New World: Aeternum News

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. We are approaching the release of Eternal Frost and would like to once again invite you all to participate in this iteration of our Public Test Realm (PTR)!

Read on for this PTR's features and FAQ. The full list of release notes can be found on our website.

[h3]PTR[/h3]
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 November 9. 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!

During this iteration of the PTR, we look forward to hearing your playtest feedback on the following changes:

• The Glacial Tarn Mutated Expedition
  
• Season 4 Artifacts
  
• Season 4 Narrative
  
• Season 4 Rewards Track
  
• Weapon Balance updates
  
• Winter Convergence Festival
  
• Legacy of Crassus
  
• Inventory Improvements
  

Check out our official announcement for detailed breakdowns of what to expect.

[h2]Wave 2: November 16[/h2]

• Legacy of Crassus is now available.
  
• The Winter Convergence Festival has been disabled.
  
• The Season 4 Narrative Eternal Frost Soul Trial is now playable.
  
• We've added Chromatic Seals and Dark Matter to playtest backstories that will help test crafting. They are in a container called "Playtester Chromatic Matter Cache" contained within the Customized Loadout Box
  
• Fixes for instability issues reported on the first wave.
  

[h3]PTR CLIENT ACCESS
[/h3]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 IN 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.

Check out our website for the full list of changes. Thanks for your support and we'll see you in Aeternum!

Greetings, Adventurers!

Satisfy your hunger for carnage with the succulent Grand Gobbler War Hammer when Turkulon returns on November 15 through 28. Hunt down the Feathered Avenger of Death and his ‘fowl army’ to earn unique, event-specific items. Thanks to player feedback from last year, loot will now drop more frequently. There are also even more desirable rewards, like a giant turkey leg, waiting to be served.

[h2]TURKULES AND THE GRAND GOBBLER[/h2]
The legend of Turkulon is well-known across Aeternum, but not all of the citizens of the island have the same opinion about it. While many have heard the legends and accounts of the massive bird, others believe it to be nothing more than a story akin to a bedtime tale for children. To them, the idea of a massively oversized turkey is ridiculous, and they laugh off the warnings about its rampages.


However, there is at least one person who takes the legend of Turkulon very seriously, blaming the creature for the death of his brother. This man, Trateles, has been unashamed to openly discuss Turkulon wherever he goes as he searches for the beast across Aeternum. While some have given Trateles support on his crusade, others make fun of him, believing he is chasing a silly legend. These villagers have given him the nickname of Turkules, mocking him for his single-minded crusade and what they think is an inflated sense of heroism.

For his part, Trateles has adopted the Turkules moniker, believing that when he finally stops the beast, he will earn the comparison to the hero of legend. In fact, he believes that he has forged the weapon that can finally defeat his foe once and for all, a mighty hammer that he calls the Grand Gobbler. Now that he is ready to confront the giant bird, Turkules seeks the help of Aeternum’s best to seek out the mighty creature and work with him to put down Turkulon once and for all.


[h2]REWARDS[/h2]
Regular turkeys and Turkulon reward players with different loot. Use the Turkulon’s Claw Skinning Knife to ‘finish your food’ for even more rewards. Each regular turkey has a 20% chance of dropping one.

Some items marked below have daily limits. These reset at 5 AM local time. For example, if a player grabs three Turkey’s Treasures at 4:58 AM, they’ll be able to earn another at 5:01 AM.

[h3]REGULAR TURKEY LOOT[/h3]
Regular turkeys can be found scattered across the map. Players will likely spend more time skinning than fighting them.

• Diamond Gypsum - (20% Drop Chance) - Daily Limit: 6 per day.
  
• Turkey’s Treasure - (33% Drop Chance) Contains Coin - Daily Limit: 3 per day.
  
• Turkulon’s Claw Skinning Knife - (20% Drop Chance) - Provides extra loot (Poultry, Poultry Thigh, Poultry Breast) when skinning Turkeys, both during and after the event. Limit: One per event.
  

