New World: Aeternum - Exploring All Archetypes

In New World: Aeternum, players can choose from seven distinct archetypes, each with its own unique blend of weapons and trade skills. These initial choices are important for shaping the early stages of the game, but players will eventually gain the flexibility to alter their builds. Whether you're an experienced MMORPG player or new to the genre, there's an archetype tailored to your playstyle. This guide will help you select the right one by breaking down each archetype's key strengths, weapons, and abilities.

1. The Soldier

Ideal for Tank Builds

- Weapons: Sword and Shield, Hatchet  

- Armor: Heavy  

- Trade Skills: Weaponsmithing, Mining, Smelting  

The Soldier is a reliable pick for all types of players, whether you're new to the game or a seasoned veteran. In solo play, the Soldier excels at absorbing damage while dishing out powerful attacks with either the Sword or Hatchet. The added boost in crafting weapons and gathering resources through mining and smelting allows players to craft powerful gear early on. Thanks to attribute scaling in Strength and Dexterity, the Soldier is a fast and versatile combatant.

For those interested in PvP, the Soldier archetype makes an excellent tank, balancing offense and defense. If you’re drawn to the heart of battle and don’t mind absorbing hits for your team, the Soldier offers a strong start, especially if you're unsure of your preferred playstyle.

2. The Ranger

Best All-Rounder

- Weapons: Bow, Spear  

- Armor: Medium  

- Trade Skills: Engineering, Logging, Woodworking  

The Ranger is a versatile ranged fighter. The Bow provides excellent area-of-effect (AOE) abilities, capable of controlling multiple enemies at once—great for both PvP and PvE scenarios. The Spear complements the Bow when enemies close in, making it effective for both crowd control and single-target engagements. Although mastering the Bow and Spear combo takes time, it's highly rewarding once perfected. Additionally, the Ranger's Dexterity-based weapons can be swapped for the Hatchet, another powerful weapon.

The Ranger’s focus on Engineering and Woodworking makes this archetype ideal for players who want to enhance their resource-gathering capabilities. This archetype is perfect for players looking to profit from their crafting skills while staying nimble in combat.

3. The Mystic

Best for Healers

- Weapons: Life Staff, Void Gauntlet  

- Armor: Light  

- Trade Skills: Arcana, Harvesting, Weaving  

The Mystic excels in healing and support, making it indispensable in group settings. While it may not seem like a priority for solo players early on, the Mystic plays a vital role in team battles, offering healing abilities, buffs for allies, and debuffs for enemies. This archetype is crucial in raids and group combat modes, where teamwork and survival matter most.

With the Arcana trade skill, Mystics can craft potions and magical weapons, while Harvesting and Weaving help create armor with beneficial buffs. Veteran players will appreciate this archetype for its strategic advantages, and its utility makes it invaluable in large-scale battles.

4. The Destroyer

Best for DPS

- Weapons: Great Axe, Hammer  

- Armor: Heavy  

- Trade Skills: Armoring, Skinning, Leatherworking  

For players focused on raw damage output, the Destroyer is a perfect choice. Armed with heavy two-handed weapons like the Great Axe and Hammer, the Destroyer excels in dealing devastating blows in close combat, particularly in PvP group fights. However, the slower attack speed makes this archetype less effective for solo play, as it can be overwhelmed without a team.

The Destroyer shines in short, explosive bursts of combat, making it ideal for charging into the enemy's front lines. However, due to the slow nature of its weapons, it’s crucial for the Destroyer to have allies who can provide support.

5. The Occultist

Best for AOE Damage

- Weapons: Fire Staff, Ice Gauntlet  

- Armor: Light  

- Trade Skills: Jewelcrafting, Mining, Smelting  

The Occultist wields the power of fire and ice, combining these elements for impressive AOE damage and crowd control. The Fire Staff offers powerful ranged attacks, while the Ice Gauntlet provides debuffs and damage-over-time effects (DOT). Though solo players may find the lack of defense challenging, the Occultist thrives in group settings where teammates can cover its weaknesses.

In terms of trade skills, the Occultist's focus on Jewelcrafting allows players to create valuable gems and magical trinkets, which can either enhance their character's abilities or be sold for gold. For players aiming to combine strong AOE attacks with profitable crafting, the Occultist is an excellent choice.

6. The Musketeer

Best for Experienced Players

- Weapons: Musket, Rapier  

- Armor: Light  

- Trade Skills: Armoring, Harvesting, Weaving  

The Musketeer requires precision and strategic thinking, making it a better fit for experienced players. The Musket offers long-range accuracy, while the Rapier provides quick, close-quarters combat. Timing and positioning are crucial, as missed shots result in lengthy reload times. This archetype excels in PvP, but its single-target focus may struggle against large enemy groups.

Although challenging for new players, the Musketeer rewards mastery with high damage potential. In PvE, however, the lack of crowd control means the Musketeer relies on fast, accurate strikes. This archetype is best for players who enjoy a high-skill ceiling and aren’t afraid to take on a challenge.

7. The Swordbearer

Best for Close-Range Combat

- Weapons: Greatsword, Blunderbuss  

- Armor: Heavy  

- Trade Skills: Cooking, Fishing, Leatherworking  

The Swordbearer thrives in close-quarters combat, wielding the massive Greatsword and Blunderbuss to deliver heavy hits. The Greatsword provides AOE damage with its sweeping attacks, while the Blunderbuss devastates enemies at short range. This combination makes the Swordbearer an excellent frontline fighter in group battles, but it struggles at long distances.

The Swordbearer’s trade skills in Cooking and Fishing, however, don’t complement its tank-like combat abilities. While Leatherworking is useful for crafting sturdy armor, players may find the other trade skills less beneficial for enhancing their combat effectiveness.

With these seven archetypes, New World: Aeternum offers players a wide range of playstyles and strategies. Whether you prefer dishing out damage, healing allies, or gathering resources, there's a class to suit your needs. Choose wisely, as your initial choice can define your early adventures in this immersive world.