Introduction: The Next Tier of Resources
In the ever-expanding world of Elvenar, resource management is the cornerstone of successful city-building. Just when you think you have mastered the basics of Standard Goods and adapted to the complexities of Sentient Goods, the game introduces yet another layer: Ascended Goods . Introduced with Chapter 18, “Team Spirit,” these resources represent the third major tier of manufactory-produced goods and open up entirely new gameplay mechanics . This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about Ascended Goods, from unlocking them to mastering the unique trading system they bring with them.
What Are Ascended Goods?
Ascended Goods are a new category of resources that become available when you reach Chapter 18. Like Sentient Goods before them, Ascended Goods represent a higher tier of production that builds upon your existing manufactory infrastructure. However, they come with their own unique characteristics, requirements, and trading mechanics that set them apart from anything that came before .
These goods are essential for progressing through Chapter 18 and remain relevant in subsequent chapters, including Chapters 19 and 20 . While you might question their purpose initially—as some players have discovered they are not strictly required for every technology in Chapter 18—they become increasingly important as you advance further .
How to Unlock Ascended Goods
Manufactory Level Requirement
To begin producing Ascended Goods, you must upgrade your Basic Manufactories (Marble, Steel, or Planks) to at least level 32 . This significant investment ensures that only established cities with developed production infrastructure can access this new tier.
Once your manufactories reach this threshold, two new production options become available: 3-hour and 9-hour productions specifically for Ascended Goods . Your existing production options for Standard and Sentient Goods remain unchanged, meaning your level 32+ manufactories can produce all three tiers of goods depending on your needs.
Research Requirements
Before you can do anything with Ascended Goods, you must research the appropriate technologies in Chapter 18’s Research Tree. The first Ascended Good you can research is the Basic Ascended Goods technology early in the chapter . Additionally, to trade Ascended Goods with other players, you must research the Superior Trader in Chapter 18 .
Determining Your Boosted Ascended Good
One of the most important concepts to understand is how your boosted Ascended Good is determined. The game uses a simple but crucial formula: Your boosted Ascended Good will be your current boosted Regular Good +2 .
Here is how this works in practice:
- If your boosted Basic Good is Marble, your boosted Ascended Good will be Scholarly Sprouts (which corresponds to Planks)
- If your boosted Basic Good is Steel, your boosted Ascended Good will be Primordial Minerals (which corresponds to Marble)
- If your boosted Basic Good is Planks, your boosted Ascended Good will be Ignited Ingots (which corresponds to Steel)
This cycling system ensures that every player has a boosted Ascended Good that complements rather than duplicates their existing boosted goods. Just like with Standard Goods, your production boost for Ascended Goods depends on the number of relics you have stored for the respective good type .
The Three Categories of Ascended Goods
Following the pattern established by Standard and Sentient Goods, Ascended Goods are divided into three categories :
- Basic Ascended Goods: The first tier, introduced in Chapter 18
- Refined Ascended Goods: Become available in later chapters
- Precious Ascended Goods: The highest tier, required for advanced progression
Each category builds upon the previous one, creating a layered production chain that rewards strategic planning and efficient resource management.
Production Requirements: Unurium and Standard Goods
Producing Ascended Goods is not simply a matter of clicking a button. Each production requires two key inputs :
- Unurium: A resource introduced in Chapter 17 that continues to be essential. Unurium decays like Mana and Divine Seeds but has far fewer sources of production, making it a limiting factor
- Corresponding Standard Goods: You need Standard Goods from the same manufactory to produce Ascended Goods
This dual requirement means you cannot simply convert all your production to Ascended Goods. You must balance your Standard Goods production for other needs while allocating enough to fuel your Ascended Goods creation.
The Merchant System: Trading Ascended Goods
A New Way to Trade
Ascended Goods cannot be traded through the standard Trader interface like other resources. Instead, they require a completely new mechanic: the Merchant . This system becomes available after you research the Superior Trader and upgrade your Trader to level 7 .
How Merchants Work
When you trade with a Merchant, you receive your requested goods immediately . This instant gratification comes with a catch: while the Merchant is traveling to fulfill your order, your goods are offered to other players through the regular trading system .
Key features of the Merchant system include:
- Fair offers only: Merchants will only accept balanced, two-star trades
- Fixed amounts: Each Merchant deal involves specific quantities based on your Main Hall level
- Limited slots: You can hire up to five Merchants simultaneously
- Temporary availability: Merchants are only available for a limited time once hired
Strategic Merchant Use
Experienced players recommend always keeping your Merchants active. As one forum user noted, “Always be trading for goods. Anytime you’re in the game, check for offers and place some if a slot is available” . This constant trading helps maintain balanced stocks of all three Ascended Good types, which is essential because settlement productions frequently require different combinations.
