The open beta of New World Aeternum has started and many interested players are flocking to Aeternum. The many discussions on Reddit show that many participants of the test have a need to talk after the first hours.
What test is currently running? Since September 13, 2024, everyone interested can try out the new Aeternum version of New World on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for a few days as part of an open beta.
Aeternum contains the adapted and partially expanded version of the MMORPG from Amazon Games, which goes live on October 15, 2024, and also aims to support the latest consoles for the first time. MeinMMO’s initial conclusion about the test: Don’t worry, New World Aeternum is still an MMORPG, and a good one, even on PS5 and Xbox.
Here you see the trailer for the open beta of New World Aeternum:
Community is torn
How is the community currently evaluating the open beta test? Clearly, many participants of the test have a need to talk. This is shown by the various discussions on Reddit, often with dozens or even over 100 comments.
What stands out: Many participants draw a positive conclusion and are looking forward to the upcoming launch of New World Aeternum.
- Katgoop writes, for example (via Reddit): “I played the open beta of Aeternum, and honestly, it felt completely different, in a good way. I liked it a lot. Unfortunately, there are only a day or two left until the open beta ends.”
- DarkkzBTW is happy (via Reddit): “It’s so nice to see players in the world again. […] With this beta, it’s so nice to see that people are playing again, and when I’m looking around, I see people around me who are also searching. It feels fresh and new. I am very satisfied with the beta so far and I’m looking forward to the launch!”
- The conclusion from remarkable501 (via Reddit): “I played the open beta for about 4 hours. The short version is that it gives me hope that this game can be saved, and I have enjoyed it so far.”
- Electrical_Party20 adds (via Reddit): “This version of the game is objectively the best so far, which doesn’t say much. It’s hard to make it worse. But it has cost us 7 months without updates and silence.”
Players like vandersonmr also positively highlight that New World Aeternum runs at a steady 60 fps on the Steam Deck (via Reddit).
What criticism does the community express? Some testers also express concerns or criticism.
- The Gladex writes (via Reddit): “While it’s nice that there are some better animations and character models, there simply aren’t enough changes to justify a return. If you didn’t like the game before, you won’t like it now either.”
- The assessment from F_DeX (via Reddit): “They have accepted that they have failed as an MMO, and now they are trying to re-launch the same game for a console audience that likes single-player or co-op RPGs, pretending it’s an AAA RPG to get more money.”
- PinkBoxPro did not have fun (via Reddit): “I only played for 3 hours. Honestly, it was pretty boring. Still good for first-time playthrough, but for those of us who have already experienced and finished it, it’s not worth it.”
- Shrenku looks at the endgame (via Reddit): “Literally no new content is being added. There’s a reason the beta is limited to level 30. It’s like the 3rd time they have reshaped the experience from 1 to 30, which wasn’t necessary and no one asked for. Once you reach the endgame, you can see how bad it is.”
Moreover, it is criticized that New World Aeternum offers a target lock in PvP.
- Caeckie writes (via Reddit): “Somehow the game is turning into a tab-target MMORPG for ranged weapons, which is really bad, because I assume these weapons are tuned to the fact that you can miss and therefore will likely be OP if you have 100% accuracy.”
What new content is in New World Aeternum? The new version of New World aims to turn the MMORPG more into an action RPG. With the update, gameplay and user interface will be adjusted and improved for the console. The combat system is set to become much more action-oriented, and controllers will also be better supported.
New content includes, for the first time, a 10-player raid, a faster leveling system, and solo challenges in the endgame. New character archetypes and a large PvP zone are expected to be included in the expansion. For story fans, there is a new dialogue system and an improved storyline. All information about the console launch (PS5 and XBOX) – release, map, new content, PC version, and price of New World Aeternum.
