New World: Aeternum is just around the corner, bringing a fresh wave of excitement and major updates to the game, including new features such as a gear score increase, a dedicated PvP zone, and the much-anticipated crossplay for consoles. This upcoming update, which feels like New World 3.0, promises to breathe new life into the game, making it more accessible and engaging for both new and returning players. One of the highlights for many is the potential of the Fresh Start Servers, which offer the opportunity to re-experience the game from scratch, free from the in-game economy’s established powerhouses and player dominance.

But while many of these updates are being met with optimism, there is one looming concern that Amazon Games has yet to adequately address: tab-lock targeting in PvP. This core change has left many players, particularly the competitive PvP crowd, worried about the future of one of New World's best features — its free-flowing, action-based combat.

Why Tab-Lock Targeting Could Be a Game-Changer (In the Worst Way)

New World has been lauded for its combat system, which deviates from the typical MMORPG tab-targeting mechanic. Instead of  buy New World Coins relying on a traditional system where players lock onto enemies and simply cycle through targets, New World adopts a more action-based approach, similar to games like Dark Souls or Monster Hunter. Players need to aim, dodge, and time their attacks manually, creating a dynamic and skill-based combat system that feels more engaging and rewarding.

For PvP in particular, this action combat system has been one of New World’s standout features. It ensures that skilled players can outmaneuver and outplay their opponents, using precision and timing to gain an advantage. The removal of a tab-lock system makes PvP feel more fluid and competitive, as players can’t just click on an enemy and have their attacks auto-lock. Every swing of a sword or shot of an arrow has to be aimed, and every dodge or parry has to be timed perfectly.

However, rumors have been circulating that Amazon Games is considering implementing tab-lock targeting into New World's PvP system. While there have been no official confirmations, the developer has hinted at potential changes to the game's combat systems, including the way PvP targeting functions. The concern is that this might fundamentally alter the competitive aspect of the game, leading to a less skill-based experience and undermining what has made New World’s PvP combat feel so unique.

What Tab-Lock Could Mean for PvP

If tab-lock targeting is introduced, it could result in several significant changes to how PvP is played:

Reduced Skill Requirement: One of the major appeals of New World’s PvP combat is the high skill ceiling. Players need to be accurate with their attacks, making each duel feel like a test of reflexes and timing. A tab-lock system could lower this skill barrier, making it easier for players to hit their targets without needing to aim or strategize as much.

Less Rewarding Combat: Action-based combat systems are satisfying because they reward precision and practice. A tab-lock system could make combat feel more automated and less rewarding, as players would no longer need to rely on their aim and positioning. Instead, battles might devolve into a matter of who has the better gear or stronger abilities.

Balancing Issues: The current PvP balance is built around the free-aim system. Abilities, weapons, and character builds are designed with the expectation that players need to manually target their opponents. If tab-lock targeting is implemented, it could lead to major balancing issues, as some abilities may become overpowered or underpowered when paired with automatic targeting.

Impact on PvE: While the tab-lock rumor is mainly focused on PvP, there’s a concern that this change could eventually bleed into the PvE side of the game as well. Part of what makes New World engaging is that both PvP and PvE share the same core combat mechanics. If tab-lock is introduced in PvP, it might lead to changes in how enemies are targeted in PvE, potentially simplifying combat across the board.

Will Amazon Games Address Player Concerns?

So far, Amazon Games has been relatively silent on the topic. Though the community has been vocal about their worries regarding the rumored targeting changes, no official statement has been made to confirm or deny the possibility of tab-lock targeting being introduced. This silence has only added to the anxiety among the  New World Gold player base, with many hoping that Amazon will retain the current combat system, or at least offer more clarity on any proposed changes.

That said, the developer has mentioned that there will be “adjustments” to aim-locking in PvP, which has left players speculating. Whether these adjustments will be minor tweaks or a complete overhaul remains to be seen.

Conclusion

With the upcoming New World: Aeternum update on the horizon, there’s a lot to be excited about: fresh content, new PvP zones, crossplay support, and gear score increases. However, the potential for tab-lock targeting in PvP has cast a shadow over these positive changes. One of New World's defining features has been its action-based combat, and any move toward simplifying this system could risk alienating the game’s core audience.

For now, players can only wait and see how Amazon Games addresses this concern. Hopefully, they’ll recognize the importance of maintaining New World’s unique combat style and find a way to improve the game without sacrificing what made it great in the first place.