Finding The Order’s Headquarters in Of Ash and Steel can be surprisingly confusing, even for players who have already spent hours exploring the city.
The game intentionally avoids loading your map with bold icons and easy waypoints, so if you are not paying close attention to your surroundings, you can get lost very easily. Many players, including the one whose experience inspired this guide, spend more than an hour running in circles before discovering the correct entrance.
In this article, I’ll explain everything in detail. My goal is to give you one clean place where you can understand the routes, the shortcuts, the city layout, the common mistakes, and the easiest way to actually reach The Order’s HQ.
Let’s begin from the very basics and slowly build up from there.
Understanding the Confusing City Layout
Before we even start talking about the route, you need to understand why so many players struggle with locating The Order’s HQ.
The city in Of Ash and Steel is huge and divided into different districts.
The buildings also look similar in some areas, and the streets are not always straightforward. But the most important detail is that the game gives almost no clear markers, especially for faction-related places.
You don’t get a giant pop-up on your map saying “Order Headquarters This Way.” Instead, the game expects you to read the environment, look at landmarks, and sometimes even experiment.
The headquarters of The Order is located inside the city, specifically along the eastern side of the eastern district. It’s a tall, fortified structure that stands out once you know what to look for. But the tricky part is that most players approach the city from angles that cause them to miss it completely.
You’ll understand more once we go through the step-by-step routes below.
Why Players Miss It So Easily
There are a few common reasons:
- Players enter the city through the wrong gate, so the mental map becomes confusing.
- The city districts look similar, especially if you entered from the western or northern side.
- Vertical design throws people off — the HQ is tall, but many players explore the lower market streets first.
- NPC directions are vague — they might say things like “toward the east” or “the main gate,” but there’s no exact marking.
- The bridge and water area mislead players, because you assume walking across the bridge takes you directly to the main hub, which is partly true — but not helpful for locating the HQ.
A player once explained that after an hour of failing to find the entrance, they became desperate and tried a strange idea: jumping into the water and swimming toward a peninsula. And surprisingly, it worked.
The good news is, now you don’t need to waste an hour. You just need to follow the instructions below.
The Two Best Ways to Reach The Order’s HQ
There are two routes you can take:
Route A – The Regular, Safe, Exploration-Friendly City Route
Route B – The Shortcut That Uses Swimming (The Trick Discovered by a Desperate Player)
I’ll explain both in full detail so you can choose what fits your playstyle.
Route A: The Normal City Approach (Recommended for first-timers)
This method is best if you want to explore the city properly, avoid weird jumps, and keep everything looking natural and immersive.
Step 1: Start at the Eastern Gate or the Long Bridge Area
The eastern gate is the one connected to the long bridge, with lots of water around it. This is one of the easiest landmarks in the city because the bridge is massive, and the water makes the area stand out visually. When you step off the bridge and approach the gate, the city feels alive, with guards and structures welcoming you.
Step 2: Enter the Eastern District Properly
Once you enter through the gate, do NOT head straight into the random alleys or turn west. Many players assume the main buildings are straight ahead, so they push forward and lose track of the eastern side. Instead, you want to keep close to the city’s eastern wall.
Step 3: Move South Along the Eastern Edge
The Order’s HQ is located along the eastern edge but slightly toward the southern part of this district. If you move west too early, you’ll never spot it. But if you hug the right-hand side of the district as you walk, you’ll eventually see a tall structure looming ahead.
Think of it like this:
Stay near the city wall on your right. Keep moving south. The big fortress-like structure is your target.
Step 4: Recognize the HQ by Its Shape
The Order’s Headquarters is not a tiny building. It looks like a fortified keep or stronghold, significantly taller and thicker than ordinary houses. It has battlements, guarded entrances, and a distinctive shape. If you feel like you’re entering a large fortified area, you are probably in the right spot.
Step 5: Enter Through the Main Courtyard
Once you arrive at the fortress grounds, you can enter through the courtyard. Inside, you’ll find NPCs related to quests, missions, or faction storylines. The leader of The Order usually stands in this area or inside one of the inner rooms. Talking to them progresses several story threads.
This path is straightforward, safe, and easy to navigate as long as you stick to the eastern district’s outer edge.
Route B: The Shortcut Swim Trick (Fastest and Surprisingly Fun)
This is the method that a frustrated player discovered after trying everything else for an hour. Even though it sounds silly at first, it works perfectly and honestly feels like something the developers allowed on purpose.
Step 1: Go to the Same Eastern Gate Area
Just like Route A, you need to reach the place with the long bridge and the water. This is your starting point again.
Step 2: Turn South Before Fully Entering the City
Instead of walking completely through the gate, take a sharp turn to the south. There is an opening before you step fully inside the city’s main area. If you keep your eyes open, you will see a way to head toward the water.
Step 3: Jump Into the Water
Yes, seriously. Just jump. The water is deep enough, and the game allows swimming in this area. You won’t instantly die or get stuck.
