New World: Aeternum News

Greetings, Adventurers!

Welcome to Voices of Aeternum, the series where we ask the community to share their New World experiences. Share your voice to learn more about your fellow Adventurers and maybe even get featured. This edition of Voices of Aeternum focuses on the Summer Medleyfaire. We asked you for your favorite instrument, fish, and event activity. Check out the results.

[h2]SUMMER MEDLEYFAIRE POLL RESULTS[/h2]
Guitar, Boot, and Musical Instruments were this installment’s big winners. Look forward to another round of questions for our next major release.



We appreciate your support and feedback! See you in Aeternum or on the forums!

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. Similar to the activities leading up to our latest major update, we are approaching the release of our next large release and would like to once again invite you all to participate in the next cycle of our Public Test Realm (PTR)!

[h2]PTR[/h2]
The Public Test Realm (PTR) is a limited-availability server-set that will give players 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. 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. Nonetheless, hundreds of changes have already been made — with more to come — and the full release notes will be shared on release day.

The PTR will officially open tomorrow, September 1, at 10 AM PDT (5 PM UTC). To maximize world population and encourage group play, we will open with two worlds available (“US East PTR 1” and “EU PTR 1”) for this playtest cycle, with them located within US East and EU Central regional datacenters respectively. You may have to change your client regional selection from the main menu in order to discover your intended test world. Existing test characters have been wiped for this cycle, in order to ensure thorough testing of the early game experience changes and ensure feedback received is evaluated at the same difficulty benchmarks as we roll out new features across the next several weeks.

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 PTR sub-forum (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]MAJOR UPDATES[/h2]
During this iteration of the PTR, we look forward to hearing your playtest feedback on the following changes.

[h3]REVAMPED STARTING EXPERIENCE[/h3]
We’ve completely redesigned the early levels of New World, so players who start the game or roll a new character will experience brand new stories and quests. Player feedback on quest variety, AI variety, more streamlined questlines with less running back and forth, and improved storytelling in those early stages of the game helped bring about the following changes:

• Quest flow through zones has been optimized, with NPCs who move around and a central story thread that takes players through each region of the game, unlocking side content to pace out the experience.
  
• We’ve added a variety of new quest dynamics, from wave events to tracking and traversal challenges, puzzles in the ruins, unique interactions with the world, and dynamic events players will encounter.
  
• We’ve revised onboarding to stay focused on the central storyline, introducing the legacy of King Arthur in Monarch’s Bluffs and a curse and famine from the sorceress Medea in Windsward. Players will still converge on the Hermit Yonas to start on the path to becoming Soulwardens, but the Yonas quests have all been consolidated in Everfall. The Hermit himself is now more mobile, while the story and quest flow vastly improved.
  
• We’ve also added a lot more character to the zones and settlements in Monarch’s Bluffs and Everfall, new enemies, new major locations, and new challenges in the quests and open world.
  

[h2]GREATSWORD WEAPON[/h2]
Get ready for a new weapon — the Greatsword. This two-handed blade utilizes stances to adapt to different situations. Learn the risks and rewards of each option to survive in battle. Both Weapon Skill Trees feature versatile tactics for varied playstyles:

• The Onslaught tree embodies relentless offense and focuses on defeating enemies before they can take you out.
  
• The Defiance tree excels at aggressive defense that can survive and deal damage against multiple opponents.
  

The Greatsword scales evenly with Strength and Dexterity, making it a good pair for many other martial weapons.

Of course, that’s not all! You can review all of the upcoming changes for this patch by checking out the full PTR release notes, shared within the PTR sub-forum.

[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

[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,

We are excited to announce the release of the Expedition Group Finder!

Players can use the Group Finder to more easily form parties and complete group activities. In this article, you'll find step by step instructions as well as an FAQ. We plan to roll out additional features in future updates.

