The Ultimate Ashes of Creation Fishing Guide

Fishing in Ashes of Creation (AoC) is one of the more relaxing yet rewarding artisan activities in the game. Unlike combat or questing, fishing allows players to engage in a peaceful, methodical activity that can provide a steady supply of resources for cooking, crafting, and even trading. The system is designed to grow in complexity alongside your artisan skills, offering opportunities for progression, rare catches, and eventual integration into the in-game economy. Whether you are new to Ashes of Creation or looking to optimize your fishing efforts, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from acquiring your first rod to advanced sport fishing techniques.

Understanding Fishing in Ashes of Creation

Fishing in AoC falls under the artisan skill category. It primarily serves three purposes: providing ingredients for cooking, generating materials for crafting, and supplying goods for trade. As you develop your fishing skill, you will unlock higher-tier rods, access to better fishing locations, and the ability to catch rare or high-value fish. In future updates, the system is expected to expand with deep-sea fishing, advanced sport fishing, and integration with node economies, making it a significant component of long-term gameplay.

Currently, fishing is categorized into two main systems: basic freshwater fishing and sport fishing. Freshwater fishing involves lakes, rivers, and calm ponds and is accessible to new players with minimal preparation. Sport fishing is more advanced and involves active engagement, such as using lures or bait, waiting for fish to bite, and performing mini-games to reel them in. Both systems provide experience and rewards, but sport fishing typically offers higher-quality catches and greater economic value.

Step 1: Acquire a Fishing Rod

Before you can start fishing, you need the appropriate tool. The first fishing rod in AoC can be obtained by completing an early-game quest, often available in starter towns. Completing quests like "By the Sweat of Your Brow" will reward you with a basic fishing rod, such as a Crude Fishing Pole. This rod allows you to begin freshwater fishing immediately. You can also get it quickly with cheap AoC Gold.

Higher-tier rods are unlockable as you progress in the fishing profession. These upgraded rods offer better durability, faster catch rates, and the ability to catch higher-quality fish. Acquiring and maintaining these rods is essential for long-term efficiency, especially if you plan to engage in sport fishing or deep-sea content when it becomes available.

Step 2: Prepare Your Skill Bar

Fishing in AoC is not fully automatic. You must assign the fishing skill to your action bar before casting. To do this, open your skill book, navigate to the artisan section, and locate the fishing skill. Drag it to a convenient hotkey on your action bar. This allows you to cast your line whenever you reach a suitable body of water. Proper skill assignment ensures smooth fishing sessions, as you won't need to open menus repeatedly during gameplay.

Step 3: Find a Fishing Spot

Fishing requires a body of water. Freshwater fishing can be performed at lakes, rivers, and ponds. Look for areas with calm water surfaces, as these are the most accessible to beginners. In addition to visual cues, the game often provides subtle indicators of fish presence, such as ripples or bird activity near the water.

For sport fishing, specialized fishing nodes can be created or discovered in certain areas. Using bait or chum may attract fish to these nodes, providing access to rarer species. Future updates will expand the variety and complexity of fishing locations, including deep-sea zones accessible via boats.

Step 4: Cast Your Line

With your rod in hand and fishing skill assigned, face the water and activate the fishing skill. Your character will cast the line into the water. In basic freshwater fishing, no bait is required, and the catch process is largely automatic. However, sport fishing introduces additional mechanics, such as lures or chum, which can affect the type and quality of fish caught.

Once the line is cast, a progress bar appears, indicating the likelihood of a bite. Unlike traditional MMO fishing systems that require constant clicking, AoC allows for relatively hands-off waiting, though the player must respond when prompted to reel in the fish.

Step 5: Wait and Reel In

After casting, patience is key. The game's system simulates fish activity, so you may experience variable wait times between catches. When a fish bites, interact with the mini-game interface to reel it in. In basic fishing, this involves a simple timing-based action to complete the catch. In sport fishing, reeling in may require directional inputs or skillful manipulation to tire the fish before securing it.

This step emphasizes player engagement and skill, particularly in sport fishing areas where higher-value fish provide better rewards. Successful reeling yields the fish in your inventory, ready for cooking, crafting, or sale.

Step 6: Manage Your Inventory

Fishing can quickly fill your inventory, especially during long sessions. It's important to clear space before starting and consider using specialized bags or larger containers to accommodate more fish. Maintaining organized storage ensures that you do not lose potential catches due to inventory limits.

For extended trips, using pack animals or mules to transport fish in crates is highly efficient. This allows for longer fishing sessions without the need to frequently return to town. Proper inventory management is particularly important for sport fishing, where high-value or rare catches can take up multiple slots.

Step 7: Process and Utilize Your Catch

Once you have caught fish, there are multiple ways to use them. Cooking is the most common option. Fish can be used to craft meals that provide health restoration, buffs, or artisan experience. This makes fishing a valuable skill for adventurers and crafters alike.

Alternatively, fish can be sold to vendors or other players for Ashes of Creation Gold. Freshwater fish typically sell for modest amounts, while sport fishing or rare catches command higher prices. Players can also use fish in crafting recipes, such as creating bait, chum, or other tradeable goods. The flexibility of usage makes fishing both a practical and profitable profession.

Step 8: Progress Your Fishing Skill

Fishing in AoC is a progression-based system. Each catch grants experience toward your fishing profession, which unlocks new capabilities, such as higher-tier rods, improved catch rates, and access to more productive fishing spots. Some milestones also allow for artisan skill certification upgrades, enabling the crafting of advanced tools or participation in sport fishing activities.

As your fishing skill increases, so does the potential to impact the in-game economy. High-level fish and rare species become valuable commodities, often influencing node trade and market dynamics. Skill progression is therefore not only personal but can have broader economic implications.

Step 9: Engage in Sport Fishing (Advanced Step)

Sport fishing introduces a more interactive layer of gameplay. Players must use bait or chum to attract fish to specific nodes, then engage with mini-games to successfully reel in prized catches. This system rewards timing, precision, and strategy, offering greater experience and economic value than basic fishing.

In sport fishing, players may also use boats to reach specialized fishing zones or deep-sea locations. This adds exploration elements and requires planning for transportation, storage, and potential PvP encounters in open waters. Sport fishing is ideal for players looking to maximize rewards or pursue rare fish for crafting and trade.

Conclusion

Fishing in Ashes of Creation is an engaging, layered artisan activity that provides both immediate rewards and long-term benefits. Starting with a basic rod and freshwater locations, players can progress to advanced sport fishing, high-value catches, and economic contributions through trade and crafting. By understanding the step-by-step process-from acquiring your rod to mastering sport fishing mini-games-you can optimize your fishing sessions and fully enjoy one of AoC's most relaxing and rewarding professions.

Whether you are a casual player seeking a peaceful pastime or a dedicated artisan aiming for economic influence, fishing in Ashes of Creation offers depth, progression, and tangible rewards that grow alongside your skills and ambitions within the world of Verra.