Step 4: Swim Toward the Little Peninsula
As you swim, look for a small peninsula ahead. It’s not an island — more like a hook-shaped piece of land sticking out into the water. On this peninsula, you will notice an area that looks like a small goods-delivery spot. Imagine a place where a rowboat would bring supplies and unload crates. The game’s environment design makes it look like a mini harbor area.
Step 5: Climb Up the Delivery Spot
Once you reach the peninsula, you’ll see a climbable edge. Use it to pull yourself up onto the ledge. It works reliably, and many players have used this exact technique without issues.
Step 6: Congratulations — You Are Inside The Order’s HQ
This swim shortcut literally drops you into the headquarters’ grounds without needing to navigate the rest of the city. It feels almost sneaky, like you’ve found a hidden backdoor.
Players love this trick because it saves a ton of time and also makes them feel clever.
What You Should Bring Before Heading to the HQ
Whether you choose the normal route or the shortcut, it helps to prepare a little:
1. Manual Saves
Always save before swimming, jumping, or entering a heavily guarded area. You never know when the game might treat something as a hostile act.
2. Healing Items
Simple food, herbs, or potions are enough. It’s easy to accidentally lose stamina or take a hit inside the HQ.
3. Light Armor for Stealth
Some players prefer sneaking around, especially if they have quests that make guards hostile. Lighter armor keeps you quiet and quick.
4. A Ranged Weapon
Guards inside The Order’s HQ are sometimes aggressive depending on your quest status. A bow or crossbow helps you keep distance.
5. A Parry-Capable Shield
If you fight melee, this can save your life during sudden encounters.
Preparing these items makes your journey smoother and reduces backtracking.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Many players have reported issues while searching for or entering The Order’s HQ. Here are the most common ones:
Problem 1: “I explored the whole district and still can’t find it.”
Solution: You are probably not walking along the correct outer edge. Go back to the eastern gate, reset your direction, and keep your right side to the wall as you move south.
Problem 2: “I can’t climb up the peninsula after swimming.”
Solution: Your stamina may be too low. Try approaching from a slightly different angle or refill stamina before jumping into the water.
Problem 3: “I entered the HQ, but the quest didn’t trigger.”
Solution: Talk to different NPCs inside. Some quests only unlock when you speak to specific characters. It’s easy to miss the correct person if you’re rushing.
Problem 4: “Guards attack me instantly.”
Solution: You might have a bounty or negative reputation. Either prepare for combat or wear stealth gear to avoid detection.
By understanding these problems and fixes, you can avoid the annoying parts and enjoy your exploration.
Extra Tips for Better Navigation
Here are some extra player-friendly tips that make the search easier:
- The HQ looks like a fortress, not a regular house.
- Always notice tall walls when exploring cities — they often mark important locations.
- Landmarks such as water, bridges, and peninsulas are deliberately designed to guide players.
- If you ever feel lost, retrace your steps back to the eastern gate.
- Walking too far west completely ruins your sense of direction for this search.
Remember: The starting landmark is the bridge + water + eastern gate combo. Once you memorize that, the rest becomes easy.
Why the Swimming Shortcut Is Loved by the Community
Players love the swim shortcut because:
- It saves a LOT of time.
- It feels like discovering a hidden trick.
- It’s fun and unexpected.
- It makes the game feel more open and creative.
- It bypasses unnecessary city clutter.
- It works perfectly without glitches.
Games like Of Ash and Steel reward curiosity. Trying something strange, like jumping into water, sometimes leads to smart shortcuts.
Simple FAQ (Clear and Beginner-Friendly)
Q: Is The Order’s HQ inside the city or outside?
It is inside the city, on the eastern side of the eastern district.
Q: Can I join The Order when I reach the HQ?
Reaching the HQ lets you meet the leaders, but joining or progressing often depends on your quest steps.
Q: Why are the guards hostile sometimes?
Your previous actions can affect reputation. If you stole or attacked someone earlier, guards may react.
Q: Is the swim shortcut safe?
Yes, it works smoothly. Just make sure your stamina is not low.
Q: What if I still can’t find the building even after this guide?
Return to the eastern gate, reset your direction, and follow the wall south. You’ll see the fortress eventually.
Final Summary (Super Simple Version)
If you want the fastest explanation:
- Start at the eastern gate with the long bridge and water.
- Either walk inside and follow the eastern wall south until you see the fortress (HQ).
- OR turn south immediately, jump into the water, swim to the peninsula, climb up, and drop directly into the HQ courtyard.
This is the easiest way to reach The Order’s HQ without wasting time.
Closing Thoughts
Finding The Order’s HQ in Of Ash and Steel can feel frustrating at first, but once you understand the city layout and the environmental clues, it becomes a straightforward task. Whether you choose the normal route or the fun swimming shortcut, both paths work perfectly and help you reach the fortress quickly.