New World: Aeternum News

Greetings, Adventurers!

New World Update 4.0.3 downtime will begin at 11:00PM PT (7:00AM UTC) on January 23 and last approximately 1.5 hours. The shadow of Roman tyranny has been abolished, putting an end to the Legacy of Crassus. This update includes a variety of bug fixes, plus changes to Legendary Fish, the seasonal narrative, and more. You can even enter a transmog contest for a chance to win Marks of Fortune. Check out the full release notes, including another episode of Patch Notes Breakdown, below.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]WINTER FASHION WEEK CONTEST[/h2]
Join our Discord and enter the Winter Fashion Week Contest for a chance to win Marks of Fortune. First place will receive 20,000 Marks of Fortune, second will receive 10,000 Marks of Fortune, and third will receive 5,000 Marks of Fortune. Winners will be announced in our next weekly update article and also receive a spotlight.

[h2]BONUS COMMUNITY Q&A[/h2]
Multiple servers have a low pop which makes it challenging to find players for content. Merges were initially planned but canceled due to community feedback, similar to how Eridu’s merge was canceled. Why cancel merges for a small portion of the population, especially without cross-server Expeditions and Arenas, also impacting open-world content like ECRs and events? – Prasinos333

Thank you for your feedback. We recognize that low server populations can present challenges in maintaining a strong company, achieving success in Wars/Invasions, and forming groups for Expeditions, particularly during non-peak hours. To address this, we've implemented cross-world play features like Cross-World Outpost Rush in Season 2 and the upcoming Cross-World Expeditions, featuring an enhanced Group Finder to streamline player grouping, regardless of the time of day or overall population of your chosen game world.

Regarding world merges, a new batch is in the planning stages. Look forward to more details in the future. Our last set of merges occurred in late November. However, at the time we omitted some smaller/mid-tier worlds based on substantial player feedback, to enable newer players to experience end-game competitive modes in a more forgiving and accessible environment.

After a holiday break in December, our teams are back in full swing for 2024. Our latest checks signal that some of these worlds have outlived their initial goal. While we strive for a seamless user experience, mergers do involve substantial backend work, including migrating sensitive character information, company rosters and storage, and leaderboard rankings.

As the game evolves and more cross-world features are introduced, we anticipate a reduced need for merges, or at least a reduced urgency. We hope that different sub-communities will be better accommodated on specific worlds without adversely affecting the availability or accessibility of certain game modes. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to improve your experience in Aeternum. Please let us know which game modes you’d like to receive cross-world matchmaking next.

[h2]GENERAL[/h2]

• Fixed a rare issue that prevented players from transferring characters between Worlds. We will continue to investigate this issue and implement additional fixes as necessary.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused crashes when leaving and entering Expeditions.
  

[h2]SEASONS[/h2]

• Balanced the seasonal narrative difficulty to help newer players experience the full story:
  
• Decreased Daichi Saito's health by 30% and damage dealt by 60%.
  
• Reduced the damage and health of Mordred in the Eternal Frost Soul Trial by 25%.
  
• Reduced the damage of the Ophidian Construct boss in The Winter Rune Forge Soul Trial by 30%, and its health by 60%.
  
• Reduced the Solo Trial Ice Guardian's health and damage by 30%.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused The Ice Cold Killer task in the Journey tab (Kill 150 players in PvP) to count more than 1 kill if other players assisted with the elimination.
  

[h2]COMBAT[/h2]

• Added additional transition frames when canceling the Rain of Arrows Bow ability to prevent an exploit.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused players to lose attributes from the Magnify Perk upon entering a game mode or teleporting. We will continue to monitor this issue and make further updates if necessary.
  
• Fixed an issue that preventing blocks from canceling heavy attack charges.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented Elemental Conversion gems on weapons with a PvE/PvP damage split from applying the damage equally.
  

[h2]LEGENDARY FISH[/h2]

• To set the groundwork for Cooking Trade Skill changes coming next season, Legendary Fish will now require a higher Luck stat to catch.
  

[h2]WORLD AI[/h2]

• Fixed an issue that caused Corrupted Breach enemies to spawn underground.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused Lasers to vanish when moved, but still damage players as if they were visible.
  

[h2]PERKS[/h2]

• Fixed issue that caused the Winged Shoes to always extend the duration of Haste when equipped instead of upon the effect's activation.
  

[h2]WORLD EXPERIENCE[/h2]

• Fixed an issue with Yonas that prevented players from proceeding to The Corpse Crone quest upon completion of The Curse of Dun quest.
  
• Fixes an issue that caused the map pin for Ser Loth in the Glacial Tarn Expedition to show the incorrect coordinates.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented players who abandoned the Season 1 quest Canon and Coin partway through from completing it.
  
