Amazon Games' MMO New World has seen mixed reviews, but being one of the only new MMOs to come out in the last few years makes it a must-play for fans of other online multiplayer games of its ilk. Players who come to the game from other MMOs will find it a familiar style of game with enough of its own flair to warrant putting time into.
There is a lot that players can do in New World – some things like having a player-driven economy are pretty standard for the genre, but other things like the lack of a class system make it a completely different style of game than many expect at first.
7 Play Without Class Restrictions
One of the best aspects of New World's unique gameplay mechanics is the lack of a class system. Players customize their character and jump straight into the world of Aeternum without having to worry about building in a class-based meta from the very start.
Instead, players have the ability to play with whichever weapons and armor they like to create their own builds. It's a similar system to the one found in The Elder Scrolls Online, but while ESO still has class-based abilities New World offers a level playing field.
6 Combat Isn't Passive, Its Very Active
One problem with MMOs of years past is that combat doesn't feel satisfying. Melee attacks often don't feel like they have any weight, and spells can often only be cast while standing still. Worse yet, most combat systems of older MMOs are based on tickrates, making combat even more repetitive and rotation-based.
However, New World does away with this system of combat and instead makes each hit feel like it connects and every use of magic feel meaningful. It is far from a passive combat system like that found in World of Warcraft, instead it's described as a "real-time action" combat system where players' individual actions matter more than maintaining a rigid rotation.
5 Play An End-Game PvP and PvE Game Mode
New World offers a unique end-game mode called Outpost Rush. Described as a PvPvE game mode, two teams of players from different factions fight over a parcel of land for its resources and fortifications. It's unique for its PvE mechanics incorporated into the PvP formula, as players can just as easily take on NPC enemies and explore the area as they can engage in direct fights.
The competitive edge can only be gained by the team that controls the most Outposts. As more Outposts are controlled, though, it becomes harder to defend them all. No one team will generally steamroll the other. Plus, it's limited to max-level players only, so you don't have to worry about low-level players dragging the team back.
4 Take Part In Meaningful Faction-Based Wars
One of the main draws of new players to New World is its large-scale War system involving teams of 50 players. There are three factions in the game – the Marauders, the Syndicate, and the Covenant – each with their own benefits. Wars are going on constantly in New World and it's really just a matter of waiting until one can sign up for the closest one.
The Wars are not self-contained, though, and affect the world of Aeternum at large by giving the winning faction special bonuses. The winning faction, of course, ends up controlling the settlement that the War was being fought over until the next one starts.
3 Redistribute Attributes At Will
Because New World is a classless game, players have the ability to improve and use all of their attributes at different times. It's a good idea to have a build in mind when playing through New World, but players who want to change their playstyle or de-facto class have the ability to do so easily.
It's a far cry from other MMOs where attribute redistribution can be an incredibly expensive affair, and it's nice to be able to change one's focus at will if the current playstyle is getting boring.
2 Access An Official World Map Offline
Interestingly enough, players have the ability to keep tabs on the world map of Aeternum whenever they like without even being in-game. The offline world map is available on the New World site and works as its own separate interactive experience.
Players can use the offline world map to plan their adventures in the future and explore the world without being in-game. It also has easter eggs spread out throughout the map that reveal special artwork when discovered.
1 Link To Prime Gaming For Exclusive Content
As an Amazon Games MMO, New World of course has special benefits for players who connect their account to their Amazon Prime Gaming account. Currently, players can get apparel and weapon skin sets, and it doesn't look like there are any plans to include XP boosts or any game-breaking gifts anytime soon.
It's a good idea to keep tabs on your Amazon Prime Gaming account because of the number of free items and special offers that are available exclusively through the service. New World is just one game that has special rewards through Amazon Prime – it's always nice to get something for free.
New World is available only on PC.