New World: Aeternum News

Greetings, Adventurers!

Season 2 - Blood of the Sands downtime will begin for all regions at 5AM PT (12PM UTC) on July 6. Expected downtime is 2 hours. Get ready for new PvP activities, narratives, and a massive sandwurm. Check out our full breakdown of the release notes for more information on all things Season 2.

[h2]SEASONAL STORY[/h2]

One of the most enduring mysteries of Brimstone Sands is the massive creature known as the Devourer. An ancient group calling themselves the Blood of the Sands, and their leader Malek, have emerged from the shadows to seek help in finding the eggs of these beasts. Join the Silver Crows and Rima the bard to uncover the secrets of the order and their history with the creature they call Shah Neshen.

• Players who completed the Season 1 storyline can pick up this new quest from any of the Crows Nest camps.
  
• Players who did not complete all of the Season 1 storyline can pick up the new quest in their questline from the Crows Nest.
  

[h2]NEW SEASON PASS[/h2]

Blood of the Sands introduces a new Season Journey, new activities on the Activity Card, new Challenges, and new rewards including cosmetics and consumables like Transmog Tokens. Preview the entire Season Pass here for more details.

[h2]TRANSMOG[/h2]

Further customize your character when Transmog comes to New World during a mid-season 2 update. Use consumable Transmog tokens to capture the appearance of any gear collected in the world and then transform it into a usable skin for your cosmetic collection.

[h2]ELITE TRIAL: ARENA OF SHAH NESHEN[/h2]

Enter the Arena of Shah Neshen the Devourer, and defeat the massive sandwurm for elite rewards in a challenging new PvE game mode for 20 max-level players. Go behind the scenes for a better look at the massive sandwurm, elite rewards, and roaring audio that comprise Aeternum’s greatest challenge yet.

[h2]SEASONAL TRIAL: THE HATCHERY[/h2]

Fight through waves of enemies to foil a plot to hatch dangerous sandwurm eggs, and confront the keeper of the Hatchery Hadish Hazar and his minions. Earn unique rewards in a new weekly activity for 10 max-level players. Players can earn the maximum amount of rewards 7 times a week and will then receive smaller rewards for subsequent runs.

[h2]NEW HEARTRUNE ABILITY: THE DEVOURER[/h2]

Summon a sandwurm to burst from the ground and damage anything within its path. Catch everything you need to know about the new Heartrune in our developer interview.

[h2]PVP REWARD TRACK UPDATE[/h2]

The PvP Reward Track has been updated with a variety of new rewards and increased predictability. Dive into a preview of the rewards for more details.

[h2]RAID GROUPS[/h2]
Create a raid group of up to 20 players to communicate, coordinate, and share spoils across large-scale, open-world activities.

[h2]CROSS WORLD OUTPOST RUSH[/h2]

Outpost Rush will soon be playable across any world within the same region. Gain control of fortifications and resources in this 20v20 game mode for max-level players.

[h2]OUTPOST RUSH ADJUSTMENTS[/h2]

Alongside cross world functionality, Outpost Rush will also receive a refresh to make gameplay even more engaging. Updates include reduced wait times, an increased focus on objectives, and increased damage from siege weapons.

[h2]FIRST LIGHT RETRACTION[/h2]
First Light has fallen to the might of Artemis and her Angry Earth horde! The Settlement, Fort, and Trading Post in First Light are now closed. A wall of thorns has erupted along the border, barring all access into the territory until further notice.

• All Housing related items will return to Storage and can be found under the “Old First Light” tab in any Storage shed.
  
• All Trading Post orders in First Light will eventually expire, but no new orders can be made in the territory.
  
• Companies controlling First Light at the time of Retraction will be refunded for their losses.
  
• First Light’s Faction Control Point (FCP) buff has been moved to Weaver’s Fen, and Weaver’s FCP buff has been discontinued for now.
  

We have big plans for the territory. This is only the first step. Stay tuned for more news about the future of “Old First Light.”

[h2]NEW 3V3 ARENAS MAP[/h2]

Battle other players in an all-new Gladiator style 3v3 Arenas map. Preview the design before stepping inside.