[h2]HOW DOES IT WORK?[/h2]
[h3]HOW DO I FIND THE GROUP FINDER?[/h3]
Group Finder is an Expedition-only feature. Once you’ve discovered (visited) an Expedition, you will be able to access the Group Finder UI in one of two ways:

[h3]1. AT THE EXPEDITION ENTRANCE[/h3]
At the Expedition Entrance, you’ll now see a “Find Group” button. Click it to view the Group Finder for that Expedition.



[h3]2. FROM THE MAP, AT ANY DISTANCE[/h3]
On the map, there is now a “View Expedition” button on the tooltip for each Expedition Icon. Click it to reveal that Expedition’s Entrance Screen from anywhere in Aeternum and then click the “Find Group” button to use the Group Finder.



You can now also enter any Expedition regardless of your location through the map’s “View Expedition” button, even if you don’t use the Group Finder.

Note that if you’re viewing a Mutated Expedition, the “Find Group” button will select whichever Mutated Difficulty level you have selected in the list on the left. There is currently no way to view Group Lobbies for all Mutated Difficulty levels at once. That functionality is a high priority for future versions of Group Finder.



[h3]HOW DO I USE THE GROUP FINDER?[/h3]
After clicking “Find Group,” you’ll see a list of Lobbies. These are different than groups. Lobbies are staging areas with a dedicated Lobby chat channel for communication. Once full, the original poster can start the Expedition and convert that Lobby into a group.



You can either apply to existing Lobbies (up to 100 at a time), or create your own. You can also leave the Group Finder UI to keep adventuring while your applications are pending and even when you’re waiting for a Lobby to fill. A widget in the top right (similar to Outpost Rush and Arena queues) will notify you of their status as you play.

Lobby creators can set the minimum Level and Gear Score for their Lobby, and inspect all players within the Applications list and the Lobby itself to see their current Level, Attributes, average Gear Score, and equipped Weapons and Mastery Scores. Each player applying to a Lobby must designate themselves as a Role (Tank, Healer, or DPS) so that the Lobby creator is able to form an ideal group composition. Once the Lobby is converted to a group and enters the Expedition, these roles are displayed on the side of the Group HUD (currently only available to groups formed through Group Finder).

[h2]FAQ[/h2]
Will I have to run to Expeditions to access the Group Finder?

• No! You can access the Group Finder for each Expedition via the map, or at the entrance.
  

Are you able to be in a group while in Group Finder?

• Yes! If you’re in a group, you can apply to Group Finder Lobbies or make your own Lobby without leaving your group. Once your current Lobby is converted to a group by entering the Expedition, you will automatically leave your previous group.
  

Can you play Outpost Rush and Arenas while you wait for an Expedition lobby?

• No, you can only be in one Lobby or queue at a time.
  

How do I remove myself from listings?

• You can cancel your application to any Lobby by clicking a button on the Lobby listing. Your applications will all be canceled if you enter an Expedition, or go offline.
  

If you are in a small group, what happens when you want to open a Lobby? Do you disband and force them to find you? Can you pull them in?

• Yes! When you are in a group and create a Lobby, you’ll have the option to include your groupmates in the Lobby on creation.
  

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

Greetings, Adventurers!

Misinputs is a series created for the community to improve or gain insight into different aspects of New World through other players’ mistakes instead of their own. This installment focuses on Barnacles & Black Powder. We compiled some fun stories from our team and community for a closer look at how players struggled in the recent Expedition.

[h2]PRODUCER NATHAN PEAVY[/h2]
Producer Nathan Peavy quickly learned that Cursed Treasure was no joke when his group met a swift demise on top of it. Their grave rests at a narrow area of the cave filled with groups of ghosts and enough Cursed Treasure to buy every settlement in Aeternum. Nathan said the trick is to burn the ghosts down as quickly as possible. Wait too long and positioning becomes difficult.



