Where Do Tulnar Start?
Most races in Ashes of Creation begin near divine gateways, the nodes that drive exploration and progression. These gateways usually serve as hubs for quests, NPC settlements, and early progression. Tulnar are a bit different.
The Tulnar starting area exists outside of any divine gateway. This means that unlike other races, Tulnar do not begin their journey within the immediate influence of these nodes. Instead, their initial settlements are located in points of interest that represent Tulnar NPC structures. These areas function similarly to the expeditionary NPC settlements found around divine gateways, providing quest hubs and interaction points for early gameplay.
However, Tulnar are not restricted to their unique starting area. Like other races, they still have the option to start at any of the divine gateways. This flexibility allows players to integrate into the wider world more quickly if they prefer, or stick to the Tulnar-specific starting area for a more narrative-focused experience.
The Underrealm and the Surface
One of the most distinctive features of the Tulnar is their origin in the Underrealm. Unlike other races, Tulnar will not be returning to Verra in the traditional sense. Their civilization has been underground for generations, and their journey involves returning to the surface for the first time in centuries.
This has gameplay implications: the environment, NPC design, and quests in the starting area reflect their underrealm heritage, with architecture and culture that feels distinctly Tulnar. Players can expect exploration challenges and storylines tied to this emergence from underground, which is unlike starting experiences for races tied to divine gateways.
Points of Interest and NPC Structures
The Tulnar starting area contains various points of interest designed to introduce players to the world and provide early questing options. These points of interest are NPC structures, much like the expeditionary settlements in other starting zones. They give players access to essential NPCs for quests, crafting, and social interaction, without relying on a node structure.
In practice, most players find that these areas offer a balanced mix of combat, exploration, and NPC interaction. Since the Tulnar are not starting directly at a divine gateway, early game exploration is often more self-directed, with a focus on discovering these points of interest and understanding the unique aspects of Tulnar society.
Early Gameplay Tips for Tulnar Players
Explore the Surface: While the Tulnar start underground, venturing to the surface early can open up new quest lines and resources. Many players find that exploration rewards experience points and useful items.
Engage with NPC Settlements: Tulnar points of interest function as early hubs. Make sure to complete quests here to gain experience and Ashes of Creation gold efficiently. These settlements also introduce you to the game’s crafting and trading systems.
Use Divine Gateways Wisely: Even though Tulnar have their own starting area, divine gateways remain a valuable tool. Traveling to a gateway can provide faster access to broader regions of Verra, other player hubs, and additional quests.
Plan Your Progression: Since the Tulnar are starting outside a node, early progression can feel less structured. Most players benefit from focusing on one or two main points of interest to maximize experience gain and resource collection before branching out.
Why the Tulnar Starting Experience Feels Unique
The Tulnar starting area highlights Ashes of Creation’s approach to varied player experiences. Unlike other races tied closely to divine gateways from the start, Tulnar offer a blend of underground heritage, emergent surface exploration, and independent points of interest. For players, this means a more narrative-driven introduction, with exploration and discovery playing a larger role in early gameplay.
This design encourages a sense of novelty: Tulnar are not just another race in Verra; they are a civilization returning to the surface after generations underground. The starting area captures that story in both environment and quest design, making it a memorable introduction for new players.
Ashes of Creation gold:https://www.u4n.com/ashes-of-creation/gold
