New World Aeternum Endgame Gearing Guide August 2025

If you've just hit level 65 in New World Aeternum or wrapped up the main storyline, congratulations—you're ready to dive into the endgame! This phase is all about refining your gear to tackle challenging content like the Hive of Gorgons or dominate in PvP. Gearing up can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you'll be equipped to shine.

For more tips and resources to level up your gameplay, consider bookmarking our site and exploring our New World Aeternum shop for exclusive in-game boosts.

Understanding What Makes Gear Great

In New World Aeternum, not all gear is created equal. While a high gear score or legendary rarity might catch your eye, the real power lies in perks and attributes tailored to your build. Here's a breakdown of what to prioritize:

• Enchanted Ward: This perk is a must for nearly every build, reducing damage from light and heavy attacks in PvE (and often PvP) by a significant margin. Stack it on as many armor pieces as possible to boost survivability.

• Refreshing: Found on armor, this perk reduces ability cooldowns, letting you use your skills more often. Aim for at least four pieces with Refreshing to maximize your uptime.

• Hearty (Rings): Essential for any ring, Hearty grants an extra dodge roll (three instead of two), which is a game-changer for dodging boss mechanics or outmaneuvering opponents.

• Protection Perks (Amulets): Collect amulets with specific damage protection (e.g., Strike, Slash, Nature) to swap based on the content. For example, in the Hive of Gorgons, you'll want Strike Protection for Akidna, Slash for Typhon, and Nature for Medusa. Pair these with matching gems (like Jasper for Strike) for optimal damage reduction.

For earrings, prioritize perks like Refreshing or Healthy Toast, but avoid Regenerating unless you're a tank, as it generates unwanted threat in PvE. Weapons are trickier, as ideal perks depend on your playstyle (e.g., Vicious for crit damage is great for most weapons but less useful for life staffs).

The Power of Artifacts

Artifacts are a cornerstone of endgame builds, offering unique perks and a guaranteed minimum gear score of 700 (upgradable to 725). You can only equip one artifact per gear slot (e.g., one weapon, one armor piece), but their build-defining effects make them worth chasing. Here are some easy-to-get artifacts and how to acquire them:

• Featherweight (Chest): Perfect for light equip load builds, this chest piece weighs nothing, ideal for PvP or high-damage PvE setups. Farm it by defeating Nurma at Fungal Ridge in Elysian Wilds—a solo-friendly boss.

• Finisher (Weapon): A top-tier artifact weapon for PvE, used in content like the Hive of Gorgons. Kill Montropala the Unruled in Elysian Wilds (recruit friends or use a strong solo build). Upgrade it to 725 with Disdained Infliction.

• Power Stone (Flail): Great for tanks and healers, this flail applies 20% Weaken to enemies when your health is above 90%. Obtain it from any Soul Trial's final boss.

• Crescent Wave (Greatsword): A versatile weapon for PvE and PvP, available for free at Season Pass level 20. Add a gem slot with pins from your faction vendor.

• Fracture (Void Gauntlet): Ideal for healers using a void gauntlet off-hand. Get it by closing level 65 major corrupted breaches in areas like Ebonscale Reach or Shattered Mountain.

To unlock an artifact's full potential, complete its associated quests (check your journal's artifact tab) and upgrade it at the Gypsum Kiln. Use a Gold Cursed Coconut (farmed weekly from Cursed Hordes in the Cursed Mists) for a 725 gear score upgrade, choosing a final perk that complements your build.

Heart Runes: Unlocking Extra Power

Heart Runes are another max-level system, adding a powerful ability to your kit. Start by completing the “Secrets of the Heart Gem" quest in Brimstone Sands (talk to Anna Rosa) to unlock the slot and receive the basic Cannon Blast rune. For better options, farm dungeons:

• Brutal Vines (Garden of Genesis)

• Stone Form (Lazarus)

• Detonate (Aniad)

Upgrade blue runes to purple, then legendary (Brutal for damage, Stalwart for survivability) at a stonecutting table. Keep runes in your inventory, not equipped, during upgrades.

Gearing Strategies for Every Player

Whether you're broke or flush with gold, here are practical ways to build your gear set:

1. Faction Store: Join a faction (Covenant, Marauders, or Syndicate) and grind reputation to access the Paladin store. Buy gear with Enchanted Ward, Refreshing, and Health (675 gear score). Use seals to change attributes (e.g., from Constitution to Dexterity) at an outfitting station.

2. Trading Post: Search for gear with Enchanted Ward and Refreshing. It's pricier than the faction store but offers higher gear scores (650+). Check regularly for deals.

3. Chest Runs: Join open-world chest runs (e.g., Cutlass Keys, Murkgard) by typing “+CK" or “X Wall" in chat. These low-effort runs yield random gear, often with desirable perks.

4. Well of Fortune: Located in Cutlass Keys, this vendor sells Gold Cursed crates (armor for ~250 Dloons, weapons slightly more). Earn Dloons via daily quests or looting chests in the Cursed Mists (a PvP zone, but you won't lose your Gold Cursed Coconut if killed).

5. Mutated Expeditions: Clear normal dungeons (e.g., Dynasty, Eniad) to unlock mutated versions. Stick to difficulty 1 or 2 (requires 695+ gear score) for Azoth Crystal gear, which always includes Enchanted Ward and Refreshing.

For gems, slot Cut Pristine Onyx in armor for physical damage reduction, Opals in jewelry for elemental protection, and Diamonds in weapons for PvE damage boosts.

FAQs About Endgame Gearing

1. What's the most important perk for endgame gear?

   Enchanted Ward is critical, reducing damage from most PvE and PvP attacks. Stack it on armor for maximum survivability.

2. How do I get a Gold Cursed Coconut?

   Loot Cursed Hordes in the Cursed Mists (PvP zone). You're guaranteed one by your fifth chest, resetting weekly on Tuesdays.

3. Which artifact should I prioritize?

   Finisher (weapon) is excellent for PvE, while Featherweight (chest) is great for PvP or light builds. Both are relatively easy to farm.

4. Can I change attributes on faction gear?

   Yes, use faction seals (e.g., Ranger for Dexterity) at an outfitting station to swap attributes on faction gear, keeping it in your inventory.

5. Are mutated expeditions worth it for gear?

   Absolutely! Difficulty 1 and 2 expeditions drop Azoth Crystal gear with Enchanted Ward and Refreshing, perfect for endgame builds.

Thanks for Reading

Gearing up in New World Aeternum's endgame is a journey, but with the right perks, artifacts, and strategies, you'll be ready to conquer the Hive of Gorgons or dominate in PvP. Stay curious, experiment with builds, and keep exploring Aeternum's challenges. For more guides and resources, keep an eye on MMOJUGG for the latest tips to elevate your adventure.