Will Addons or Mods Be Supported?

In Ashes of Creation, addons, mods, DPS meters, and threat meters will not be supported. This includes any third-party software that tracks damage, healing, or threat levels in combat. According to the developers, these tools are not necessary to enjoy the game, and they want the core gameplay to be fully accessible without relying on external trackers.

Most players generally accept that this approach encourages a more immersive experience. Without mods, you rely entirely on in-game feedback and your own understanding of mechanics, which aligns with the game’s focus on player skill and observation.

Why No DPS Meters?

DPS meters, also called parsers, are commonly used in MMORPGs to track damage output or healing efficiency. While some players enjoy using them to optimize performance, the developers of Ashes of Creation believe they can cause negative behaviors in the community. In past experiences, DPS meters often lead to toxicity, exclusion, or pressure on certain players to perform at a specific level.

Steven Sharif, the game’s director, has highlighted that while DPS meters can provide numerical insight, they also can create unnecessary stress and competition. In general, the goal is to foster a cooperative and immersive environment rather than one dominated by numerical comparisons.

Threat Meters Are Also Excluded

Threat meters, which indicate which player a monster is targeting, will also not be included. Instead, Ashes of Creation uses visual and animation cues within the game to signal threat levels. For example, a tank can observe a monster’s movement or attack animations to determine whether it is shifting focus away from them. This system allows for more dynamic and reactive gameplay compared to simply reading a meter.

In practice, most players find that these visual indicators encourage better situational awareness and strategy. Rather than reacting to numbers, you are reacting to the encounter itself, which makes fights feel more immersive and less predictable.

How to Adapt Without Meters

For players used to relying on DPS or threat meters, adjusting to a system without them can take some time. Here are a few strategies:

  • Observe Ability Animations: Many abilities will have visual cues that indicate when a target is at risk of losing aggro or when a monster is about to perform a significant attack. Paying attention to these cues is crucial.

  • Communication Is Key: In group content, verbal coordination or in-game chat can replace metrics. Most successful groups will communicate about cooldowns, rotations, or positioning instead of checking a meter.

  • Focus on Game Mechanics: Understanding each class’s role and abilities can reduce the need for external tracking. For example, tanks will know which abilities to use to maintain threat, and healers can monitor health bars instead of healing meters.

  • Experience Over Numbers: Without meters, performance is judged by group success and personal satisfaction. This can feel more rewarding for many players, as success comes from skillful play and teamwork rather than numbers on a screen.

Community and Immersion

The decision to exclude addons and meters also impacts the broader community. Most players report that games without these tools tend to have a more cooperative and inclusive environment. Toxicity related to underperformance or min-maxing is less likely to occur when numbers are not constantly displayed.

From an immersion standpoint, the game emphasizes “diegetic” feedback — information presented naturally within the world, rather than through external UI elements. For example, seeing a monster shift its focus, hearing a sound cue, or observing a unique animation all provide actionable information. This approach encourages creative strategies and makes encounters feel alive.

Practical Tips for Everyday Players

  • Trust In-Game Cues: Most players find that once they start noticing animation and visual signals, they no longer feel the need for external meters.

  • Team Play Over Individual Stats: Groups succeed through coordination rather than pure damage output. Encourage discussion and callouts during encounters.

  • Focus on Your Role: Whether you’re tanking, healing, or DPS, prioritize the responsibilities of your class rather than obsessing over raw numbers.

  • Use Resources Wisely: While third-party tracking isn’t supported, the game’s internal tools, tutorials, and guides can still help optimize gameplay. This is especially important for those managing their Ashes of Creation gold and other resources efficiently.

In Ashes of Creation, the developers’ stance on addons, DPS meters, and threat meters is clear: they are not necessary and are intentionally excluded. The focus is on immersive gameplay, player skill, and community cooperation. By relying on in-game cues, communication, and understanding class mechanics, most players can fully enjoy the game without feeling the need for external trackers.

For new and returning players, embracing this system may require an adjustment period, but it also offers a more immersive and rewarding experience. Success in Ashes of Creation is less about numerical performance and more about situational awareness, teamwork, and strategy.