How Was Testing Conducted?
The initial testing of Ashes of Creation Apocalypse began with a structured, phased approach. This approach ensures that the game is tested progressively with a limited number of players before opening to larger groups. The phases included Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Alpha-0, Beta-1, Beta-2, and eventually, testing for all registered users.

• Alpha-1 Testing: Only Alpha-1 testers had access during the first month of testing. This allowed developers to gather detailed feedback from a smaller, controlled group. Alpha-1 testers typically had the earliest access to game systems like the battle royale mode.
• Alpha-2 Testing: Starting on October 19, 2018, Alpha-2 testers were invited. These invitations came in waves, gradually expanding access to ensure that the servers and gameplay mechanics could handle more players.
• Beta Testing: Following Alpha phases, Beta testers (Beta-1 and Beta-2) were invited in subsequent weeks. This staged approach allowed the developers to identify bugs, test server stability, and evaluate player behavior in larger battles.

Throughout these phases, intermittent maintenance periods were expected. These were necessary to patch bugs, improve performance, and adjust gameplay balance based on tester feedback.
Player Participation and Statistics
Statistics from the December 2018 testing period provide a snapshot of player activity. There were approximately 86,000 registered logins from unique accounts, showing strong interest in the game even at an early stage. Of those, around 16,000 players were active daily, and 3,000 to 4,000 concurrent players were typically online at any given time.
In general, these numbers are helpful for understanding server load, matchmaking, and gameplay dynamics. For most players, concurrent users dictate how intense battles feel and how quickly queues form. For example, early castle sieges and battle royale matches were balanced based on these active player counts.
Game Modes Tested
During the Apocalypse testing, developers focused on several key gameplay modes:

1. Battle Royale: Initial tests allowed Alpha-1 and Alpha-2 testers to experience the PvP-focused survival mode. Testing was incremental, with invites sent to ensure servers could handle different player volumes. Most players found the early testing useful for learning game mechanics and reporting bugs.
2. Castle Sieges: Siege mode followed a similar schedule. Alpha-1 testers would get exclusive early access for the first month, after which Alpha-2 and other backers were gradually invited. Castle sieges required more coordination, making early testing crucial for balancing siege mechanics and defenses.
3. Horde Mode: Horde mode testing also mirrored the phased approach of other game modes. Players would face waves of AI-controlled enemies, helping developers fine-tune difficulty scaling and rewards.

The developers emphasized that each mode required separate testing to ensure stability and gameplay quality. Most players typically focused on one mode at a time, providing targeted feedback that helped shape subsequent updates.
What Players Should Expect
For players looking to participate in future tests, it’s important to understand how invitations and access work:

• Early testing phases are exclusive, usually limited to Alpha-1 and Alpha-2 backers.
• Invitations are gradually expanded based on server capacity and testing needs.
• NDA restrictions may apply in the initial phases, but these are lifted in later rounds to allow broader feedback.

It’s also common for early testers to experience bugs, server instability, and balance issues. Most players approach testing with the expectation that the game is not finished and that their feedback contributes to improvements.
In-Game Economy Insights
During testing, many players also explored the in-game economy. Some players choose to supplement their experience by purchasing in-game currency. For example, you can buy AoC gold online with fast delivery from U4N. This option is usually used by players who want to experiment with higher-tier gear or unlock certain content faster during testing. In general, using these services can speed up gameplay exploration but should be approached cautiously to avoid disrupting your natural progression.
Lessons from Testing
Looking back at the Apocalypse tests, a few lessons stand out:

• Phased Testing Works: Gradually expanding access helps developers identify issues without overwhelming servers. Most players appreciated this approach, as it allowed more stable gameplay during their test sessions.
• Feedback Is Crucial: Developers rely heavily on player feedback to balance modes like battle royale, castle sieges, and horde mode. Most testers are motivated by the opportunity to influence the game’s final design.
• Early Access Can Be Intense: With thousands of concurrent players, early tests can feel crowded. Players usually adapt by forming groups or joining communities to coordinate gameplay.

Overall, testing phases of Ashes of Creation Apocalypse have provided valuable insights for both players and developers. Understanding the structure of these tests can help new participants know what to expect and how to contribute effectively.
Ashes of Creation Apocalypse testing has been methodical and carefully phased. From Alpha-1 to Beta, the game’s development relied on structured player participation, statistical monitoring, and iterative improvements. Most players who joined early tests gained a better understanding of game mechanics, server dynamics, and the importance of community feedback.
For those interested in exploring the game further, knowing the testing history and what each phase involved can improve your experience and help you engage meaningfully with the community.