By Kristy Ambrose
Solo players should be aiming for this build in New World.
One of the best things about New World, and the feature that makes it stand out in the myriad of MMORPGs cluttering the playing field these days, is the total lack of any restrictions when it comes to classes. Players build their own unique classes from the ground up, using talent builds and gear combinations, instead of choosing during the initial character creation process.
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Solo play in New World is another feature that's more accessible here than in some other RPG-based MMOs. The game has a strong survivalist angle and it's easy to level in the wilderness without joining a party. There's the option of roaming the countryside a lonesome knight doing good, or a hermit dedicated to their solitary life, and all of these options are possible in Aeternum.
Attributes And Skills For Solo Players
Putting together a character build might seem intimidating at first, especially for players who are used to choosing a class at the beginning of the game as opposed to making one as part of the game's progression. No matter what form the character's build may take later in the game, here are a few of the Attributes, Skills, and Professions that should be prioritized.
Attributes
The Attributes in New World are the start of every class. For those that are wandering alone, some are more important than others.
- Strength. The higher this stat, the more melee damage, so for those that are hunting, Strength is important. It also improves the speed and yield of the Mining skill.
- Dexterity. Those that use weapons like bows or spears should focus on this Attribute. It also improves Skinning speed.
- Constitution. Not for weapons but more hit points, which is something to think about if a character is going to go adventuring alone.
Trade Skills
- Cooking. This isn't the kind of game where a character can starve, but it's helpful to be able to cook foods for extra buffs as well as health. Solo players need to take advantage of any self-healing options available to them.
- Fishing. Any number of things can be in that lake, stream, or shoreline, and it's not necessarily always fish, although there is plenty of large and rare fish that make that worth it anyway. Resources, items, and even gear can be found via fishing, so no matter the final choice for a class it's worth having this skill.
- Harvesting. Make sure there's a sickle equipped and start harvesting all kinds of plants, herbs, and fibers that can have a wide variety of uses.
- Camping. Not all solo players retreat into the wilderness and shun human companionship and settlement, but should they choose to do so, it's important to level the Camping skill. A higher-level campsite allows players to build simple weapons, cook better food, and even make basic potions and tinctures.
The hatchet used for melee combat isn't the same as the axe used for the Logging skill, and the weapons and tools can only be placed in the appropriate slots.
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The Survivalist Builds
The Survivalist builds are a common choice for those that travel into the wilds of Aeternum for the benefits of isolation and self-improvement as opposed to profit or adventure. These can be characters with detailed backstories, honing a craft or skill that can only be practiced in isolation, or can have simple motivations like being extremely introverted.
Unlike other MMORPGs, there are no restrictions on how many or which professions that players can take in New World. Any character can have any profession, and the following are only recommendations based on how efficient they are to gamers that are playing solo.
Herbalist
- Attributes. Intelligence is the primary Attribute of the Harvesting skill. It gives the character a better harvesting rate and improved yields.
- Professions. The possibilities are only limited by the kinds of resources that are gathered. Hemp and other plants yield textiles for clothing for an Armorer, while plants and herbs can be used to make the potions and elixirs of an Arcanist.
- Weapons. Since this requires a higher Intelligence score, consider weapons that also use this Attribute, such as the musket or the rapier.
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Hermit
- Attributes. The most customizable of solo player builds, a Hermit can be everything from a dedicated fungus-collector or a gruff mountain dweller that hunts bears. For those that want to be more Harvesters than Hunters, choose Intelligence. Players that want to build Trappers or Skinners should choose Strength and Dexterity.
- Professions. Hunters can take up Leatherworking and craft their own clothing as well as selling it to others. Those that seek out mining nodes or fine timber should take up Mining, Jewelcrafting, or Logging.
- Weapons. Dexterity-based Hunters would prefer a bow or a musket. For those that depend on Strength, a spear or a hatchet.
Monk
- Attributes. A class for those players that want to be one with nature and balance their inner spirit without the need for weapons or aggression. First Dexterity, followed by Intelligence.
- Professions. Now that Music has been introduced to the game as a Trade Skill, and players can craft musical instruments, a Monk can add a song to thank those that add to their begging bowl. The Dexterity and Intelligence scores also make the Monk a great harvester, so pick some herbs and think about Arcana.
- Weapons. A spear is one option for the dexterous Monk, and it conveniently functions as both a ranged and melee weapon. The bow is another option.
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The Knight Of The Quest Builds
For those that play solo but still want to experience some fun RP, even if it's just creating a detailed backstory, there's the figure of the noble knight from medieval history. This is the noble hero that wanders the wilderness on a noble quest as opposed to one that rules over and guards a fiefdom. These classes wear heavy armor and can heal themselves, so they're an ideal choice for a solo player.
Healer And Teacher
- Attributes. Focus is important for this benevolent visitor, who always carries a healing staff and looking for ways to help their fellow humans with it.
- Professions. Arcana is one possibility, to ensure that healing potions and other benevolent concoctions are readily available. An Armorer that specializes in plate is another viable choice, but that also depends on the armor. A Cleric, Monk, or Paladin?
- Weapons. This can be the kind of class that heals instead of harms, so carrying two healing staves is an option, since they do have some limited offensive abilities. For those that prefer more offense, consider a Void Gauntlet, which scales with Focus and Intelligence.
The Avenger
- Attributes. Strength is the easy choice here because this knight is all about doing damage. They might have taken a vow to destroy all the Cursed or eradicate the greed of the evil Marauders and they need a big, heavy weapon to dispense judgment.
- Professions. Mining gets buffs from a high Strength Attribute, and this is the type of class that wears and has to repair a lot of plate armor and metal weapons. Also, consider Jewelcrafter which pairs nicely with mining.
- Weapons. Two-handed axes, greatswords, and big hammers are part of what makes this an intimidating build and one that's both fun and interesting for solo players. Mow down enemies with deadly finesse as justice finally comes to the wilds of Aeternum.
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