Guide for advanced builds, or The Hardships of Seafaring Guide for the starting area walkthrough.
Related Guides
Of Ash and Steel Hardships of Seafaring Walkthrough - Starting Quests Guide
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Of Ash and Steel Survival Guide 2025 - Combat, Exploration & Resource Management
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