[h2]BLOOD OF THE SANDS MERCH[/h2]

Sandwurm fans can bring their favorite creature outside of Aeternum. Check out the full collection featuring a T-shirt and hoodies in the Amazon Store.

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

Greetings, Adventurers!

Get the most out of Season 1 before it ends on July 6. Earn the Inferno Champion's Chest, explore the story of Skye the Speardaughter, and finish your Season Pass for exclusive rewards. Let's look back at the highlights from Fellowship & Fire ahead of even more new content in Season 2.

[h2]Season Pass[/h2]

The Season Pass introduces new ways for players to earn meaningful rewards like cosmetics, titles, in-game gear, and more, just by playing New World. Highlights on the Premium Reward Track include: 1 Seasonal Armor Skin (5 pieces), 9 Seasonal Weapon Skins, 6 Seasonal Tool Skins, 1 Seasonal Emote, and 1 Camp skin. Our Free Reward Track is available to all players and also contains unique cosmetic Items like the Scarlet Wing and Silver Wing apparel sets, while the Premium Reward Track offers the ability to earn extra rewards for 20,000 Marks of Fortune.

[h2]Skye the Speardaughter[/h2]

Assemble an elite team of mercenaries called the Silver Crows to help their first client, Skye the Speardaughter, confront a powerful Warlock and the Varangian horde, and halt their ambitions. You’ll even earn Skye’s outfit upon completion of the Seasonal Challenges.

[h2]Empyrean Forge Expedition[/h2]

Those who hunger for power yearn for the eldritch magics unleashed in these colossal ruins. The Empyrean Forge is a new Level 60+ Expedition set in the Great Cleave. Defeat Commander Marius in the depths of the facility for a chance at fiery, Legendary loot. Looking for additional rewards? Check out the Mutated versions available now through the release of Season 2.

[h2]Weaver’s Fen and Brightwood Revamped Main Story Quests
[/h2]The Weaver’s Fen and Brightwood Main Storyline was overhauled based on player feedback and improvements made to the revamped starting experience. Experience these two familiar territories through a fresh narrative, more quest variety, and a few surprises like a Soul Trial. Players that completed the original questline can visit Yonas near Amrine Temple to pick up the new quests.

[h2]Fire Storm Heartrune
[/h2]

Create a tornado to burn any obstacle in your path. The Fire Storm Heartrune can also be used as a ball of death for players to follow as they charge into a fight. Complete the Empyrean Forge Expedition for a chance to obtain one.

We look forward to providing even more varied experiences next season. Thanks for your support and we’ll see you in Aeternum!

Greetings, Adventurers!

Scot Lane, Katy Kaszynski, and David Verfaillie return for another round of community questions before the launch of Season 2 - Blood of the Sands. This month’s Q&A tackles development priority, traditional raids, and Outpost Rush design, plus PvE-only Perks, open world PvP engagement, and New World team growth. There’s even a question about hippos.

Whether you’re looking for more details on gear changes, Heartrunes, or what’s next for Aeternum, check out the team’s full discussion below:

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]Bonus Questions[/h2]
We caught up with Creative Director David Verfaillie to include even more community questions:

Can we have more details about the future of crafting professions, like the idea of crating BiS gear (aka being able to craft your ideal item) bound to player you guys have explained before?

• We’re not ready to share details yet since the big changes are coming with the expansion. Our high-level goal is to reduce RNG and increase the players’ ability to craft what they want. There will be adjustments in cost to craft and throughput to ensure markets aren’t flooded.
  

Animation canceling, why is it still a thing? It does not add any skill when you can set up macro for it. Fix your god damn game. PvP servers, when?

• We like the fluidity and control animation canceling adds to the combat system, so we have no intention to remove the general concept. However, we will continue to remove difficult cancels that provide big advantages like what we saw in some previous Blunderbuss combos.
  

Do you guys actually think the PvP refresh is an acceptable level of PvP content? Cause it’s not.

• We always want to deliver more, but we think Season 2 brings some great improvements to a variety of PvP content. It will help Outpost Rush players in low population servers find games and introduces a few small, but nice improvements to the mode. It will also provide a dramatically different arena for fans of small scale PvP and makes the rewards for all PvPers better through PvP Reward Track updates. Look forward to even more exciting open world PvP changes coming to the influence race later this year.
  