[h3]TURKULON’S CLAW SKINNING KNIFE REWARDS FROM REGULAR TURKEYS[/h3]
Skin regular turkeys with the event-specific Turkulon Skinning Knife for additional loot:

• Infused Turkey Coating (15% Drop Chance) - Daily Limit: 5 per day. Major damage boost against Turkulon. Minor damage boost against other beasts.This item will no longer be available after the event.
  
• Infused Turkey Ward Potion (15% Drop Chance) Daily Limit: 5 per day. Major damage absorption from Turkulon’s attacks. Minor damage absorption from other beasts. This item will no longer be available after the event.
  
• Turkey Luck Potion (15% Drop Chance) Increases the chance of receiving each Turkulon drop by 5% for 5 minutes. Daily Limit: 5 per day. This item will no longer be available after the event.
  
• Diamond Gypsum (20% Drop Chance) Daily Limit: 6 per day.
  

[h3]TURKULON DROPS[/h3]

Turkulon can be found in specific locations throughout Everfall, Brightwood, Mourningdale, Restless Shore, Windsward, Monarch’s Bluffs, and Cutlass Keys. Team up with your friends, Faction, and fellow Adventurers to take down this level 66 open world boss for the following rewards. Note that players must deal a minimum amount of damage to receive rewards.

Players are guaranteed to receive all of the rewards after killing Turkulon 16 times. For instance, if someone has yet to receive the Feat-O-Plenty Food Trophy after 15 kills, then Turkulon will drop it on his next death. Similarly, if they only had the trophy after 15 kills, then the loot from the following Turkulon kill would include the pet, seat, and boots skin rewards.

• The Grand Gobbler War Hammer skin - (20% Drop Chance) - Limit: One per event. "As deadly as it is delicious."
  
• Massive Turkey Leg - (100% Drop Chance)Daily Limit: 5 per day. Used to craft special Roasted Monstrous Turkey Dinner. Temporarily increases Constitution and Luck. Slowly recovers health.Potency scales depending on player level.
  
• Feat-O-Plenty Food Trophy - (7% Drop Chance) Limit: One per event. Increases duration of all Food effects when placed in your house.
  
• Turkuless, Disgruntled Fowl Pet - (12% Drop Chance) Limit: One per event. Makes "gobble-gobble" sounds while it sits in your house.
  
• Turkulon Egg Seat - (9% Drop Chance) Limit: One per week.
  
• Turkulon’s Juicy Calves Boots Skin - (20% Drop Chance) Limit: One per event.
  

Thank you for your continued feedback and support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.

Greetings, Adventurers!

Unfortunately during the final rounds of testing we discovered an issue with Eternal Frost that remains unresolved. Our team is working hard to address the issue and deliver this release as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please stay tuned to our social channels for more updates.

Conquer the Glacial Tarn Expedition, celebrate Winter Convergence, and stop a Knight of the Round Table when Eternal Frost releases on December 12. You can also look forward to new Artifacts. Cross world Expeditions will go live alongside an improved Group Finder later in the season. Players eager to explore what’s next on the Eternal Isle will have the opportunity to preview the release in our next PTR.

Join the Development Team for an in-depth breakdown of Eternal Frost:
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]MAJOR UPDATES[/h2]
The Glacial Tarn Expedition, seasonal narrative, and new Artifacts will all require Rise of the Angry Earth to experience.

[h3]NEW SEASON STORY[/h3]

A Knight of the Round Table has unearthed forbidden knowledge of the Ancients, seeking to subjugate humanity with the power of an eternal winter. Rally your team of Silver Crows, and convince a surly fire mage named Daichi to help track down and vanquish the Knight before he lays waste to Aeternum.

[h3]NEW SEASON PASS[/h3]

Eternal Frost introduces a new Season Journey, new Activity Card, new Challenges, and new rewards including cosmetics and consumables.

[h3]NEW EXPEDITION: THE GLACIAL TARN[/h3]

The Glacial Tarn is a new Level 65 Expedition set in the Great Cleave. Explore a cavernous frozen complex hidden beyond the Empyrean Forge in pursuit of the Varangian Knight Ser Loth. Locate and harness the primordial magic of the Empyrean Flame to overcome enemies and obstacles imbued with Ice Magic, and destroy Ser Loth before his power consumes all of Aeternum.

