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Once you begin your journey as Tristan in Of Ash and Steel, you’ll quickly realize the game doesn’t hold your hand. After your entire crew dies within the first fifteen minutes, you’re left alone with no supplies.
Fortunately, a helpful stranger named Nerest takes pity on you, bringing you to his home where you’re fed and clothed. This gives you a chance to recover some of what you’ve lost and get ready for what’s ahead. But be warned: traveling alone in Grayshaft is dangerous.
Explore Every Area Thoroughly for Secrets and Opportunities
As you probably learned while camping on the shore with your crew, this game doesn’t give you map markers or clear directions. To find quests, resources, or weapons, you’ll need to explore carefully. Many players struggle to locate NPCs or quests simply because they don’t investigate enough.
Tip: Talk to everyone you meet in an area before making decisions about quests. For example, on the shore, if you offered Emmett three bottles of brandy before discovering a sailor needed just one, you’d miss out on useful information. Gather all details first so you can make informed choices.
Getting lost is a major risk, especially since Tristan’s health depends on avoiding it. Stay close to trails or use landmarks to help guide you, akin to a real mapmaker, so you don’t waste time wandering aimlessly.
Pay Attention to NPC Dialogues
Without a map or quest markers, instructions come from NPCs’ conversations. Listen closely, because you’ll have to remember their directions. These details are stored in your journal under specific quests for reference. If you tend to skip dialogue, consider rethinking that approach—these conversations are crucial for navigation.
Keep a Close Eye on Tristan’s Well-Being
Remember, Tristan has basic needs that must be managed. Neglecting them could quickly lead to your demise. Ensure you always have supplies for hunger, thirst, and fatigue. If supplies run low, make restocking a top priority.
The difficulty setting influences how severe these needs are:
- Story: Hunger, thirst, and fatigue have little to no impact.
- Classic: They negatively affect Tristan.
- Grayshaft: Falling below critical levels will kill him.
Choose the difficulty that matches your preferred challenge. If managing needs isn’t your style, the story mode offers a relaxed experience.
Use Your Tools Wisely
Though you lack a map initially, you do have a compass. Keeping track of general directions helps prevent getting lost. Additionally, utilize crafting tables, fishing spots, and other tools introduced during tutorials—cooking, crafting, fishing, and more—to make your journey easier. These resources will allow you to enjoy the story more comfortably.
Be Prepared to Face the Consequences
In Grayshaft, crime is taken seriously. Getting caught stealing or trespassing will result in fines, and refusing to pay could lead to fights. You’re allowed to commit crimes, but avoid reckless behavior. For example, when you stay at Nerest’s house, take everything—every item—before you leave, to avoid trouble.
Find Multiple Ways to Earn Money
If theft isn’t appealing, there are other methods to make cash. Selling items you don’t need is one option. Improving your Insight attribute can also open opportunities; for instance, if you have enough points in Insight, you can negotiate to help a stranger steal packages and keep half the loot, saving you time and effort.
Prioritize Combat Skills and Attributes
Your attributes heavily influence your ability to fight. Focus on developing Strength or Dexterity—these are vital for survival, as many threats in the game rely on combat.
- Strength: Boosts melee damage when using heavy weapons.
- Dexterity: Improves damage with ranged weapons and swords.
Choose the attribute that suits your combat style and invest in it. Building combat skills early is crucial since almost everywhere you go, danger lurks.
Know the Requirements for Learning New Skills
The game offers three skill trees: Survival, War, and Crafting.
- Survival: Skills like setting up camp and unlocking recipes.
- War: Combat skills, including new weapon abilities.
- Crafting: Extracting materials and creating higher-quality items.
To unlock a skill, you need to meet specific stat requirements, have enough gold, and find a trainer—NPCs who can teach you once you meet these criteria. Frequently check your skill requirements in the menu, as these skills shape your character’s long-term development.
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