New World Aeternum Weapons and Combat

As the anticipation builds for the cross-platform release of New World: Aeternum on October 15, 2024, this guide aims to provide newcomers with a detailed overview of the game's mechanics, weapons, and gameplay styles. Originally launched on PC in 2021, New World is set to expand its player base by welcoming gamers from Xbox and PlayStation into its immersive world. Whether you're a seasoned MMO player or new to the game, this article will help you navigate the nuances of New World Aternum and get off on the right foot.

Upon entering New World, players are greeted with an introductory cutscene that sets the stage for their journey. Right after this cinematic experience, players will choose their starting archetype. This choice is significant, as it determines your initial weapons and armor; however, it's essential to understand that New World features a classless system. This means you can level up any weapon and switch builds without friction, allowing you to explore different roles such as tank, healer, or DPS (damage per second) on the same character.

The game offers several archetypes, each with unique starting weapons and playstyles:

Soldier: Armed with a sword and shield and a hatchet, this archetype is primarily tank-focused but also has options for DPS.

Destroyer: This archetype utilizes a Warhammer and great axe, focusing on great damage and control while still maintaining a tanky nature.

Ranger: Equipped with a bow and spear, Rangers excel in DPS, particularly when players can land their shots accurately.

Musketeer: A combination of rapier and rifle, this build is effective at close range and offers versatility with long-range attacks.

Cultist: Perfect for players who enjoy magic, the Cultist uses frost and fire magic through the ice gauntlet and fire staff for solid AOE (area of effect) damage and control.

Mystic: The healer-focused archetype, utilizing the life staff and void gauntlet to provide support to allies.

Bearer: My personal favorite, this archetype combines a great sword for massive cleaving damage with a blunderbuss for medium-range damage.

New World features an action-oriented combat system akin to action RPGs rather than traditional MMO tab-targeting mechanics. Players can dodge, block, and interrupt attacks, enhancing the immersive experience. Here are some key controls:

Locking Targets: Pressing the right analog stick allows players to focus on a target, facilitating easier combat engagements.

Dodging: The dodge button (B) allows players to evade attacks. The distance and effectiveness of the dodge depend on the weight of the armor equipped.

Attacks: Light attacks (RT) are quick taps, while heavy attacks require holding the button down for more damage. Each weapon has unique combos to discover.

Weapon Switching: Players can equip two weapons, with independent cooldowns for abilities, encouraging tactical play and strategic swaps during combat.

Every weapon in New World has distinct abilities and playstyles. Here's a closer look at some of the weapon categories and their characteristics:

Sword and Shield: Ideal for tanks with strong defensive capabilities.

Rapier: Known for high DPS output, utilizing rapid lunging and bleed effects.

Hatchet: Features berserk abilities for increased damage and movement speed.

Flail and Shield: A versatile option for both healers and tanks, allowing passive healing and damage mitigation.

Spear: Offers crowd control and stunning capabilities, excelling in both damage and debuffs.

Great Axe: Perfect for AOE damage and crowd management, designed for aggressive players.

Warhammer: Renowned for its stuns and crowd control, allowing for powerful area damage.

Great Sword: My favorite, this weapon has balanced scaling, allowing diverse build options.

Bow: High skill weapon requiring precise aiming, offering significant rewards for headshots.

Musket: A hit-scan weapon that allows for long-range engagements without leading shots.

Blunderbuss: Suitable for AOE damage and single-target bursts, providing versatility in combat situations.

Fire Staff: Excellent for AOE damage and burst spells, especially for players who enjoy ranged combat.

Life Staff: Essential for healers, providing both raw healing and supportive buffs.

Ice Gauntlet: Focuses on AOE damage with utility spells, offering strategic advantages in combat.

Void Gauntlet: A hybrid weapon that scales with two attributes, providing both healing and debuff capabilities.

Choose Fun Over Meta: While it's easy to get caught up in weapon tier lists and DPS metrics, focus on what playstyle you enjoy the most. New World is designed to be casual-friendly, and all weapons have their place in the game.

Enjoy the Journey: Take your time to explore the world of Aeternum. The thrill of discovery is part of what makes MMOs memorable. Embrace being a newcomer and enjoy the experience of learning and growing within the game.

Experiment with Builds: Don't hesitate to switch weapons and experiment with different combinations. Respec is free at lower mastery levels, allowing you to find what truly resonates with your playstyle.

As New World Aeternum prepares to welcome a new wave of players on multiple platforms, understanding the game's mechanics, weapons, and combat system will significantly enhance your experience. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to embark on your journey in Aeternum. The possibilities are endless, whether you choose to be a tank, DPS, or support. So gear up, pick your favorite weapons, and prepare to dive into the expansive world of New World Aternum!