All about the Big June Annoucement
AGS spill the tea, quite literally
After sitting through an hour and a half of game trailers at Summer Game Fest, the New World community had an extreme reaction to Amazon Game Studio’s trailer for, essentially, console release. The official discord general channel was flooded with skull emojis (now deleted) and even the strongest supporters of the game were confused. Is this what we’ve been waiting 7 months for?
The trailer was followed by the release of a Dev Update to explain what is happening. Within minutes, it was obvious that this video was not made for current players. It explains the basic concepts of the game and includes footage from very low level areas, clearly looking for new players to supplement the dwindling player base.
Console Release and Crossplay
So, the trailer was a recap of the orginal New World game with a new appendage – New World: Aeternum. It will be released on Xbox and PS5 on October 15. We pretty much already knew this, due to teasers like the Xbox controller when controller support was added and the photo of New World: Aeternum on PS5 leaked the day before the announcement. But there were a few morsels thrown in to give existing players a taste of what we can expect to receive in four months, for free.
To clear up some confusion here, this will be crossplay. So PC players can play side-by-side with console players. However, your character is locked to the platform you create it on, so you can’t go relax on the couch and chop trees for an hour with your established characters.
What's actually new?
Current players have been waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for new content all year. Scot Lane promised something exciting in December 2023 and now that we are finally here, it’s hard to see what we’re even getting from the way the announcement was presented. If you watch through all the very basic beginner information about the game in the Dev Update that accompanied the announcement, we can see that there are a few new things.
Swimming
Swimming was something that was teased during the build up, so it’s not really a surprise at all. In fact, players had imagined a new zone with underwater features to really make swimming something worth bringing in. To be honest, that’s what I was hoping to see in the trailer. Instead, we get a couple of words in the dev video and a second of floating footage. At 12:08 minutes in, Dave asks, “What happens when you hit water?” The answer:
" So water. The expectation is that you either swim, you know, or float. You don't sink. Right? So, in Aeternum, you also float, but you can also swim. ... And that is a new feature that we just added for, for this new launch. "
So here’s the thing – we currently do sink. I can’t even imagine how awful “floating” will be, especially if it’s slower than running. I guess that’s goodbye to the ice skating emote underwater.
Repeatable Soul Trials
The Soul Trial section starts at 21:06 and has some good news. Soul Trials will be repeatable. This is something players have been asking for so it’s good to see the devs step up here.
New Raid
There was a hint at a new raid in the highly criticized Eye on Aeternum video and this is presented toward the end of the BJA (27:27) where the devs talk about end-game content. The key points are:
- New World’s first linear raid
- 10 players
- 3 bosses
- Elaborate teamwork required
- Rewards – highest score gear in the game
- 725 Gear Score
This still leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Is this the only way to get 725 GS items. What do they mean by “linear”? Just one boss after the other? If so, how is this different to the current Hatchery and Winter Rune Forge trials? How elaborate is the required teamwork? If it needs specific gear, builds, and coordination like the Sandworm, I expect it to be equally well received.
PVP Free for all zone
This one was leaked quite a while ago so it’s no surprise to anyone. The way the devs describe it, from 27:50, sounds … interesting.
" So this will be an opportunity to hop into this as a one off player. It's very different from anything we've built in New World. "
So does this mean no pre-made groups, just solo play? The things you can do in this PVP zone include:
- Kill other players
- Loot chests
- Kill enemies
- Get Mystic Doubloons
- Use doubloons to buy “some of the best gear in the game” – does this mean 725 GS?
I don’t know if this will be enough to keep PVP players happy, we’ll have to see more to find out. Although, I can imagine it could be like a large-scale solo-queue OPR with no teams but loot instead, which sounds like it might be fun.
New Mounts
The Deluxe console edition will come with a Bear mount and we’re not sure whether this is a reskin of one of the other mount types, or if the mount quest will be extended to allow access to Bears. The bear does look pretty cool in the promo, love its purple markings.
Amazon Press Center says “Console players who pre-order on the PlayStation and Xbox storefronts, and all PC players who log in to New World now through Oct. 14, 2024, will receive the Azoth Stalker wolf mount.” (my bold) so it looks like we have a free mount skin coming.
Archetypes
Another important new update is the addition of Archetypes to the starting experience (5:01). This looks like starting classes, which should be helpful for new players to learn which weapons go well together.
The boost to particular trade skills depending on which Archetype you choose is curious, and I wonder how much impact the initial choice will have as you progress through the game. One of the strengths of New World is the ability to make your own builds, although I think it will also benefit from providing some guidance, as long as it’s not restrictive.
Pre-Beta Archetype previews
Occultist
Fire Staff & Ice Gauntlet
Starting boost to:
- Jewelcraft
- Mining
- Stonecutting
Mystic
Life Staff & Void Gauntlet
Starting boost to:
- Arcana
- Harvesting
- Weaving
Swordbearer
Great Sword & Blunderbuss
Starting boost to:
- Cooking
- Fishing
- Leatherworking
Musketeer
Musket & Rapier
Starting boost to:
- Armoring
- Harvesting
- Weaving
The other weapon combos we can deduce from the icons in the selection screen:
- Sword/Shield & Hatchet
- War Hammer & Great Axe
- Bow & Spear
So the only weapon not included in the new Archetypes system is the Flail, which makes sense since it’s not available to all players.