What else would you like the team to cover? Let us know on Discord, Reddit, or the YouTube comments section. Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.

Greetings, Adventurers!

One of the most enduring mysteries of Brimstone Sands is the massive creature known as the Devourer. An ancient group calling themselves the Blood of the Sands, and their leader Malek, have emerged from the shadows to seek help in finding the eggs of these beasts. Get to know the characters from Season 2 - Blood of the Sands and then continue their story in-game on July 6.

[h2]RIMA BAHAR[/h2]


[h3]QUOTES[/h3]

• “You in the back! I can’t hear you singing! Let’s go!”
  
• “What I seek is more valuable - it's inspiration whether by story or song.”
  
• “The chance to partner with you and bear witness to your heroic deeds… that is a bonus.”
  
• “I’ve met stately, noble gentry; And shipwrecked men of twenty!”
  
• “Ah, you’re wondering where this map leads? I may know someone who can tell you...”
  

[h3]BIO[/h3]

• Where to find Rima: Entertaining in taverns throughout Aeternum
  
• Cultural background: Persian
  
• Occupation: Lively performer, Seeker of Secrets
  
• Likes: A good rousing performance, talented musicians, deciphering lost mysteries
  
• Dislikes: Hecklers, snapping for applause, messy campsites
  
• Little-known facts about Rima: She may, or may not, have a network of spies at her disposal
  

[h3]ABOUT RIMA[/h3]
Rima is a traveling bard, a scholar, and collector of knowledge. She travels the sands of Brimstone, learning what she can about the history of her home, and performing for taverns and inns to earn her keep. She is secretive about her past and how she came to Aeternum. If you were to ask ten people about Rima, you would get ten different answers about her history. Still, she has been to all the known corners of Aeternum, which suggests she has lived on the island for longer than she admits.

Although Rima does a fair bit of traveling, she always finds her way back to the desert cities, regaling the people of New Corsica with tales from across Aeternum. Few people know the desert as well as she does, and she will often delve into the mysteries and secrets of Brimstone when she isn’t performing.

Rima isn’t driven by the promise of gold and riches as many others might be, as adventure seems to be its own reward to her. Getting on her good side can often be done by offering a journey to a place she hasn’t been or deciphering an enticing mystery in some forgotten ruins. Wherever adventure, music, and good times can be found, be assured that Rima Bahar will be at the center of it.

[h2]MALEK[/h2]


[h3]QUOTE[/h3]

• “The Blood of the Sands will reclaim their rightful place!”
  

[h3]BIO[/h3]

• Where to find Malek: Searching the sands of Brimstone for the eggs of the Devourers
  
• Cultural background: Persian
  
• Occupation: Leader of the Blood of the Sands
  
• Likes: Researching history, exploring ruins, loyalty
  
• Dislikes: Those that forget the past
  
• Little-known facts about Malek: Not a lot is known about Malek - he keeps things to himself
  

[h3]ABOUT MALEK[/h3]
Malek is the leader of the Blood of the Sands, a group of desert dwellers who claim to have a lineage that stretches back into the grand past of Brimstone. Although the group had rarely been seen until recently, Malek has worked to bring them back into the world, claiming a great history that he wants to rebuild. They have built a small outpost in the eastern sands of Brimstone where they recruit members and work on their secretive agenda.

Malek himself is something of an enigma. No one seems to be sure where he came from and how he came to lead the order. Still, his charisma and passion help him guide the group, who see him as something of a savior. While secretive, Malek and the Blood of the Sands are not above hiring the right hands to do the work that they cannot, and several mercenaries have found themselves in his employ.

Whoever Malek really is and what his aims are may be unknown, but there is no question that he is leading the Blood of the Sands into a new era, and there seems to be little that will stop him.

[h2]SHARIF SHARA[/h2]


[h3]QUOTES[/h3]

• “The sands are my bed and the sky is my blanket. I am free.”
  
• “What’s better than good food, good song, and a dark-haired beauty by your side?”
  
• “I could find the ruins you’re looking for... if the coin is right.”
  

