Aeternum, the mysterious and captivating island at the heart of New World, offers a vast and intricate world for both new and returning players to explore. Whether you're just embarking on your journey through the lush forests of Windsward or revisiting the realm after a break, there's always something new to learn. From mastering combat mechanics to optimizing resource gathering, the game evolves constantly, with frequent updates bringing new content, challenges, and opportunities.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover essential tips and strategies to help new players find their footing and assist returning players in quickly adjusting to recent changes in New World. If you're ready to delve into the world of Aeternum, here's your ultimate guide to success.

1. Choose the Right Starting Faction

Upon your first arrival in Aeternum, one of the first major decisions you'll need to make is choosing a faction. Factions are critical because they influence your access to missions, PvP (Player versus Player) content, and the overall direction of your progression. The three factions in New World are the Marauders, Syndicate, and Covenant.

Marauders: A militaristic faction, focusing on conquest and order. Their playstyle emphasizes PvP and gaining control over territory.

Syndicate: Known for their intelligence and secrecy, they lean towards manipulation and knowledge. Players who enjoy strategy and subterfuge often gravitate here.

Covenant: Religious zealots who believe in the purity of Aeternum. They focus on community and honor, and their playstyle emphasizes defense and healing.

Tip: If you're new, you might want to choose a faction that aligns with your playstyle. The Marauders can be great for those who like direct combat and conquest, while the Syndicate might appeal to those who enjoy more tactical, stealthy gameplay. The Covenant faction is good for players who prefer a defensive and support-oriented approach.

2. Master the Combat System

One of the standout features of New World is its skill-based, real-time combat system. Unlike traditional tab-targeting mechanics, combat in New World requires precise timing, dodging, and aiming. Whether you're using a sword and shield, a bow, or magic, understanding the core mechanics is essential for surviving the wilderness and conquering dungeons.

Weapons and Skills: Each weapon comes with two distinct skill trees, and you'll need to level them up by using them in combat. Choose weapons that complement your playstyle. For example, if you prefer ranged combat, the bow or musket might suit you. For those who want to get up close and personal, the sword and shield or great axe can provide more tanky, melee options.

Blocking and Dodging: Blocking and dodging are vital to avoiding damage. Perfectly timed blocks and well-timed dodges can be the difference between life and death, especially during tougher PvE and PvP encounters.

Aim and Mobility: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially during larger skirmishes or wars. Enemies tend to take advantage of terrain, so be mobile. Aiming with the bow or musket also requires some practice—leading your target, timing your shots, and knowing when to strike are key to succeeding.

Tip: As a new player, start with a weapon that feels comfortable. Experiment with different combinations until you find what suits your playstyle. Combat in New World has a learning curve, so don't get discouraged—take your time, learn from your mistakes, and keep refining your approach.

3. Optimize Your Crafting and Gathering

In New World, gathering resources and crafting gear are foundational aspects of gameplay. As you progress, you'll spend a lot of time gathering materials from Aeternum's diverse regions and crafting better weapons, armor, and consumables.

Gathering: Different types of resources are scattered across the world, from mining ore to gathering herbs. While it might be tempting to focus on combat and quests, gathering materials is essential for survival. You'll need to craft your own gear early on, and materials like iron, wood, and fiber are crucial to building a strong foundation.

Crafting Professions: There are several crafting professions to choose from, including weaponsmithing, armoring, engineering, cooking, and more. Each profession requires you to gather specific resources, so prioritize crafting materials and set goals for leveling up your professions.

Trade Skill Boards: These are great for new players to learn the value of items. You can earn New World Gold and gain experience by completing trade skill missions on the board, which is a simple way to make progress and improve your skills.

Tip: Don't neglect your crafting and gathering early on, as they help you level up quickly and can provide a great source of income in the game's economy. Always be on the lookout for valuable materials that will help you craft better gear and supplies.

4. Engage in Faction Missions and PvP

While PvE content is rich and rewarding, New World thrives on its faction and PvP mechanics. By joining a faction, you unlock faction missions, which provide both experience points and territory influence.

Faction Missions: Completing faction missions is a great way to level up quickly while also gaining standing with your faction. As you progress through the mission tiers, you'll also earn faction points, which you can spend on better gear, consumables, and even territory control.

PvP: PvP is optional in New World, but it's a major part of the gameplay loop. You can participate in open-world PvP or take part in structured modes like War and Outpost Rush. War is a large-scale 50v50 battle for control of territory, while Outpost Rush is a more casual 20v20 skirmish with capture points and objectives.

Tip: If you're a returning player, you might find that the world of PvP has evolved since your last visit. Participate in PvP missions and events to gain valuable experience and learn the updated strategies for success in Wars and Outpost Rush.

5. Explore the World & Take on Expeditions

Aeternum is a land filled with danger, mystery, and treasure. As you progress through the game, you'll be given opportunities to explore the vast open world, taking on dynamic and procedurally generated challenges, such as dungeons and expeditions.

Expeditions: These PvE activities are essentially dungeons where players work together to take down powerful bosses. The loot gained from completing expeditions is often high-quality, making these activities critical for progression. Expeditions come with their own challenges, and you'll need to bring a good group of players, as these challenges are designed for coordinated teamwork.

Dynamic Events and PvE Content: Outside of expeditions, the world of Aeternum features dynamic events, such as corrupted invasions, elite mobs, and special world bosses. Participating in these can provide you with valuable rewards and materials to help in your journey.

Tip: Expeditions are a fantastic way to build your gear and team coordination. Be sure to form or join a dedicated group to tackle these high-level content. If you're returning, take note of any new expeditions added with updates!

6. Manage Your Inventory and Storage

As you explore Aeternum, your inventory will fill up quickly. Managing your storage efficiently will be crucial for making progress.

Weight and Storage: Items in your inventory have weight, and carrying too many will slow you down. It's important to regularly check your inventory, discard unnecessary items, and place valuable materials in your storage chests at settlements.

Crafting Materials: Always keep crafting materials organized. You'll need them for both your personal use and crafting professions. If you're planning on crafting frequently, consider upgrading your storage capacity in each town to maximize efficiency.

Tip: Prioritize materials that are essential for your crafting professions, and make sure to discard or sell any items that don't serve your immediate needs. This will help keep your journey smooth.

7. Take Advantage of the Economy

Aeternum's economy is player-driven, which means it's vital to understand the flow of goods and services. Whether you're crafting gear, gathering materials, or just trading, the game's marketplace provides an opportunity to earn gold and acquire resources you need.

Trade Posts: Use the trade posts in towns to buy and sell items. Understand the market trends—sometimes, certain resources or gear can be sold at a higher price than others. Always check the prices before committing to a trade.

Crafting and Selling: If you're skilled in crafting, you can create gear and consumables to sell to other players. High-quality crafted items can fetch significant cheap New World Coins, especially if they have desirable perks or stats.

Tip: Try to monitor the market for profitable trends. Certain materials or high-demand crafted items can be sold at a premium.

Conclusion

Aeternum is a rich and ever-evolving world, offering both new and returning players countless opportunities for adventure and progression. Whether you're learning the ropes, mastering your combat techniques, or engaging in large-scale PvP battles, there's always something to do. With these tips, you're better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead, maximize your crafting potential, and thrive in the dynamic world of New World.

Remember to keep exploring, stay adaptable to changes, and most importantly, enjoy your journey through Aeternum!