The cost to hire Merchants increases with each additional slot, requiring significant coins. Some players have reported needing to use Coin Rains and even bring residences out of storage to meet the coin demands .
How Many Manufactories Do You Need?
A common question among players entering Chapter 18 is how many manufactories to dedicate to Ascended Goods production. The answer depends on several factors.
Some players successfully complete Chapter 18 with just one level 32+ manufactory producing their boosted Ascended Good . However, others argue that two manufactories provide a much better experience, allowing you to produce enough boosted goods to trade for the non-boosted varieties you need .
The limiting factor is Unurium. With limited Unurium production capabilities, you may not be able to keep multiple manufactories running at full capacity. Players with access to Magical Manufacturing spells and Ancient Wonders that boost Unurium production have more flexibility .
The Settlement Connection: Chapter 18’s Elemental Hubs
Ascended Goods are not just another resource to stockpile—they are intimately connected to Chapter 18’s settlement mechanics. The Elemental Hubs, which are the core production buildings of this chapter, require Ascended Goods for their construction and operation .
The settlement introduces four Element Hub variants (Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water), though experienced players have discovered that you can complete the chapter using only three of them (Earth, Wind, and Fire) . The Water Hub is only required for specific quests and can be built temporarily then teleported away .
Within this system, you produce Elementals in the Hubs, combine them with volunteers (Humans, Elves, or Elvenar) to earn Medals, and use those Medals to qualify for Trials that reward Team Work badges—the key to unlocking technologies .
Ascended Goods in Later Chapters
While some players initially questioned whether Ascended Goods were truly necessary, they become increasingly important as you progress beyond Chapter 18 .
- Chapter 18: Basic Ascended Goods are required to construct Hubs, upgrade the Gate of Dimensions, and produce Elements
- Chapter 19: Both Basic and Refined Ascended Goods are needed to construct Breeding Facilities, upgrade the Fortress of Revenge, and produce Black and White Magic and Matter
- Chapter 20: All three Ascended Good types (Basic, Refined, and Precious) are required
This progression confirms that investing in Ascended Goods production infrastructure is worthwhile for long-term players.
Comparison with Sentient Goods
Ascended Goods share many characteristics with Sentient Goods, but there are important differences. Like Sentient Goods, Ascended Goods are subject to decay—they transform back into lower-tier resources over time . However, the specific mechanics and the resources required for production differ.
The most significant difference is the trading system. While Sentient Goods can be traded through the standard Trader interface, Ascended Goods require the Merchant system, which introduces new strategic considerations .
Additionally, Sentient Goods require Divine Seeds for production, while Ascended Goods require Unurium . This shift reflects your city’s evolving resource priorities as you advance through the chapters.
Strategic Tips for Ascended Goods Management
Prepare Before Entering Chapter 18
Before you reach Chapter 18, stockpile Unurium and ensure you have enough space for additional manufactories if needed. Level up your Main Hall to increase the quantity of goods you can trade through Merchants .
Start with One Manufactory
Begin Chapter 18 with a single level 32+ manufactory producing your boosted Ascended Good. Assess your Unurium income and production needs before committing to a second manufactory .
Keep Merchants Active
Always have your Merchant slots filled with active trades. The instant nature of Merchant trades means you never have to wait for someone to accept your offer—you get goods immediately, and other players can choose to help fulfill your order in the background .
Maintain Balanced Stocks
Use your Merchants to trade for non-boosted Ascended Goods regularly. Keeping roughly equal amounts of all three types ensures you can always accept whatever Merchant offers become available .
Save Magical Manufacturing Spells
If you have Magical Manufacturing spells stockpiled, Chapter 18 is an excellent time to use them. Boosting your Ascended Goods production can dramatically accelerate your progress through the chapter .
Conclusion
Ascended Goods represent the next evolution in Elvenar’s resource management systems. While they may seem complex at first, understanding their production requirements, boosted good determination, and unique Merchant trading system is essential for progressing through Chapter 18 and beyond.
The key takeaways are simple: upgrade your manufactories to level 32, research the Superior Trader, keep your Merchants active, and maintain balanced stocks of all three Ascended Good types. With these strategies in place, you will be well-prepared to master the Team Spirit chapter and continue your city’s ascent through the ranks.
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