• Zander will now re-appear for players that were previously stuck.
  
• The achievement state for the quest will also reset for those players.
  
• Fixed an issue in the Rage of the Mammoth and the Garden of the Gorgon quests that will allow players to skip the Soul Trial sequences if either quest resets after completion.
  
• The number of PvP flagged players allowed near Influence Towers and Forts will be decreased to test performance improvements. We will continue to monitor performance and make additional changes if necessary.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused Summer Medleyfaire event quests to appear outside of the event. These quests will be removed and players who held summer event quests will no longer have a broken journal screen.
  

Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.

Greetings, Adventurers!

Aeternum is an ever-evolving world, and as such, we continue our efforts in providing our players with an assortment of ongoing new features, content, and changes. Join the next PTR for a preview of Cross World Expeditions with improved Group Finder.

[h2]PTR[/h2]
The Public Test Realm (PTR) is a limited-availability server-set that grants an early look at upcoming features. These preview builds are snapshots of upcoming major releases and are not final versions — you may encounter bugs, crashes, missing text, or other issues. Between our internal testing efforts and your reports, we hope to catch and resolve all serious issues before they reach the live servers. Hundreds of changes have already been made — with more to come — and the full release notes will be shared on release day. However, not every bug or feedback piece will be actioned on before release — some changes need time to be investigated further, and may arrive in a subsequent patch or two.

To help with the feedback process, all newly created PTR characters will have the opportunity to instantly level to select level-ranges outfitted with appropriate gear and items.

The PTR will officially open on January 16. If you encounter a bug, exploit, or have suggestions to improve a feature or piece of content, we’d love to hear your feedback on our Discord (you can also utilize our in-game feedback tool). We will do our best to address as much of your feedback as possible before the content update makes its way to our live servers. Your participation will help us to deliver awesome content and updates in the future!

[h2]CROSS WORLD EXPEDITIONS WITH IMPROVED GROUP FINDER[/h2]

Team up with players from any world within a region to overcome challenges within the depths of Aeternum. The new, one-click Group Finder will automatically assemble a role-balanced, cross-world group—no more lobby management required!

1. Go to the ‘Activities’ tab in the nav bar (formerly ‘Modes’).
   
2. Find Expeditions and Mutated Expeditions at the top of the new Activities menu.
   
3. Use the “Random” button to queue for any Expedition you qualify for, or use the checkboxes to the left of each Expedition to build a specific Expeditions list and enter with the Queue button. Note: M3 is not available through the cross-world group finder.
   
4. Once in an Expedition, after the instance has been live for 10 minutes, you must use ‘Abandon’ to leave without incurring the Deserter Penalty.
   
5. Explore the menu’s tooltips and item descriptions to learn more.
   

Jump into the PTR on January 19 at 4PM PT for a chance to run Expeditions with members of the New World Development and Community Teams.

[h2]PTR CLIENT ACCESS[/h2]
This special preview client will be made available for download through the stand-alone Steam application, “New World Public Test Realm” (which should already be in your Steam library if you own the main game). When the test period is complete and the main New World game is updated with the previewed content, the PTR world will shut down and may be wiped clean. You will continue to see the New World PTR application in your Steam library, but there will not be an active server until the next time we announce a public test.

[h3]PTR BACKSTORY LOADOUTS[/h3]
Upon character creation on the PTR, players will be given multiple caches of special armor and weapons. Each cache has a designation based upon a general build and a main attribute: CON, DEX, INT, FOC, and STR.

To help manage the sudden onset of new items, do not open all provided caches at once, or you’ll risk becoming encumbered! Instead, equip all provided bags and then follow-up with opening each cache deliberately. Any undesired caches can be dropped or deposited into your personal settlement storage.

[h2]PTR FAQ[/h2]
[h3]HOW DO I ACCESS THE NEW PTR?[/h3]
Everyone with a copy of New World will be automatically granted access to the secondary PTR app. The PTR is not compatible with the live game, so you will need to download a separate client (and have the hard drive space required to support it). From there, we will have special worlds available within supported regions. Not all regions will initially be supported. Access is on a first come, first served basis. There may be queues.

[h3]CAN I PLAY WITH OR TRANSFER MY LIVE CHARACTERS TO THE PTR?[/h3]
Unfortunately, no. These are separate ecosystems, so at this time it is not possible. However, to make testing easier, we will occasionally provide our play-testers with special accommodations such as instant levels, special gear, etc.

[h3]CAN I PROVIDE DESIGN FEEDBACK REGARDING WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THE PTR?[/h3]
Preview game builds on the PTR are finished with their core development and are in their final phase of testing and bug fixing. Our main focus at this phase is improving quality, although we will appreciate any feedback you have to share.

