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Of Ash and Steel Map: User Guide

Of Ash and Steel Map: User Guide

Alexandre Jollier November 27, 2025 at 12:20 PM

In brief

Of Ash and Steel takes a nostalgic approach by not providing a map at the start of the adventure. This guide explains how to unlock the map by completing Chapter 1, and how to use it effectively with its customization and annotation tools to explore the game's vast territories.

Exploration lies at the heart of the Of Ash and Steel experience. However, there's no map at the start to navigate the vast territories, which isn't always easy. In this guide, we'll explain how to unlock and use the map in this RPG.

"The different regions have their own maps that become accessible as you progress"

Of Ash and Steel Map: User Guide

The map system in Of Ash and Steel

In a nostalgic nod to RPGs of old, Of Ash and Steel doesn't provide you with a map at the start of your adventure. You're first invited to find your bearings using landscape features and visual landmarks.

Unlike many modern RPGs that hand you an elaborate map right from the very beginning of the adventure, this game invites you to gently get to grips with its world. The different regions have their own maps that become accessible as you progress.

Of Ash and Steel Map: User Guide

How to unlock the map

To obtain the map in Of Ash and Steel, you need to complete all of the Chapter 1 (Act 1) quests. This is a significant time commitment, since many missions must be completed before reaching this stage.

You start with shore missions, then several others even before Chapter 1...

One handy feature once you've unlocked it: the map includes customization options (adding, removing, editing information), as well as the ability to take notes (annotations) as you see fit. As you'll discover, this quickly becomes essential for marking points of interest on the landscape (resources or dangerous contact zones) for your next excursion!

While waiting to get it, find your way using the buildings and natural landmarks scattered throughout the landscape.

Would you prefer a map available from the start or discovering the world gradually?

Frequently asked questions

How do you unlock the map in Of Ash and Steel?

You need to complete the entirety of Chapter 1's (Act 1) quests. This represents a substantial time investment, as many missions, including the shore quests, must be completed before reaching this stage.

Why isn't the map available from the start?

Of Ash and Steel takes a nostalgic approach to classic RPGs by inviting you to first orient yourself using landscape features and visual landmarks, for a better immersion in its world.

What useful features does the map offer once unlocked?

The map includes customization options (adding, removing, editing information) and the ability to take notes, which proves essential for marking points of interest, resources, and dangerous areas.

How do you find your way before obtaining the map?

You can orient yourself using buildings and natural landmarks present in the game's landscape.

Key takeaways

The map is not available at launch and must be unlocked by completing the entirety of Chapter 1.
The game encourages exploration by using visual landmarks in the landscape to navigate before obtaining the map.
Each region has its own map accessible as you progress through the story.
The map offers customization and annotation options to mark points of interest and dangerous areas.