He also left us with a neat behind the scenes tidbit. “The conductor in the arena wasn’t targetable initially and couldn’t be killed,” Nathan said. ”Because of this, every time you left the arena it was as if he was laughing and mocking you as you ran away. We had to put a stop to that!“

[h2]COMMUNITY MANAGER AENWYN[/h2]
“Can I talk about that time in early testing when I couldn’t help but bring the first mob to the entrance and kill everyone who wasn’t properly geared up? And how I will probably never be invited to test with them again?”

[h2]COMMUNITY RESPONSES[/h2]
[h3]PRESTONREALITY[/h3]
“We headed into the caverns, looking for adventure and, of course, treasure and glory. Low and behold, what we found was mayhem and destruction.”

“The bold healer moved forward and ran into not one but two crazy bombers. They ran as fast as they could, but it was no use. In a moment’s time, they were engulfed in a searing golden flame, and the party screamed out.”

‘Move now you only have a moment!’

“In a fit of rage, they all ran forward and struck down the healer, the explosion echoing in the cavern walls.”

“An echo was all that remained, that and some ashes from the fallen comrade. The Angry Earth consumes, the Angry Earth takes away, and in its place something new is born.“



[h3]HARRYN[/h3]
“When we first saw the kamikaze rushers after the gator boss, we figured no worries, just Gravity Well or Ice Wall them, let them blow up, and move on. Well, we didn’t know the power of their blast. Two of them exploded and then we thought the third was dead. We continued on until the healer bolted ahead of us. We started yelling at him to stop. Then all of a sudden, KABOOM! Wiped all of us but the healer.”

[h3]ROELOF1[/h3]
“Serious: Used 10 of my 25 getting to M10, had 6 left since it rotated midweek. Wish I could play it more.”

“Funny: Wiping to explosions, shamans, grenadiers, and alligators.”

[h3]EEICOKE[/h3]
Other players like Eeicoke instead showed off their achievements:



Join the conversation for a chance to be featured in future community content or explore Tales of Aeternum for relevant lore. Thanks for your support. See you in Aeternum!

Greetings, Adventurers!

New World Update 1.6.4 downtime will begin at 11:00PM PT (6:00AM UTC) on August 24 and includes the activation of the Group Finder feature.

[h2]COMBAT/AI[/h2]
[h3]Sword & Shield[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that caused the Defiant Stance base ability to give an increased 20% damage reduction on upgrade instead of the intended 30% damage reduction.
  

[h3]Outpost Rush[/h3]

• Added additional protections to prevent Tier 3 Command Posts from taking damage before the fort gate is destroyed.
  
• Added additional protections to prevent unintended wall-climbing at Fort Astra.
  

[h2]EXPEDITIONS[/h2]
[h3]Group Finder[/h3]

• Tired of looking for groups to run Expeditions with through Recruitment Chat? We are excited to announce that the Group Finder tool is now available!
  
• With this feature, you’ll be able to access a specific Group Finder lobby listing for each available Expedition. Interact with an Expedition entrance or its related map icon to open the interface. Players may then browse listings created by others or post their own!
  

[h3]Barnacles & Black Powder[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that caused Nereid to get stuck in a tornado and block Expedition progress.
  

[h2]WORLD EXPERIENCE[/h2]
[h3]Notable Fixes[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that caused the Everfall and Reekwater control point bonuses of 10% Azoth Salt from PvP game modes and the Open World sources to not apply.
  
• Added a speculative fix for achievements and titles not loading correctly upon character login. We will continue to monitor the forums to see if players are still encountering this issue after the update.
  

[h3]Summer Medleyfaire Event[/h3]

• Added a disclosure to Maudlinbug Waltz music pages that says these items will disappear at the end of the Summer Medleyfaire event.
  
• Adjusted locations of several Aeternum Sturgeon Hotspots in Brightwood, First Light, Windsward, and Reekwater to better align with the water surface level.
  
• Reduced the end-of-song sequence wait time from 6 seconds to 3 seconds to help you stay in the groove of playing your favorite musical instrument.
  

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