[h3]NEW ARTIFACTS[/h3]
Find and equip 8 new Artifacts to redefine your playstyle. These powerful weapons and armor feature their own quests. Stun and shock enemies with the Boltcaster Bow, boost your speed and reduce cooldowns with the Winged Shoes, freeze and finish your enemies with The Frozen Gauntlet, and more.

[h2]FUTURE UPDATES[/h2]
The following feature will release later in the season:

[h3]CROSS WORLD EXPEDITIONS WITH IMPROVED GROUP FINDER[/h3]

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!

[h2]SEASONAL EVENTS[/h2]
[h3]WINTER CONVERGENCE FESTIVAL[/h3]

Icy winds and glimmering Gleamites fill the air once again as Winter Convergence returns to Aeternum. Visit Winter villages to meet the Winter Wanderer and carry out his holiday quests. Players can also collect Winter Tokens to earn new limited-time rewards including festive skins, emotes, housing items and more.

The Winter Warrior and his legion of Frigid Folk are on a relentless mission to spread a Forever Winter across the land. Rally a party of 20+ players to defeat this open-world boss wreaking havoc throughout Great Cleave, Brightwood, Edengrove, Ebonscale Reach, and Brimstone Sands for new seasonal rewards.

[h3]LEGACY OF CRASSUS[/h3]

The might of Rome threatens Aeternum. Hunt down General Crassus' monstrous captains and banish the shadow of Roman tyranny. Following a plan set in motion long ago, Crassus' forces have invaded the southern lands to unleash the cyclopses Lucanus and Decimus. Players brave enough to face these world bosses can search for portals in Brightwood, Weavers Fen, Mourningdale, Ebonscale Reach, and Edengrove. Each victory nets Adventurers new event-specific, daily rewards.

[h2]LOCALIZED VO SUPPORT UPDATE[/h2]
To better focus our resources on future updates, narrative content moving forward will no longer receive localized VO Support for Italian, LATAM Spanish, and Polish. Text and subtitles will remain localized in all languages

[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 November 9. 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!

During this iteration of the PTR, we look forward to hearing your playtest feedback on the following changes:

• The Glacial Tarn Mutated Expedition
  
• Season 4 Artifacts
  
• Season 4 Narrative
  
• Season 4 Rewards Track
  
• Weapon Balance updates
  
• Inventory Improvements
  
• Winter Convergence Festival
  
• Legacy of Crassus
  

These features will be tested in rolling waves. Stay tuned to Steam and Discord for the full schedule.

[h3]PTR CLIENT ACCESS[/h3]
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!

New World Update 3.0.2 downtime will begin at 11:00PM PT (6:00AM UTC) on October 31 and last approximately 1 hour. Check out the most recent release notes, including bug fixes and the Nightveil Hallow community costume contest winners.

[h2]RELEASE NOTES[/h2]
[h3]ALT CHARACTERS[/h3]

• Players will no longer be restricted to one character per world that can PvP at a time – all their characters will be able to PvP! Our changes to Influence and other protections like Shell Company Mitigation largely reduce the impact of Alt Characters on Territory Control. If exploits appear we will bring back the restriction, but otherwise intend to keep it off indefinitely.
  

[h3]WORLD EXPERIENCE[/h3]
This section was updated on 10/31:

• Temporarily disabled loot drops from Yetis in Edengrove and Shattered Mountain.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused the same Mutations to cycle together.
  
• Fixed an exploit for the Montrapala bosses in the Elysian Wilds.
  
• Fixed an issue with the Faction Mission "Cauterizing a Wound" by adding mission items to gorillas in the POI area.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented progress when talking to Granny, Zander's employer.
  
• Shortened the following mount races: Four Seasons Tour, Barrens and Bogs Tour, Island Tour, and Sands and Storms Tour.
  
• The Trading Post achievement is now unlocked at the start of Inn quest.
  
• Fixed an issue in Starstone Barrows with the Normal Enemy Count.
  
• Improved bandwidth allocation for characters in large groups.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused mount audio to persist after dismount.
  

