New World shows combat system - more like action RPG than MMO

The developers of the open-world MMO New World have released a new Developer Diary. In the video, they showcase the combat system, which strongly resembles an action RPG. The action-packed combat is supported by a skill system for the weapons, making them the classes of the game.

New World is an open-world MMO that aims to combine both PvE and PvP. The combat system is central to both, and the developers at Amazon Game Studios have now provided more details about it.

Below you will find the Developer Diary, which covers the following topics:

The action-packed combat system that is inspired by action RPGs
The progression system, where you can invest skill points into your weapons – this makes them the classes of the game

Why does combat in New World remind of an action RPG?

New World leverages the strengths of traditional MMORPGs, but is modernized on many levels. This includes a real-time combat system that does without tab-targeting and the rigidity that comes with it.

Especially important for combat in New World is a dance of:

Dodging
Positioning
Blocking
Attacking

It is not the best gear and maximized stats that determine the outcome of the battle. Tactical positioning and understanding the moves of the opponents are just as important.

In addition, you can equip three weapons simultaneously and switch between them within seconds. This also contributes to a dynamic combat system that is also a colorful toolbox for various builds and loadouts.

The combat system thus moves more in a direction of the action RPG Dark Souls. From my own experience, I can say that combat in New World feels faster and smoother. You can read more about it in the playtest report I wrote when I attended a preview event at Amazon Game Studios for MeinMMO:

Each weapon has its own skill tree

In New World, there are no character classes. Your playstyle is not defined by a single decision at the beginning of the game.

This is how weapon progression works:

Each weapon type has its own talent tree
The more you use a weapon, the more experience you gain
Through experience, you unlock new skills and bonuses with the weapon

It is possible to focus solely on a specific weapon type or simply try out everything. Just like in the action RPG Monster Hunter World, you are what you wear.

With the different skills, you can flexibly shape the use of your weapons.

Let’s take the axe as an example:

You can either focus on improving your throwing technique with the axe
or increase your melee damage with the axe.

Magic plays a big role

So far, we don’t know much about magic in New World. In the new video, however, we get a glimpse of what it can look like.

Anyone can cast spells in New World. Since there are no fixed character classes, any character can use magic. How strong someone becomes as a mage depends on the attribute points they invest in their character. Magic requires a lot of intelligence and focus.