New World, the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) from Amazon Game Studios, had a rocky release in 2021. Critics and players alike cited repetitive gameplay, unfulfilling grinds, and a convoluted endgame system as reasons for the game’s poor reception. However, Amazon has not given up on the game and has continued to release updates and bug fixes. As a result, New World has been awarded the “Most Improved Game” of 2022.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the current state of New World, including changes to the grind, endgame systems, and activities available for players. We’ll also explore whether the game is worth playing in 2023.
Table of Contents
Changes to the Grind
One of the main complaints about the game at launch was the grind. Players felt that leveling up beyond level 30 was too difficult and that the experience (EXP) required to do so was excessive. The grind was also criticized for being repetitive, with players having to complete the same three quests throughout the game and facing the same enemies in each area.
Thankfully, updates to the game have addressed these issues. The EXP required to reach level 60 has been halved, and some quests have been optimized and changed to make leveling up a more enjoyable experience. Additionally, players can now progress through the game in a way that suits their playstyle, whether that’s through PvP, PvE, or crafting. However, some players may still find that resource gathering and crafting takes longer to level up than other methods.
Endgame Systems
Another area of the game that received criticism at launch was the endgame system. The system used watermarks to determine the possible Gear Score of every item that drops for players. To increase the watermark, players had to get an item with a gear score higher than the mark. However, buying, crafting, or trading an item would not increase it, meaning that players had to engage in PvE activities like hunting elite mobs, running dungeons, and going on expeditions. The system was criticized for being convoluted and relying too heavily on random number generation (RNG), making it difficult for players to progress.
Updates to the game have simplified the endgame system, allowing players to level up their gear slots to use higher-scored equipment. This also allows players to use crafted armor and accessories, which can be a better option than RNG world drops. This change has been well-received by players, making endgame progression more accessible and less reliant on RNG.
PvP, PvE, and Other Activities
PvP is a core aspect of New World, and the game has seen some optimizations to Territory Wars and Outpost Rushes. However, these changes have not been as significant as the changes made to the grind and endgame systems. The game has also had to deal with some exploits being discovered, but these have been patched out.
A recent addition to the game is the PvP arena, which offers rewards in the form of mystery boxes. However, the rewards being RNG-based has made it difficult for players to participate in the arena for personal progress.
On the PvE side, the game still suffers from repetition, but new expeditions and areas have been added to alleviate this issue. The Tempest’s Heart, for example, has proven to be a challenging addition to the game and has changed it for the better. However, some players may still find the PvE aspect of the game unsatisfying.
Gathering resources for crafting and fishing are still enjoyable activities in the game, and crafting items can be fulfilling. However, the high-level crafting process can be tedious and time-consuming.
Overall, New World has made significant improvements since its release, addressing many of the issues that players had with the game. The changes made to the grind and endgame systems have been well-received, and the game now offers more options for players to progress in a way that suits their playstyle. While the game still has some issues, particularly with the repetition in the PvE aspect, the trend for the game appears to be upward. Players who are interested in a PvP-centered MMO with a crafting component may find New World worth playing in 2023.