[h3]ARTIFACTS[/h3]

• Updated the Lost Stopwatch Artifact to provide additional threat generation similar to normal taunt gems.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented players from getting an Artifact to drop again after not picking it up following a disconnect.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused the Well Rounded perk on the Attuned Leather Pants Artifact to not provide 10 to all stats and incorrectly display on the tooltip with the Magnify perk.
  

[h3]HEARTRUNES[/h3]
Increased damage of the following:

• Dark Ascent Heartrune by 20%
  
• Fire Storm Heartrune by 33%
  
• Devourer Heartrune by 26%
  

[h3]WEAPONS[/h3]
Blunderbuss

• Reduced base damage value in PvP from -9% to -12%
  

Ice Gauntlet

• Fixed an issue that caused the player to get stuck in the tomb pose if Ice Tomb was destroyed while spawning.
  

Rapier

• Fixed an issue that caused the Flurry Fleeting Strikes upgrade to not function properly.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused the tooltip to not show the updated value of 5% from a previous balance change.
  

[h3]PERKS[/h3]

• Physical/Elemental Aversion - Increased max power from 4.2% to 4.5%.
  
• Damage Type Conditioning - Increased power from 4% to 5%
  
• Slowing Tether - Adjusted disintegrate bonus to only apply a single stack of disintegrate on use.
  
• Healthy Toast - Changed from 11% of max health to 15% of base health.
  
• Added a 1s cooldown to the Tumbler Footwraps Shirking Blessing Perk.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused the Shirking Heals health percentage heal to scale with Gear Score.
  
• Now caps at 1.5% of max health at 700 GS and will properly show the scaled value in the tool-tip.
  

[h3]NIGHTVEIL HALLOW[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that prevented players from targeting Baalphazu if too many players were in the area.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused the Nightveil Hallow Hatchet patterns to not appear in the crafting menu.
  

[h3]ECONOMY, PROGRESSION, & GEAR[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that prevented the Ethereal Orichalcum Round Shield and Voidbent Orichalcum Round Shield from appearing in the Stylemancer menu.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented Elysian Wild housing items from being salvageable.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused certain items to roll with Perks that should have been unavailable at their Gear Score.
  
• Rank 6 Faction Round Shields have had their Refreshing Ward perk swapped to Keenly Empowered.
  
• Some Mutator accessories cannot be updated and will instead drop as fixed versions. The previous perks, like Focused or Refreshing Ward, will now drop as valid Perks at that Gear Score.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused outdated gear and Perks to drop for players.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented influence rewards from dropping Flails.
  

[h3]APTITUDE[/h3]

• Expansion Crafting Aptitude Chests now have the ability to drop Timeless Shards.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused Alchemy Aptitude Crates to roll a lower tier of Death Essence and prevented Death Quintessence rolls.
  
• Woodworking and Logging Aptitude chests for the expansion now have raw materials instead of refined materials.
  
• Weaving expansion Aptitude Chests now contain T52 fibers as intended.
  

[h3]CRAFTING[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that caused Named Item re-roll recipes to not be visible for Savage Divide Named Items.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused the incorrect recipe name to display for a few Named Item re-roll recipes.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused Empyrean Forge Dense Materia recipes to only appear if Ennead Dense Materia was in the player's inventory.
  
• Reduced crafting coin cost on the materia conversion recipes to the minimum possible value.
  
• Fixed an issue where some upgraded crafting recipes failed, but still changed your item.
  

[h3]SEASONS[/h3]

• Clarified phrasing in the descriptions of the 'Fellowship of the Flail' Journey Tasks.
  
• Fixed an issue where killing Shirzad's Cave Lions contributed towards the "Kill Ancient Guardians" Season Activity.
  
• Fixed a typo in:
  
• "Faction Family" Journey task
  
• Writhing Seedlings for the Savage Divide Expedition and Mutation boxes.
  
• It now properly shows Crystalline Fur as a drop.
  
• Removed "Complete a Mount Race" Season Activity. It becomes impossible once players complete every mount race.
  
• Fixed an issue that slowed progression for the “Mushroom Muncher” Journey Task when consuming Spore Jelly potions too quickly.
  
