Can Mayors De-Rank Their Settlement to Avoid War?



One common question is whether mayors can intentionally lower their settlement’s rank to avoid conflict. The answer is no. Mayors do not have the ability to de-rank their settlement to bypass war. In practice, this means that settlements progress through their ranks—village, town, city, and beyond—based on population, contribution, and activity rather than political decisions by the mayor. Most players understand that this system ensures that settlement conflict remains an important part of the world’s dynamic ecosystem. Attempts to manipulate settlement rank could affect resource availability, NPC interactions, and even the interest of other players in attacking or supporting the settlement.



How Are Settlement Names Chosen?



When creating a settlement, players might wonder whether they can choose any name they like. In general, mayors must select a name from a predetermined list provided by the game. This approach is intended to prevent offensive or inappropriate names and ensures consistency within the world. Most players find that this doesn’t significantly limit creativity, as the list usually offers thematic and culturally relevant options for different regions of the game world.



What Role Do Guilds Play in Settlement Management?



Many players assume that guilds have complete control over settlements, but this is not the case. Guilds do not directly control settlements. Instead, they occupy separate roles that influence the direction of a settlement alongside private citizens. For example, certain roles in trade, defense, or construction may be reserved for guilds of different sizes. Only a specific number of guilds can hold these roles at a time, and separate roles are typically designated for small, medium, and large guilds.



In practice, this system means that while a guild can influence aspects of a settlement—like contributing to economic growth or defending its borders—its power is not absolute. Most players report that effective collaboration between the mayor, guilds, and private citizens is key to a thriving settlement. Guilds that specialize in commerce often focus on trade agreements and caravan protection, while combat-focused guilds contribute to defense and patrols.



How Do Mayors Manage Settlement Activities?



Mayors have a variety of tools to oversee their settlement, with the city hall being the central hub. In-game, city hall allows mayors to visualize and control a range of settlement activities, from tracking economic progress to monitoring upcoming elections. This interface also shows the status of trade agreements, caravans, and the overall economy.



Most players find that the ability to access city hall via mobile or web interfaces is extremely useful. It allows mayors to make decisions or check on settlement activities even when they are not logged into the game. In practice, keeping track of trade agreements and caravan movements is crucial because these elements directly influence resource flow, taxation, and player satisfaction within the settlement.



How Does the Settlement Economy Work?



The economy in a settlement is dynamic, and mayors have tools to influence it, but they are not all-powerful. Tracking the settlement’s economy helps mayors identify which areas need investment, whether it’s infrastructure, public services, or incentives for new residents. Most players report that settlements with active economic management—encouraging trade, supporting guilds in commerce roles, and ensuring caravans run smoothly—tend to grow faster and attract more players.



For those looking to accelerate their own progress, some players use trusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold to supplement in-game currency. While not essential, having additional resources can make it easier to support settlement projects or maintain competitive trading activity.



What About Elections and Citizen Participation?



Elections are an important part of settlement life. The status of upcoming elections is visible to the mayor and can be monitored through city hall. Most players understand that elections occur on a regular cycle, and citizen participation determines who becomes the next mayor or takes on other leadership roles. While guilds can influence elections indirectly through their roles and contributions, they do not vote directly as a unified entity.



In practice, most settlements benefit from mayors who communicate with their citizens regularly. Announcing development plans, explaining economic decisions, and coordinating guild activities can make elections smoother and reduce the risk of conflict within the community.



How Are Trade Agreements and Caravans Managed?



Trade is one of the key systems in settlement management. Mayors can monitor trade agreements and caravan status, ensuring that goods flow efficiently between settlements. Caravans are vulnerable to attack, so planning routes and coordinating with defense guilds is important. In general, most players treat caravans as both a logistical tool and a point of player interaction. Protecting caravans can create opportunities for guilds to work together, while neglected trade routes may slow economic growth.



Tracking trade agreements helps mayors negotiate terms with other settlements, set tariffs, and maintain a balanced local economy. Most players report that settlements with active and well-managed trade networks grow faster, while those with neglected caravans can struggle to keep up with resource needs.



Key Takeaways for Players



Mayors cannot de-rank settlements to avoid war; progression is determined by population and activity.



Guilds do not control settlements but have specialized roles depending on size and focus.



City hall is the central tool for managing settlement activities, available in-game and via mobile/web.



Economy, trade, and caravans require active oversight; most successful settlements are proactive in these areas.



Elections matter; communication with citizens is crucial for maintaining stability.



For players wanting a boost in in-game currency, using at rusted U4N shop for Ashes of Creation gold is one option, though most settlement management can be done without it.



In general, running a successful settlement is a balance of leadership, communication, and planning. Understanding the limits of mayoral power, the roles of guilds, and the mechanics of trade and elections is essential. Most players who actively engage with these systems report a more rewarding and strategic gameplay experience.