Being attacked on sight by guards, unable to enter towns, and blocked from quests is a common problem in Of Ash and Steel.
Many players assume there must be a jail system, reputation reset, or dialogue-based forgiveness similar to classic RPGs.
However, the guard crime system works very differently. This guide explains exactly how to make amends with guards, why fines escalate so quickly, and what to do if guards refuse to speak and attack immediately.
Clear Answer: How to Make Amends With Guards in Of Ash and Steel
The only way to make amends with guards in Of Ash and Steel is to pay the full fine during a guard confrontation.
There is no jail, no partial payments, no reputation recovery, and no alternative penalty. If the full fine cannot be paid at the moment of arrest, the game treats it as a refusal and guards will become hostile.
This rule applies regardless of the crime’s severity.
How the Guard Crime and Fine System Works
Whenever a player commits a crime, the game applies a hidden bounty tied to the local settlement or region. Crimes include stealing owned items, trespassing inside private buildings, and assaulting NPCs. Even small, accidental thefts can generate a bounty, and multiple acts stack rapidly.
The game does not show a permanent bounty tracker. Instead, the total fine is enforced only when a guard confronts the player. If the bounty reaches a high threshold, guards may skip arrest dialogue and immediately initiate combat.
Why Guards Attack on Sight
Guards typically attack on sight for two reasons. First, the player previously failed or refused to pay a fine. Second, multiple stacked crimes caused the bounty to exceed the arrest threshold.
Once either condition is met, guards may permanently treat the player as hostile in that area, making it impossible to open the payment dialogue again.
What Happens If You Cannot Pay the Fine
If the required fine is higher than the player’s available gold, there is no fallback option. Guards will kill the player or remain permanently aggressive. The bounty does not decay over time, and leaving the area does not resolve the problem.
This can result in a soft-lock situation where towns, merchants, and quests become inaccessible unless the fine is paid or an earlier save is loaded.
Comparison: Of Ash and Steel vs Traditional RPG Crime Systems
| System Feature | Of Ash and Steel | Traditional RPGs |
|---|---|---|
| Pay fine | Full amount only | Partial often allowed |
| Jail option | Not available | Common |
| Reputation recovery | Not available | Common |
| Bounty decay | None | Often present |
| Quest-based forgiveness | Not available | Sometimes available |
This comparison explains why the system feels harsher than players expect.
Patch Changes to Guard Fines
Recent patches reduced fine amounts and made fines visible at the time of arrest and during criminal actions. These changes improve clarity and balance but do not change the core structure. Guards still require full payment, and no new forgiveness mechanics were added.
What To Do If Guards Are Already Hostile
If guards attack immediately without dialogue, reloading a save from before the crime is the most reliable solution. If that is not possible, leaving the area and farming gold elsewhere may allow the player to later trigger an arrest interaction and pay the fine.
If the hostile settlement is required for main story progression and no safe saves exist, starting a new character may be the only workable solution.
Tips to Avoid Guard Aggro and Bounty Problems
Avoid looting settlements casually, especially early in the game. Always read interaction prompts carefully, as many items are flagged as owned even when they appear abandoned. Keep an emergency reserve of gold for fines. Use multiple rotating manual saves before entering towns or attempting theft. Treat stealing as a deliberate, high-risk action rather than routine looting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go to jail instead of paying a fine?
No. Of Ash and Steel does not include a jail or prison system. Fines must be paid in full or guards will remain hostile.
Do bounties or fines disappear over time?
No. Bounties do not decay and will persist indefinitely until paid.
Can persuasion or skills reduce the fine?
No. Social or dialogue skills do not affect guard behavior or fine amounts.
Why did I get fined for picking up a small item?
Many items are internally flagged as owned, even if they appear abandoned. Picking them up counts as theft.
Is there a way to see my total bounty?
No. The game does not provide a permanent bounty tracker. Fines are only shown during guard encounters.
Final Verdict
For players searching how to make amends with guards in Of Ash and Steel, the system is simple but unforgiving. The only solution is to pay the full fine during a guard encounter. There is no jail system, no forgiveness mechanic, and no alternative way to clear a bounty. If the fine cannot be paid and guards attack on sight, reloading an earlier save is often the only reliable fix.