[h3]BIO[/h3]

• Where to find Sharif: Wandering the sands of Brimstone, going where the wind takes him
  
• Cultural background: Arabic
  
• Occupation: Wanderer, thief, treasure hunter
  
• Likes: Finding treasure, living free, nights at the tavern
  
• Dislikes: Responsibility, getting caught
  
• Little-known facts about Sharif: He’s not as carefree as he professes...
  

[h3]ABOUT SHARIF[/h3]
Scoundrel, thief, bandit... Sharif has many names among the people of Brimstone, and few of them are flattering. Many a traveling merchant and unwitting caravan have had their load lightened by him, if rumors around New Corsica are to be believed. It is hard to dispute those rumors, as Sharif will disappear for weeks at a time, only to suddenly return to the tavern with a bag full of coin.

However, it’s his free-spirited attitude that also earns him something of a folk hero status, even when people are cursing his name for their missing coin. His carefree spirit and natural charisma seem to blunt many sharp words directed his way, and an enemy at the beginning of the night often becomes a fast friend by the end. It seems few stay angry with the desert wanderer for long.

Despite his carefree demeanor, few know the ruins of Brimstone as well as Sharif Shara. He seems to possess an uncanny knowledge of many of the ruins, often describing their history and past use. Scholars of the desert scoff at his ideas, only to find out how accurate his stories are during further studies. When asked how he knows the ruins so well, all Sharif does is wink and toss a few coins to the tavern keeper.

Complete the seasonal story to find out what happens next. Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.

Greetings, Adventurers!

Get a taste of Cross World Outpost Rush in Wave 3 of the Season 2 PTR. There will be a US East PTR 1 world and a US East PTR 2 world. Downtime will begin at 12:00PM PT on June 22 and last approximately 90 minutes.

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!

Check out an in-depth breakdown of the release in our official announcement and stay tuned to our social channels for updates.

[h2]World Experience
[/h2]

• Fixed an issue that caused butterfly wing VFX to grow over time.
  
• Data will now be sent to the UI for specific Quest types instead of the last Quest in the list.
  

[h2]AI Updates[/h2]

• Reduced detonation time of Sandwurm Pellet Bombs from 15 to 12 seconds.
  
• Reduced Sandwurm vulnerability from Thrust weapons from 0.2 to 0.1
  
• Increased duration of acid line left from the Sandwurm's Acid Spew attack from 3 to 6 seconds.
  

Tuning adjustments were made to the Hordemaster boss in the Hatchery Seasonal Trial:

• Increased damage of the Reforged Grunt attacks by 50%.
  
• Increased damage from Hatchet Bomb by 50%.
  
• Increased damage from the second hit of Feral Rush by 65%.
  
• Increased the total health of the boss by 50%.
  

[h2]Game Modes
[/h2][h3]Outpost Rush
[/h3]

• Halved the personal points awarded for player damage from 0.01 to 0.005.
  
• Increased personal score points for AI kills from 10 to 20.
  
• Increased personal score for capture point contests from 0.2 to 0.3.
  

[h3]PvP Arenas
[/h3]

• Fixed an issue where 3v3 Arena HUD and Scoreboard didn't update when a player was backfilled into a match.
  
• Fixed PvP overtime sulfur ring visuals to better reflect the actual damage zone.
  

[h2]UX/UI/Social
[/h2]

• Fixed a bug that caused reading journal documents to show the wrong number of unlocked pages.
  

[h2]Economy, Progression, and Gear
[/h2]

• Fixed an issue that caused some sources of Trade Skill experience to double when applied to aptitude.
  
• Changed the Focus attribute progression bonus at 50 and 200 points from line tension (which was bugged) to increase the chance of catching larger fish.
  

[h2]Seasons [/h2]

• Fixed missing icon for Sun-Baked Baldaquin camp skin.
  
• Fixed Sandstorm Champion's Chest incorrectly awarding the Season 1 player title.
  
• Fixed a label and typo on the Transmog Token tooltip in the seasons reward track.
  

[h3]Flame Keeper Season Trials
[/h3]

• Reduced the damage of Meteor Shower by 10%.
  
• Adjusted Meteor Shower to now cast at the target's position at the time of cast versus when the spell first spawns. The player can now move after the target appears over their head, and the Meteor Shower will now spawn at their original location, giving players more flexibility to dodge the attack.
  

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