• Fixed an issue where players with completed but unstamped Season Activities were rewarded more Season XP than intended when their card was re-rolled.
  

[h3]MARKS OF FORTUNE[/h3]

• In response to fluctuations in currency exchange rates around the world, we updated our localized price points for in-game purchases outside of the United States to align with our retail product prices on Steam.
  

[h2]COMMUNITY COSTUME CONTEST[/h2]
We asked you to share your best Nightveil Hallow Costumes for a chance to win 2 Transmog Tokens. Congratulations to the following winners:

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

Greetings, Adventurers!

Join Lead Seasons Designer Patrick Smedley, Senior Systems Designer Joel Clift, and Senior Systems Designer Tony Morton for a technical overview of the New World economy. From key resources to challenges, here’s how we analyze economic health. Let us know if you’d like to know more and we can cover additional specifics in a future dev blog.

New World is a unique player in the MMO space in that we’re a player driven economy. That means we do not have vendors for players to sell their gear and there’s no artificial floor or ceiling set on the cost of goods—you the players determine that! A player driven economy is really exciting, but it comes with its own challenges.

[h3]CHALLENGES[/h3]
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
The economy in New World has a lot of similarities to the real world economy. Things like wealth distribution and inflation need to be carefully managed. We also need to understand where wealth comes from and leaves the economy. New World in particular faces a handful of real world economic issues: wealth disparity, stored wealth, inflation, and managed coin faucets vs coin sinks. These are all concerns we look at when we gauge the overall economic health of the game.

• Wealth disparity we’ll cover in more depth below, but we want players to be as equal as possible in terms of wealth in correlation to how much they play. We don’t want a small conglomerate of the wealthy significantly outpacing all other players.
  
• Stored wealth is a trickier issue where players hoard tens of thousands of items (such as Iron Hide) waiting for the day when they become more valuable. They then flood the market with those items, dropping their value.
  
• Inflation is the increase in cost of goods over a period of time as a result of players having more gold on hand due to coin faucets.
  
• Coin faucets are sources of coin (Quests, Salvage, Caches, Drops, etc.), while coin sinks are the ways we take coin out of the economy, like the Faction Vendor.
  

[h2]KEY RESOURCES[/h2]
We monitor overall economic health through a few key resources.

[h3]GINI INDEX[/h3]

With the Gini Index we can measure the distribution of wealth and understand where that wealth is concentrated based on a value of 0 to 100. Zero indicates wealth equality among all the players, while an index of 100 means inequality and poor wealth distribution. Neither of these coefficients are likely, however we monitor the index to make sure it remains consistent. In MMOs there’s an expectation that time-rich players may become more wealthy than players who can’t play as often, but we aim to keep that wealth disparity within reasonable ranges.

[h3]ITEM INDEX[/h3]

The Item Index pulls the value of items like Prismatic Ingots into a dashboard where we can observe macroeconomic trends and identify any over or underperforming items relative to the rest of the market. The general expectation is that trends are consistent between items. If prices drop across the board, generally they drop for nearly every item. But if we see drops for specific items such as Dark Hide when all other leathers are getting significantly more expensive, it alerts us that we need to dig deeper and understand if there’s too much volume of Dark Hide or not enough reason to use that item.

[h3]PLAYER SENTIMENT[/h3]

The most important resource we have to analyze economic health is player sentiment. Players are really good at letting us know about issues with the economy, whether it’s a concentration of resources and wealth, or items that don’t have enough value. If we don’t see enough crafts with Prismatic Ingots on the Item Index, and sentiment on Reddit and Discord is that Prismatic Ingot crafts are outputting undesirable gear, we know to evaluate those items based on expectations and intended output.

It’s particularly fun to analyze economic health following big updates such as our expansion, Rise of the Angry Earth. Following speculation on items like Golden Scarabs jumping up in price only to fall back down to normalized prices once the expansion went live was an exciting short-term economic shock. We have a talented team of people keeping a close eye on our economy to make sure it remains healthy.

We hope this quick look into the New World economy and how we monitor it was interesting. If you want more detailed analyses, let us know and we will consider quarterly deep dives. Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.