Faction Choice Guide
Order of the Seven vs Free Hunters - Choose your path
信息基于社区研究
游戏机制描述基于社区验证的玩家经验和官方资料。某些细节可能因游戏更新而改变。如发现不准确之处，请通过Steam社区反馈。
最后更新: 2025年12月6日
⚠️ This Choice is PERMANENT
You can only join ONE faction per playthrough. Each faction offers unique storylines, exclusive quests, and special rewards. Choosing one faction locks you out of the other. You'll need at least two playthroughs to unlock both faction storylines.
Source: Into Indie Games
The Two Major Factions
Of Ash and Steel features two major factions that represent different philosophies and approaches to survival in the harsh world of Greyshaft Island.
⚔️ Order of the Seven
Path: Knighthood and Honor
Philosophy: Uphold justice, protect the weak, maintain order
The Order of the Seven represents the path of traditional knighthood. They believe in structure, honor codes, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Members of the Order follow strict codes of conduct and seek to restore civilization through discipline and martial prowess.
What We Know:
- Unique storyline following the knightly path
- Exclusive quests and rewards
- Faction-specific content unavailable to Free Hunters
Source: Steam Community Discussions
🏹 Free Hunters (Freehunters)
Path: The Greater Good
Philosophy: Freedom, independence, pragmatic survival
The Free Hunters represent an independent path focused on the "greater good" without the constraints of formal hierarchy. They prioritize practical survival skills, resourcefulness, and making difficult choices for the benefit of the many rather than adherence to codes of honor.
What We Know:
- Unique storyline focusing on independence and pragmatism
- Exclusive quests and rewards
- Faction-specific content unavailable to Order of the Seven
Source: Steam Community Discussions
Additional Guilds
Beyond the two major factions, you can also work with smaller guilds. These do not lock you out of content like the major factions do.
Available Guilds
🗡️ Bounty Hunters
Track and eliminate high-value targets for rewards.
📦 Smugglers
Trade in forbidden goods and access black markets.
⚰️ Gravediggers
Deal with the dead and unlock unique opportunities.
Source: Into Indie Games
What We Don't Know Yet
📋 Information Still Being Documented
The game released on November 24, 2025, and the community is still discovering and documenting faction mechanics. Here's what remains unclear:
- Specific stat bonuses - Exact numerical values for faction benefits are unconfirmed
- Exclusive equipment - Full list of faction-specific items not yet cataloged
- Questline details - Number and nature of exclusive quests still being mapped
- Reputation system - Whether factions use reputation/standing mechanics is unclear
- Decision point - Exact trigger for faction choice (level, location, quest) unconfirmed
Community Help Needed: If you've joined a faction and can verify specific details, please share with the community on Steam Community Hub.
How to Make Your Decision
Consider Your Playstyle
Choose Order of the Seven If:
- You enjoy playing noble, honorable characters
- You prefer structured progression and clear codes of conduct
- You want to follow the path of a traditional knight
- You're interested in protection and justice themes
Choose Free Hunters If:
- You prefer independence and freedom over structure
- You make pragmatic choices focused on survival
- You enjoy the "greater good" philosophy
- You want to avoid rigid honor codes
Stay Neutral If:
- You want to experience content from both sides (requires multiple playthroughs)
- You're not ready to commit to a permanent choice
- You prefer to explore all options before deciding
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join both factions?
No. You can only join one faction per playthrough. You'll need to play through the game at least twice to experience both faction storylines.
Can I leave a faction once I've joined?
Unconfirmed. The community has not yet documented whether faction loyalty is absolutely permanent or if there are ways to switch allegiance (likely with severe consequences if possible at all).
Do factions affect my build?
Yes, but details are unclear. Both factions offer exclusive rewards and likely provide bonuses that complement certain playstyles. However, specific stat bonuses and equipment benefits are still being documented by the community.
When do I have to choose a faction?
Unconfirmed. The exact trigger for faction choice (specific quest, level requirement, or story point) has not been widely documented yet. Early reports suggest it occurs during mid-game progression.
Can I work with the smaller guilds if I join a faction?
Likely yes. The Bounty Hunters, Smugglers, and Gravediggers appear to be separate from the major faction choice, allowing you to work with them regardless of your alliance. However, some guilds might conflict with certain faction values.
Recommended Approach
💡 Best Practices
- Take your time: Don't rush the faction decision. Explore the world and understand your preferred playstyle first.
- Create a save: Before committing to a faction, create a backup save so you can experiment if needed.
- Read faction dialogues carefully: NPCs will give you hints about what each faction values and offers.
- Consider multiple playthroughs: Plan to experience both factions across different characters to see all content.
- Share discoveries: Help the community by documenting and sharing your faction experiences on Steam and gaming forums.
Community Resources
Where to Learn More
- Steam Community: Faction Discussion Thread - Active player discussions about faction mechanics
- Steam Community Hub - General discussions and player guides
- Reddit: Search for "Of Ash and Steel factions" on gaming subreddits for player experiences
- YouTube: Watch faction choice playthroughs to see the differences
📝 Help Us Improve This Guide: As the community discovers more about faction mechanics, specific rewards, and questlines, we'll update this guide. If you have verified information to contribute, please share it on the Steam Community Hub or relevant gaming forums.