[h3]I HAVE A PROBLEM; HOW CAN I CONTACT CUSTOMER SUPPORT?[/h3]
Our policies and Code of Conduct cover the PTR, and in-game moderation will continue to be supported. Unfortunately, due to the temporary and potentially unstable nature of the PTR, general Customer Service assistance through both Live Chat and through the Support Website will not be available.

[h3]I DON’T WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PTR, CAN I REMOVE THE APP FROM MY LIBRARY?[/h3]
Don’t worry, no offense taken. Players can manage visibility of the New World Public Test Realm Steam Library entry. Opening up the game options (right-click > Manage) offers the “Hide Game” function.

Thanks for your support and participation! We'll see you in Aeternum.

Greetings, Adventurers!

Exclusive New World consumable items are now available through Prime Gaming until February 13, 2024. If you are an Amazon Prime member, make sure to pick up the New Year, New Cache! It contains Vial of Suspended Azoth x10, Dark Matter x50, Gypsum Orb x5, Powerful Gemstone Dust x10, Cutout Standing Lantern x2, and Rosewood Weapon Pack x1.

“This beautiful weapon rack comes with a scratch-resistant varnish. Protects the wood, and your weapons."
With Prime Gaming, Amazon Prime members enjoy tons of free, exclusive content for their favorite PC, console, and mobile games. Plus, they can claim a collection of PC games for free every month that are theirs to keep forever, and a monthly Twitch channel subscription. Prime Gaming’s selection of in-game content and free PC games is always growing and rotating to stay fresh, with new items and free games added every month.

Players who are not currently Amazon Prime members that are interested in accessing the exclusive New World loot can sign-up for a free, 30-day trial on the Prime Gaming website. Prime Gaming Loot can only be claimed once per account.

Stay tuned, as we’ll have more content for Prime Gaming members in the future.

Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.

Greetings, Adventurers!

New World Update 4.0.2 downtime will begin at 11:00PM PT (7:00AM UTC) on January 9 and last approximately 1 hour. Save Aeternum in the Legacy of Crassus event, and get inspired by our community housing contest winners. There’s also another wave of Ronin’s Shadow skins coming to the in-game store. Check out the full release notes, including a variety of combat changes, below.

[h2]LEGACY OF CRASSUS[/h2]
The shadow of Roman tyranny creeps ever closer to consuming Aeternum on January 10 through 23. Banish General Crassus's monstrous captains for new event-specific, daily rewards. Players brave enough to tear down the banners of the Republic in Brightwood, Weavers Fen, Mourningdale, Ebonscale Reach, and Edengrove can earn Cyclops Statuette Housing Items, up-leveled Named Gear, and more.


[h2]JANUARY STORE SHOWCASE[/h2]
In a ravage and uncertain place like Aeternum, it is rare to find one fully committed to honor and loyalty. If you walk the warrior’s path, visit the Store for new Ronin’s Shadow items. Which skins and emotes will you add to your collection?

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]Housing Contest Winners[/h2]
Thanks to everyone that participated in our Holiday Housing Contest. First place will receive 20,000 Marks of Fortune, second place will get 10,000 Marks of Fortune, and third place will net 5,000 Marks of Fortune. Look forward to future contests on the New World Discord.


[h2]RELEASE NOTES[/h2]
[h3]COMBAT
[/h3]

• Increased heavy dodge's stamina cost from 50 to 55.
  

[h3]Bow[/h3]

• Increased Bow base damage in PvE modes by 2.8% and then reduced back down to where it was in PvP to compensate.
  
• Updated the tooltip of Empowering Explosive Arrow to be more clear that it is removed on the next hit, and not just attack. Also reduced the duration of the Empower from 10s to 5s.
  

[h3]Musket[/h3]

• Increased Musket base damage in PvE by 4.8% and then reduced back down to where it was in PvP to compensate.
  

[h3]Pestilence Artifact[/h3]

• Reduced outgoing healing reduction from 5% to 2.5% per stack.
  

[h3]Koya's Knee Guards[/h3]

• Increased damage reduction from 10% to 13%.
  

[h3]Void Gauntlet[/h3]

• Increased Void Blade's attack damage:
  
• Light from 90% to 100% weapon damage
  
• Heavy from 140% to 150% weapon damage
  

[h3]Fire Staff[/h3]

• Reduced Flamethrower move speed while active from 3.25m/s to 2.75m/s.
  
• Empowering Fireball - Reduced max value on weapons from 62% to 58%.
  

[h3]Hearty[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that caused Hearty to provide a fraction more stamina than just 10%.
  

