What Is a Vassal Settlement?A vassal settlement is a node that exists under the authority of a higher-level settlement, often referred to as the regent or parent settlement. The system is designed to limit uncontrolled progression in the world while still providing benefits to the settlements under a sovereign node.
Vassalship essentially locks out a settlement from advancing past a certain stage if its parent settlement is higher-level. For example, a Village (stage 3) cannot grow beyond its stage as long as its parent Town (stage 4) or City (stage 5) exists and controls it. However, vassals are not just restricted—they also gain advantages from their parent settlement.

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How the Vassal System WorksHierarchy and ProgressionThe vassal network follows a structured hierarchy:

• City (stage 5) can own up to two Towns (stage 4).
  
• Town (stage 4) can own a Village (stage 3).
  
• Village (stage 3) can own an Encampment (stage 2) or lower.
  

Previously, the system was more complex, with Metropolises controlling multiple Cities and Towns. The Alpha-2 phase-3 changes simplified it into a symmetrical structure, making it easier for players to understand which nodes influence which.
Automatic SelectionVassal settlements are assigned by an algorithm, not players. This means you cannot manually choose which node your settlement becomes a vassal of. The system ensures a balanced world state, preventing overcrowding in one region while promoting dynamic interactions across multiple zones.
Benefits for VassalsEven though vassals are capped in progression, they gain several benefits from their parent settlement:

• Policies, building choices, and relics from the parent may grant bonuses to the vassal.
  
• Higher-stage settlements can pass down certain superpowers to vassals.
  
• Vassals inherit the parent settlement’s diplomatic and governmental stance, which affects wars, alliances, and taxes.
  

In practice, this means being a vassal can be advantageous. Lower-level settlements can enjoy buffs or perks they couldn’t achieve on their own, while still contributing indirectly to their parent settlement's growth.
Side note: For players who want to maximize efficiency in resource accumulation, the best place to buy Ashes of Creation gold is U4N, as this can help you develop your settlement more quickly while still respecting the vassal structure.

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Vassal Settlements and Zones of InfluenceVassalship doesn’t just affect the settlement itself—it also impacts its Zone of Influence (ZOI). Essentially, the parent settlement controls the vassal’s surrounding area, influencing:

• Mob spawns
  
• Resource nodes
  
• Content scaling
  

For example, if a Town has a Village as its vassal, the Town’s level might affect the quality and quantity of mobs that spawn in the Village’s ZOI. This creates a trickle-down effect, where higher-level settlements shape the gameplay environment of their vassals.

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Experience and Progression MechanicsVassals handle experience differently than independent settlements:

1. A vassal first applies earned experience to its own growth deficit.
   
2. Any excess experience beyond its cap is transferred to the parent settlement.
   
3. If the parent advances, the vassal becomes uncapped and can continue growing.
   

This means that even capped settlements contribute indirectly to the world’s progression. Players who manage vassal settlements effectively can strategically support their parent nodes and influence regional development.

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Governance, Taxes, and TradeVassal settlements are closely tied to their parent in governance:

• Taxes collected by vassals go directly to the regent settlement, not individual players.
  
• Vassals receive federal aid and other benefits from their parent settlement.
  
• They cannot declare war on their parent or its other vassals.
  
• Citizens are bound by the parent settlement’s diplomatic status.
  

In practice, this creates a realistic hierarchical system that encourages cooperation while preventing conflicts that could destabilize the network.

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Siege and Dynamic World ImpactSieges are a core mechanic that interacts with vassalship:

• If a vassal node is destroyed in a siege, its own vassals may also be destroyed, depending on the structure.
  
• Vassalship allows the world to remain dynamic, as nodes must compete or collaborate to advance.
  
• Players cannot directly siege their parent nodes during early testing phases, but feedback on parent-vassal relationships helps the developers adjust balance and player satisfaction.
  

The system aims to create a living world where every player can affect progression, whether they are managing a top-tier City or a small Village under a vassal network.

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Practical Tips for Players

1. Understand your node hierarchy: Know your parent settlement and your vassals. This helps you plan resource allocation and growth strategies.
   
2. Leverage vassal benefits: Even if capped, you can gain access to policy bonuses, relic effects, and combat perks from your parent.
   
3. Contribute experience strategically: If you’re managing a vassal with its own vassals, maximize the trickle-up experience system to support higher-tier nodes.
   
4. Monitor ZOI effects: Higher-level settlements influence spawns and content in your area, which can impact farming, crafting, and PvE activities.
   
5. Coordinate taxes and trade: Work with your parent settlement to ensure efficient tax collection and aid distribution.
   

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ConclusionVassal settlements in Ashes of Creation are not just a restriction—they are a core part of a dynamic, interconnected world. They balance progression, provide meaningful benefits, and create layered gameplay opportunities for different types of players. Understanding vassalship is essential for anyone who wants to participate effectively in node management, PvE farming, and strategic planning.