Jumping into Warborne: Above Ashes can feel daunting, with its blend of Albion-style warfare, survival mechanics, and dynamic PvP. To help you get started, here’s an in-depth guide covering gameplay essentials, progression tips, and smart strategies—all you need to WAA Solarbite thrive in the early game.
Core Mechanics & Early Game Strategy
1. Follow the Tutorial & Quests
The tutorial prompts (typically on-screen text) guide you through core systems—combat, gathering, drifters, and early crafting. Completing these quests quickly grants you foundational resources, gear, and Starfall tokens that jumpstart your progression
2. Understand Partial Loot
Death isn’t trivial—in Warborne, you lose half your inventory plus one random equipped item
This “partial loot” system encourages calculated risks. Use healing consumables, avoid unnecessary fights, and always have an escape plan.
3. Drifters & Loadout System
Instead of fixed classes, Warborne employs Drifters—loadout templates tied to Strength, Agility, or Intelligence:
You can equip up to three Drifters simultaneously.
Upon death, you respawn as another Drifter with a fresh gear loadout, giving flexibility mid-battle
Each Drifter specializes in certain stats—e.g., Agility favors crits and speed; Intelligence enhances magic and support
Pro Tip: Plan your Drifter gear according to favor stats. For example, pairing an Agility-based Drifter like Umbra with magic gear (Intelligence) is inefficient .
Key Beginner Tips
4. Master Dodging & Positioning
Survivability relies on movement. Learn to dodge telegraphed enemy attacks and use terrain—rocks, buildings, height—for cover. Especially in group PvP, staying alive is as important as dealing damage
5. Join a Faction & Guild Early
Faction warfare is central. Factions offer passive bonuses—like Ashen’s HP boost or Emberwild’s mount speed
and guilds provide team coordination, support, and shared buffs
6. Prioritize Gathering
Resources allow crafting, research upgrades, and potion-making—all essential in Warborne. Gathering early gives you a strategic advantage, especially since trade is limited
7. Invest in the Research Center
Your Research Center unlocks improved crafting, better tools, and boosted Drifter stats. Focus on mining bots, Drifter upgrades, and tech yield enhancements to boost long-term power
8. Spend Currency Efficiently
Warborne features multiple currencies—Star Tokens and Solar Bites. Use Star Tokens for gear and upgrades, and save premium Solar Bites for essential boosts only. Beware of over-hoarding; many players wait too long to use their tokens
Fighting Smart in Combat
9. Know Your Weapon & Combat Style
Strength Drifters: Tanks and bruisers; use heavy weapons and crowd control.
Agility Drifters: Burst damage, dodging, critical hits.
Intelligence Drifters: Spells, aoe, healing, and support roles
Practice your main combat combos. For example, dodge then counterattack for burst, or set traps as Intelligence before entering fights
10. Play the Zerg Smart
Large PvP battles are easier once you're synced with your team. Follow front liners, stay near healers, and let tanks engage first. Positioned well, even lower-level players can contribute meaningfully
Map Awareness & Traversal
11. Use Fast Travel & Mounts
Later-game offers train-based fast travel, helpful in avoiding ambushes. Mounts speed movement between territories .
12. Explore Smartly
Don’t overextend. Stick to zones within 5–8 levels above yours to
Progression Roadmap
Complete tutorial quests and unlock core Drifters.
Gather resources and level gathering proficiency.
Upgrade basic gear and loadout configurations.
Choose a faction and join a guild.
Fight alongside others in faction skirmishes for rewards and XP.
Invest in research and Drifter upgrades for long-term scaling.
Final Notes
Warborne: Above Ashes rewards strategy as much as skill. Early focus on gathering, tactical Drifter planning, sound combat techniques, and engaged faction participation will give you a strong foundation. Join guildmates, coordinate in zergs, and explore smartly—and you'll thrive in Sanctuary’s heated conflicts.
Enjoy the buy WAA Solarbite journey—see you on the frontline!
