The Hatchet in New World Aeternum is one of the most versatile weapons available, functioning effectively as both a melee and ranged weapon. This guide will provide an in-depth look at optimizing your Hatchet build for both PvE and PvP, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, skill trees, and ideal pairing options with other weapons.
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Hatchet Overview
The Hatchet scales primarily with Strength but also benefits from Dexterity. The optimal attribute ratio is about 2:1 in favor of Strength. This means that while the Hatchet can fit into Dexterity-based builds, it performs best when Strength is prioritized. For players early in the game, where maxing attributes may not be possible, focusing on Strength is ideal for maximizing the Hatchet's effectiveness.
The dual functionality of the Hatchet as a melee and throwing weapon makes it unique. It's great for those who want a flexible weapon capable of adapting to different situations. With New World Aeternum's new lock-on system, hitting enemies with thrown hatchets is easier than before. This system, combined with its melee capabilities, makes the Hatchet a solid choice for players looking to stay active in combat, especially in PvP.
Basic Damage Mechanics
Light Attacks: Deal 100% base damage.
Heavy Attacks: Hit for 120% damage.
Charged Heavy Attacks: Deliver a powerful blow at 160% damage.
While light and heavy attacks are effective, landing heavy attacks can be tricky due to the Hatchet's short melee range and small hitbox. Players need to be especially close to their target, and its angled slash can sometimes miss smaller enemies. This is something to keep in mind when using the Hatchet, especially in PvP or against agile enemies.
Strengths of the Hatchet
- The Hatchet can be used both for melee and ranged attacks, making it a very versatile weapon.
- The Hatchet's abilities, particularly in the Berserker skill tree, can increase movement speed through abilities like Berserk, making it easy to chase down or escape enemies.
- The passive ability to defy death makes it an excellent choice for PvP. This passive allows the player to survive a fatal blow, giving them a crucial second chance to recover or turn the tide of the fight.
- The Hatchet boasts one of the fastest attack speeds in the game, allowing for rapid damage output in melee scenarios.
Weaknesses of the Hatchet
- For a melee weapon, the Hatchet's range is limited. Players must be very close to their target to land hits consistently.
- The Hatchet has little to no Area of Effect (AoE) potential, making it less effective when dealing with groups of enemies.
- Some of the Hatchet's melee abilities, such as Feral Rush, can be hard to land consistently, especially in fast-paced combat situations.
Skill Trees: Berserker and Throwing
Berserker – Focuses on close-range, fast-paced melee combat.
Throwing – Specializes in ranged attacks and applying debuffs to enemies.
Berserker Skill Tree
The Berserker skill tree is all about fast, relentless melee attacks. The Hatchet swings faster than heavier weapons like the Warhammer or Great Axe, allowing for more frequent strikes, though each hit deals less damage.
Key Abilities in the Berserker Tree:
Feral Rush: This ability allows you to leap forward and perform a two-hit spin attack. While it's great for catching enemies off-guard, it has a short range, and the second hit might not connect if you activate it at maximum distance.
Upgrades: Feral Rush can be upgraded to root your enemy, immobilizing them for a few seconds, making it a powerful PvP tool.
Berserk: One of the Hatchet's most powerful abilities, Berserk increases damage and movement speed. When upgraded, it provides life steal and removes crowd control effects.
Cooldown: Berserk's cooldown only starts once the ability expires, so it can't be used continuously, but its effects are very powerful when active.
Raging Torrent: This skill unleashes four rapid attacks in quick succession. While it's a high-damage skill, it leaves you vulnerable to interruptions.
Upgrades: Increases damage output and can grant a speed boost upon successful hits.
Defy Death: The most critical passive in the Berserker tree, Defy Death allows you to survive a fatal hit once every 60 seconds, restoring 50% of your health. This can be a game-changer in PvP and PvE, particularly for new players still getting the hang of combat.
The Berserker tree focuses on rapidly striking enemies and increasing survivability through abilities like Berserk and Defy Death. It is ideal for players who want to stay in close combat and deal consistent damage.
Throwing Skill Tree
The Throwing skill tree is all about ranged combat. You can deal damage from a distance while applying powerful debuffs to your enemies.
Key Abilities in the Throwing Tree:
Rending Throw: This ability reduces the enemy's protection, making it highly effective against heavily armored opponents. It's a great opener in PvP or PvE when fighting bosses or elites.
Upgrades: Increase debuff duration and damage output.
Social Distancing: A ranged attack that deals damage and makes you dodge backward without using stamina. This ability is perfect for repositioning, dodging attacks, or retreating from enemies while slowing them down.
Upgrades: Adds movement speed buffs and rooting effects.
Infected Throw: A debuff that reduces the enemy's healing and damage output, inflicting them with disease. It's great for weakening enemies before engaging in melee.
Upgrades: Extends debuff duration, making it even more useful in extended fights.
The Throwing tree is particularly effective in PvP, as it allows you to apply various debuffs to your enemies while maintaining a safe distance. The ability to debuff enemies and then engage in melee gives you a distinct advantage in combat.
Pairing the Hatchet with Other Weapons
To maximize the Hatchet's potential, pairing it with a complementary weapon is essential. Some of the best options include:
Warhammer or Great Axe: These strength-based weapons work well in synergy with the Hatchet. You can apply debuffs using throwing abilities and then switch to these heavy-hitting weapons for melee combat.
Bow or Musket: If you want a ranged secondary weapon, the Bow or Musket can work well with the Hatchet, especially for PvP. The Hatchet's debuff abilities help soften targets from a distance, making them easier to finish off.
Spear or Rapier: These Dexterity-based weapons pair well with the Hatchet for players who prefer fast, agile combat. You can apply debuffs with the Hatchet and then use the spear or rapier to finish enemies off in melee combat.
Armor Recommendations
The type of armor you choose depends on your playstyle and secondary weapon:
Heavy or Medium Armor: Ideal for builds prioritizing melee combat with weapons like the Great Axe or Warhammer. This provides better defense and allows you to survive longer in close-range fights.
Medium or Light Armor: Best for ranged builds or for players using agile weapons like the Bow, Spear, or Rapier. This helps maintain mobility, making it easier to dodge attacks and reposition in combat.
The Hatchet is a powerful tool for applying debuffs and dealing consistent damage at both range and melee, but it does have some limitations. While its melee damage can be underwhelming compared to other weapons, the Hatchet excels at single-target combat and is especially effective against tough enemies in PvE and PvP. Its unique abilities, like Defy Death and Berserk, make it an excellent choice for players who value survivability and versatility.
Whether you're hunting wolves, engaging in PvP, or tackling dungeons, the Hatchet can play a vital role in your build, especially when paired with a strong secondary weapon that complements its strengths and mitigates its weaknesses.
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