In conclusion, it’s not all doom and gloom. To be fair, the New World dev team delivered exactly what we should have expected them to. Console release is crossplay, so that means more players in Aeternum. The onboarding experience is smoother and provides more support with archetypes, so that should lead to player retention. We’re getting a new raid, a new mount type, new PVP mode, new gear score cap, and Soul Trials will be repeatable. Stacked up like that, it’s still pretty light on, but at least it’s something.
One of New World’s big problems is that it is a one-off-purchase game in a genre that expects the content releases that come with a subscription. We expected more, and maybe we didn’t deserve to. It would have been good to see AGS work out some kind of monetisation that would enable them to give the players the content we crave.
There’s a FAQ here for questions about New World: Aeternum and you can read our article on the Dev Q&A which helps clear up some misconceptions you might have.
From the source:
You can visit a direct link here, or read a copy of the news below:
Greetings, Adventurers!
Carve your destiny on the supernatural island of Aeternum. Set during the twilight of the Age of Exploration, you embark on an arduous journey in search of rumored riches, but encounter the island’s mysterious wrath. Uncover the truth behind Aeternum’s dark secrets, navigate its strange inhabitants, and pursue perilous opportunities alongside your fellow Adventurers. What story will you bring to the Eternal Isle? Here’s everything you need to know before New World: Aeternum comes to PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on October 15.
This enhanced version of our thrilling action RPG is a fresh and compelling experience for both PC and console players. It includes the New World base game, the Rise of the Angry Earth expansion and all update content like Brimstone Sands, plus a fully revamped storytelling approach with enhanced dialogue, in-game cinematics and pre-rendered scenes, the first-ever large-scale PvP zone, a challenging 10-player raid, new end-game solo trials, and more. Join Game Director Scot Lane for an overview of what to expect.
EXPLORE THE ETERNAL ISLE
The shipwreck was only your first step into the clutches of an island lost to time. Death does not exist here. An even worse sentence — a lose of memory, purpose, and self — awaits. For all immortality gives, it continues to take. The mindless hordes possessed by the insatiable evils of the Corrupted only accelerate this vicious cycle. Whether by coincidence or fate, you learn of an ancient order that stood against those seduced by whispers of power. Choose how to shape your journey as you unravel Aeternum’s mysteries and thwart the Corrupted before they drift beyond its shores.
FORGE YOUR FUTURE
Everything from your character to their outfit, weapons, tools, mounts, camp skins, and emotes are fully customizable. That flexibility extends to the rest of your journey as the entire story can be completed alone or with friends across all platforms. Learn various Trade Skills like Cooking, Crafting, Musical Instruments, and Fishing along the way for an even more immersive experience. Need stronger gear? Craft a sword and sell it at the nearest settlement. Want more coin to purchase a house? Play an instrument at the center of a bustling town for tips. There are multiple ways to progress and grow in power.
Factions are another way to forge your legacy. You can join either the Covenant, Marauders, or Syndicate. Each steadfast in their beliefs, your allegiance will dictate your allies in cooperative activities. Together you can complete quests, fend off dangers in the open world, and even form a Company. Contribute to their reputation throughout Aeternum for additional rewards. Your fellow members might gift you gear for easier progression or revive you in chance encounters while traveling to their next destination. Lend a hand to help your Faction thrive.
PLAY YOUR WAY
Discover your perfect combination of weapons, abilities, and skill trees to survive the island’s wild environment. Throughout the vast world, you’ll collect an arsenal of 15 distinct weapons. Finding the best one for your playstyle is part of the adventure. Early on you’ll select a character archetype. This will determine your starting weapons, better ease you into the dynamic, real-time combat, and include initial Trade Skill boosts. Regardless of your choice, you can freely switch between any of the following weapons after you find them:
One-handed weapons: Hatchet, Rapier, Flail and Shield, Sword and Shield
Ranged weapons: Blunderbuss, Bow, and Musket
Two-handed weapons: Greatsword, Spear, Great Axe, and War Hammer
Magical weapons: Void Gauntlet, Ice Gauntlet, Fire Staff, and Life Staff
PLAY YOUR WAY
Discover your perfect combination of weapons, abilities, and skill trees to survive the island’s wild environment. Throughout the vast world, you’ll collect an arsenal of 15 distinct weapons. Finding the best one for your playstyle is part of the adventure. Early on you’ll select a character archetype. This will determine your starting weapons, better ease you into the dynamic, real-time combat, and include initial Trade Skill boosts. Regardless of your choice, you can freely switch between any of the following weapons after you find them:
One-handed weapons: Hatchet, Rapier, Flail and Shield, Sword and Shield
Ranged weapons: Blunderbuss, Bow, and Musket
Two-handed weapons: Greatsword, Spear, Great Axe, and War Hammer
Magical weapons: Void Gauntlet, Ice Gauntlet, Fire Staff, and Life Staff
Those that venture beyond the main story quest can enjoy a variety of activities. Interested in cooperative modes? Descend into Expeditions with friends and learn more about the island’s lore, team up with your fellow Adventurers in difficult trials against monstrous enemies like a colossal sandwurm, and fend off the Corrupted during Invasions. Feeling competitive? Join 1v1 Duels, 3v3 Arenas battles, 20v20 objective Outpost Rush games, and massive open-world Influence Races. There are modes for every kind of player.
RETURNING ADVENTURERS
Adventurers who own New World (base game) and the Rise of the Angry Earth expansion on PC prior to the release of New World: Aeternum will receive a free update that includes all of the new content on October 15. Those that own the base game, but not the expansion will need to purchase the Rise of the Angry Earth to access the New World: Aeternum update at launch.
Thanks for your support! New World: Aeternum releases on October 15 and is available for pre-order now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned to our website and social channels for future updates.
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