[h3]Flail[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that caused Deflecting Frailty to not apply the effect to allies.
  

[h2]WORLD EXPERIENCE[/h2]

• Rolled back a change to Large and Medium Orichalcum spawners that prevented rubble piles from persisting.
  
• Camps made by raid groups can now be used by anyone, not just players in the group.
  
• The Winter Convergence Festival has come to a close. Thanks to everyone that celebrated with us!
  

[h2]NOTABLE FIXES[/h2]

• Fixed an issue in the Commander Loth boss fight where players could break the encounter by damaging the giant Ice Elemental
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented Ser Milosh in the Glacial Tarn from dropping loot.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused Mordred to clip through the environment.
  
• Fixed an issue in which three quest reward characters spawned as generic NPCs instead of their unique appearances.
  
• Fixed a rare server crash when converting to a raid.
  
• Fixed the 'Cleansing Treasure' Quest not counting towards the 'Complete Repeatable Expedition Quests' Season Journey Task
  
• Fixed visual bugs on Winter Convergence skins.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented players with Syndicate Faction quest achievements from rejoining the Syndicate after switching to another Faction.
  

Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.

Greetings, Adventurers!

The shadow of Roman tyranny creeps ever closer to consuming Aeternum on January 10 through 23. Banish General Crassus's monstrous captains for new event-specific, daily rewards. Lucanus and Decimus, brothers bound by blood and battle, now transformed to stone by the Curse of Medusa and warped into mythic monsters by the Corruption, will stop at nothing to fulfill their final command. Once feared across many lands as General Crassus’ two most dreadful champions, they continue his legacy with relentless cyclopean brutality.

Players brave enough to tear down the banners of the Republic in Brightwood, Weavers Fen, Mourningdale, Ebonscale Reach, and Edengrove can earn Cyclops Statuette Housing Items, up-leveled Named Gear, and more. Join the Development Team for a discussion around these returning world bosses.

[h2]REWARD SPOTLIGHT[/h2]
Triumph over these level 70 vicious brutes for event-specific items like Cyclops Statuettes, the 19th Legion Pickaxe, Lucanus weapons, and Decimus armor. Note that players must deal at least 1000 damage to receive rewards.

[h3]CYCLOPS LUCANUS AND DECIMUS STATUETTES[/h3]

Barbaric tendencies aside, Lucanus and Decimus are very intelligent creatures. Admire their fierce brilliance at your leisure with these two new Housing Items. Blood-red, searing beam blast not included.

[h3]19TH LEGION PICKAXE[/h3]

Bring the might of Rome down upon Mining Nodes throughout Aeternum. This pickaxe was used by Corrupted members of the 19th Legion to mine ore for the construction of the statue honoring General Crassus. Will you mine in pursuit of public good, profit, or something far more sinister?

[h3]DECIMUS AND LUCANUS WEAPONS AND ARMOR SET[/h3]

An act of violence forged into a weapon, mysterious dark metal welded into armor, and gauntlets crafted to bear the strength of a mythical beast, plus a pair of trousers that bring the entire set together.

[h2]DAILY BONUS REWARDS[/h2]

Players will earn a special cache containing one of the following event-specific pieces of loot after defeating the world bosses (maximum of 3 bonus rewards daily). Players are also guaranteed to receive every reward after defeating them 8 times.

• Cyclops Lucanus Statuette - Housing Item
  
• Cyclops Decimus Statuette - Housing Item
  
• 19th Legion Pickaxe - Pickaxe
  
• Wrath of Decimus - Great Axe
  
• Hoplites Great Blade - Great Sword
  
• Sagittar of Lucanus - Bow
  
• Vesuvius - Fire Staff
  
• Galea of Lucanus - Medium Helm
  
• Cuirass of Decimus - Heavy Chest Armor
  
• Fists of Decimus - Heavy Gauntlets
  
• Braccae of Lucanus - Medium Legwear
  
• Hobnailed Boots of Lucanus - Medium Boots
  

Players will also get:

• 1 Obsidian Gypsum
  
• 15 Dark Matter
  

Daily rewards reset at 5 AM local time. For example, if a player grabs one special cache at 4:58 AM, they’ll be able to earn another at 5:01 AM.

[h3]STANDARD REWARDS[/h3]

Players will receive one of the following rewards each time they fell Lucanus and Decimus. Unlike daily bonus rewards, players can slay the world boss multiple times in one day for additional rewards.

Each victory rewards players with either:

• A random weapon or armor piece at their level (90% chance)
  
• A special Named item from Brimstone Sands or greater Aeternum (10% chance)
  

Players will also get some level-appropriate consumables (health, mana, etc.)

Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.