Several changes have been made to New World since its initial release in 2021, particularly when it comes to leveling. New World Aeternum is the latest game (for consoles, at least) in the crowded MMORPG genre. The first thing gamers think of in this space is builds, and how to level up towards that perfect build to then enjoy the end game content. This game has its own unique take on builds through archetypes, and if you are looking for ways to level up, that is exactly what we have detailed out in this guide for you.
Here is our New World Aeternum leveling guide, where we take you through early game tips, ways to use travel to your benefit to level up, how to use factions to earn XP and more!
New World Aeternum Leveling Guide
In New World: Aeternum, there are many different ways to level up. You can take part in quests, faction missions, corrupted portals, expeditions, and many more to max out. But, as a new player, you should try to enjoy the journey of leveling up in New World: Aeternum. Since the process of leveling up is straightforward and doesn’t take too long, focus on team building and upgrading gear.
But before we begin, it is worth noting that if you don’t have the Rise of the Angry Earth Expansion, you won’t be able to reach level 65. Instead, you will be maxed out at level 60.
Archetypes: Which One To Choose?
Archetypes are like a starting point in New World: Aeternum, but players are not forced into their choices. You can switch between weapons and trade skills at any point of time. You can even level all trade skills and weapons to their maximum. So, don’t stress over which archetype to choose.
Recommended archetypes include:
- Soldier: For its versatility
- Occultist: For more advanced skills.
While they offer useful trade skills, it is important to pick one archetype that seems fun to you.
Quests: The Main Source of Experience
Unlike other MMORPGs, New World: Aeternum does not rely on grinding mobs for XP. The majority of your XP will come from completing the main story quests. Besides, you will find side quests located near the main story missions, and it is best to complete both in cycles.
Early Game Tips
Complete Beach Quests: At the beginning of the game, make sure you complete the quests on the beach. If you rush into a settlement without finishing these, you will be forced to go back, which can be frustrating. So don’t do that.
Collect Lore Pages: Pick up every lore page you find, as they offer valuable XP, particularly in the early game when leveling quickly can help you progress.
Town Boards: Not Worth It Anymore
In the early days of New World, when it was available only on PC, town board missions were an effective way to level up. This is no longer the case right now. Town boards now offer minimal XP, so it is best to stick to the main storyline and side quests for leveling in New World Aeternum.
Important Items From Main Quests
An important reason to follow the main quest line is that it provides some great loot like the Azoth Staff, which is crucial for progressing through the game. Without this staff, certain parts of the game will be difficult to access to play. Therefore, always make sure that you are completing the main quests.
Pro Travel Tips
Traveling between quests can eat up a lot of your time, but thankfully there are ways to cut a lot of it out, or use the travel to your advantage by gaining extra XP. Here are some travel tips that will help you:
- Movement Speed: Walking on roads gives you a +15% movement speed bonus, so stick to the roads whenever possible.
- Inn and Fast Travel Shrines: Set your inn as early as possible, this helps you fast travel back to the settlement from anywhere on the map. Also, make sure to unlock every fast travel shrine that you come across when exploring.
- Mounts: Once you reach level 20, you can unlock a mount by completing a quest in Northern Everfall. Having a mount will significantly reduce travel time, so pause your other activities at level 20 to get this done.
Expeditions & Level Milestones
Expeditions are extremely important for your leveling. As you level up, you will reach some milestones that unlock valuable rewards. Here are the significant ones:
- Level 17: Unlocks the ability to join factions.
- Level 20: Unlocks the ring slot, the Azoth staff, PvP arenas, and the mount quest.
- Level 33: Grants access to the Starstone Barrows Expedition.
- Level 43: Unlocks the Depths Expedition.
- Level 50: You can now participate in Invasions and unlock the main quest to obtain Azoth Staff upgrade.
- Level 55: Grants access to the Dynasty Shipyard Expedition.
- Level 62: Allows access to the Heart Rune slots by completing the quest Secrets of the Heart Gem in Brimstone Sands.
- Level 65: You unlock Artifacts. They are unique and rare items that change the way you play.
All these expeditions offer repeatable quests, providing extra XP, so make sure to pick up the quests before heading into these dungeons.
Participating In Expeditions Is Important
If you are a lone player or finding it difficult to team up with suitable players for expeditions, there is an option to skip these group activities. Usually, expeditions offer significant XP and valuable loot, so participating in them is very beneficial for leveling up.
Complete Faction Missions To Boost XP
After reaching level 17, you will be able to join one of three factions: The Marauders, The Covenant, or The Syndicate. Joining a faction unlocks daily faction missions, which provide bonus experience and gold for completing up to three missions every day. Further, if you choose to participate in PvP, flagging yourself for open-world PvP gives a 10% XP boost.
Prepare for Endgame Content Level 62 Onwards
After reaching level 62, prioritize completing the Secrets of the Heart Gem quest in Brimstone Sands as this will unlock your Heart Rune slots. It is an essential part of New World Aeternum leveling as you approach the higher-level content.
Your gear score should be around 630 to 650 by the time you reach level 65. This will allow you to participate in harder expeditions and endgame activities, such as the Hive of the Gorgons. In order to continue progressing your gear score, aim to take part in mutations and higher-level content that will eventually push your gear score to 725.
Well, that’s all we have here with our New World Aeternum leveling guide. We hope that after following this guide, you will be able to efficiently level up your character quickly in New World Aeternum.