The MMO New World has received a new update in the Alpha. This update focuses on adjustments to the combat system and a new weapon, the hatchet.
What is currently happening with the MMO? After a playtest event in August, New World disappeared again into a closed Alpha. Because there was quite a bit of criticism about the game and alongside the quests, the combat system in particular didn’t fare well.
However, the developers have been working intensively on exactly that for the last few months. We already reported in November about the new spear, adjustments to the staff and the combat in general, as well as the new area Reekwater Swamp. But it doesn’t stop there.
In the latest blog post, the developers explained what has happened in December. In this, the next weapon, the hatchet, was introduced. Additionally, there are several adjustments to the combat system that are supposed to make it more action-packed and dynamic. Many changes sound as if New World is getting the combat system it deserves.
More dynamics through less waiting time and quick cancellations
What has changed? The list of changes is long. We present to you the most important adjustments that will make the battles more dynamic and interesting:
- There is no longer a global cooldown on abilities of different weapons
- Hit detection has been improved so that players do not hit nothing
- A stunlock, as it was possible for a time with the axe, is no longer supposed to exist. Light and heavy attacks no longer interrupt the target
- The recovery time after sustaining hits has been shortened
- The recovery time after certain abilities (generally known as aftercast) has been reduced
- You can now cancel abilities, attacks, and dodges earlier and more precisely to execute another action
- Some animations have been adjusted to make combat smoother
- You can now easily heal yourself by holding the “CTRL” key while using the ability
- There is now a specific sound for a critical hit
Additionally, there have been balance adjustments for the bow, making it slightly weaker overall. However, it should still be the case that allied players can intercept the arrows with this weapon. Exceptions should now be large bosses that can still be hit.
You can view all the complete adjustments on the New World website.
What is new? In addition to the adjustments to combat, the new weapon hatchet was also introduced. This is primarily supposed to perform “sweeping attacks”:
- The Marauder skill tree focuses on high damage and multiple hits, with which you can carve through your opponents.
- The Reaper skill tree focuses on controlling groups of enemies and preventing them from fleeing. With these abilities, you can control the course of battle while your allies finish off the enemies that have fallen for your trap.
Additionally, there is a quest for the legendary hatchet “The Reformation,” which players can start from level 60.
PvP duels to get used to fighting against players
Another new feature introduced in December is the duel system:
- All players over level 10 can start duels, regardless of faction or PvP marking
- Duels cannot be started in settlements or during wars or invasions.
- Players can start duels by hovering the mouse over another player’s name in the chat or menu and clicking “Invite to duel” or typing “/duel [player name]” in the chat.
- If there is outside interference, the duel will end.
- You can duel either solo or in groups of up to 5 players.
Since you do not get completely killed in a duel, there are no disadvantages and players can get used to PvP.
Until the release of New World, quite a bit seems to be happening with the MMO. When exactly the game will be released is still unknown. You can find all previous info regarding the release here:
Amazon shows the release of New World in the shop – Will the MMO be released in May 2021?
