Hey, if you’re scratching your head wondering where Backwoods is in Of Ash and Steel, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. Tons of players hit up Reddit and forums yelling, “Anyone know where to find Backwoods?” The game throws you into this huge world with no hand-holding maps or markers, so getting lost in the woods feels super frustrating, especially right after the shipwreck.
But chill, I’ve got you covered. This guide breaks it down simple: exact spot, how to get there, tips to crush it, and more. Let’s get you exploring.
The Quick Answer: Backwoods Is Right at the Start
Backwoods—sometimes called the Forgotten Edge—is the very first big area you step into after the prologue. Once you wake up from the shipwreck and leave that starting house, boom, you’re in Backwoods. It’s all those thick woods, hills, and camps around your beach spot on Grayshaft island. No long hike needed. It’s your intro to fighting, crafting, and quests before you hit the lighthouse and guard tower areas.
Just walk out the door, and you’re there. Scout a high spot or hit the woodcutters’ camp to mark it on your map once you get one.
How to Get to Backwoods Step by Step
The game eases you in as Tristan, the map-making guy who’s no fighter. Here’s the easy path from the start:
- Finish the Prologue: You wash up on the cliffs. Practice swinging your weapon on stuff like that “Fish” enemy if it pops up. Make your way to the little house.
- Step Outside: Boom, left of the door is a cave with Rutmane, an important early buddy. That’s your Backwoods welcome mat.
- Dive into the Forest: Head into the trees. You’ll see gentle hills, a chill river, and low-level baddies like bandits. Classic woods vibe.
Key spots to hit:
- Woodcutters’ Camp: Main hangout. Cook them some stew (recipe’s in a nearby house) for cool rewards like steel ingots.
- Edge to Next Area: Keep going and you’ll hit a loading screen to the lighthouse, guard tower, and knight camp.
- Bounty Spot: For the Bounty Hunters group, look for a boat up on a mountain near the guard tower. Tough fight with a level 20 bandit boss and his crew.
Pro tip: Use free camera spins to look around from high ground. No minimap means you gotta eyeball it.
How to Unlock Your Map and Spot Backwoods
The map’s hidden on purpose—you earn it by exploring. Grab it early in Chapter 1:
- Track Down Irwin: He’s in a forest tavern or on a hilltop. Finish the “True Cartographer” quest, and the map’s yours.
- Light It Up: Climb hills with white writing or visit landmarks. Backwoods shows up at the start house or woodcutters’ camp.
Other areas you’ll unlock: Hilly Vale, Outskirts, Grayshaft, Crossroads, Freehold, Dark Forest, Ivarsby Village, Frozen Valley, Mines. Jot notes by hand till it’s full.
Quests, Loot, and What to Do in Backwoods
This spot teaches you the basics:
- Starter Quests: Give a potion to the hurt hunter (grab the recipe), feed the lumberjacks, start bounty hunts.
- Crafting Spots: Alchemy table in the graveyard shack; upgrade your shirt at Nerest’s place.
- Enemies: Easy bandits and animals. Focus on parrying and switching stances—stamina is everything.
- Goodies: Simple recipes, ingots, weapons. Fish or hunt for food.
It leads into factions like Bounty Hunters for more backwoods action.
Quick Tips for Backwoods Exploring
- Climb High: Spin the camera free from peaks to spot paths and camps.
- Watch Day and Night: Hunt by day; nights bring tougher foes.
- Save Stamina: Go slow on attacks to learn timing. Mix potions ASAP.
- Read All Notes: Journals give hints—no quest arrows here.
- Save a Lot: Quick-save before loading screens or big searches.
- No Horse Yet: Walk to soak in the world.
- Bounty Ready-Up: Level a bit before that boat fight—pack melee and ranged gear.
Backwoods vs. Other Early Spots: Quick Comparison
| Area | How to Get There | Enemy Toughness | Best For | Cool Stuff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backwoods | Right after start | Easy (1-10) | Stew quests, basic crafts, bounties | Woods, camp, river fishing |
| Hilly Vale | Backwoods edge | Easy-Medium (5-15) | Scouting, side quests | Hills overlooking village |
| Outskirts | Loading screen ahead | Medium (10-20) | Gate ruins, faction teases | Climbable tower |
| Grayshaft | After factions | Medium-Hard | Taverns, castle gates | City vibes, lots of NPCs |
| Dark Forest | Deeper woods later | Hard (15+) | Boss bandits | Swampy edges, mean mobs |
Backwoods is perfect for newbies—safe way to level up fast.
Extra Secrets and Pro Moves in Backwoods
Want to 100% it? Check these:
- Standing Camp: Smelting recipes close by.
- Bandit Patrols: Ambush them by the river for loot.
- Fishing Holes: River gives food and skill ups.
- Hidden Caves: Past Rutmane’s, more recipes wait.
Pick Bounty Hunters for backwoods bounties; Order Knights if you like tanking hits.
Backwoods is all about learning to survive in Of Ash and Steel. Nail it, and the whole island opens up.
FAQs: Common Backwoods Questions Answered
1. Is Backwoods really just the starting area after the prologue?
Yes, 100%.
Many players get confused because there’s no big sign saying “Welcome to Backwoods.”
But once you finish the prologue on the beach camp and step out of that first house, you’re standing right in it.
It’s the dense forest all around—hills, river, camps.
Head left for Rutmane’s cave or explore for woodcutters.
No travel needed; it’s your home base for early grinding.
2. Where exactly is Rutmane in Backwoods?
Super easy once you’re out of the starting house.
Stand facing the door from outside.
Look to your left—there’s a small cave right there.
Duck in, and you’ll find Rutmane.
He’s key for early story and tips.
If you miss it, spin the camera; it’s literally steps away.
3. How do I find the Woodcutters’ Camp in Backwoods?
From the starting house, push into the woods ahead.
Follow trails uphill through trees.
Listen for chopping sounds or smoke.
It’s the central camp with lumberjacks waiting for stew.
Recipe’s in a house nearby—cook it up for ingots and XP.
Mark it on your map by visiting; great hub for crafts.
4. Where’s the bandit ambush for the Bounty Hunters quest in Backwoods?
Join Bounty Hunters early, then hunt the “ambush in the backwoods.”
Head to the edge of Backwoods toward the next loading screen.
That’s where the lighthouse, guard tower, mini-tavern, and Order knights are.
Tons of bandits spawn there—fight packs till you trigger the right ones.
Boat on mountain near guard tower is another bounty spot.
Level up first; it’s tougher.
5. Where is Standing Camp, and what’s there?
Standing Camp is a hidden spot in Backwoods for smelting recipes.
Players struggle without hints, but check near woodcutters’ camp or bandit routes.
Look for tents or fires in clearings off the main paths.
Loot the recipes to unlock metalworking—huge for gear upgrades.
Explore high ground with free cam to spot it; quick-save before digging around.
Backwoods is all about learning to survive in Of Ash and Steel.
Nail it, and the whole island opens up.