New World: Aeternum, Amazon Games’ soft relaunch of its flagship MMO, has been out for nearly a month, and the impact is undeniable. Now available on PC, Xbox Series S|X, and PlayStation 5, the game has moved from its initial 2021 PC-exclusive launch to a broader audience with the addition of console support. This re-release aims to revitalize New World by addressing past concerns, introducing new features, and, most importantly, building a vibrant community across platforms. However, for veteran PC players, the updates feel less groundbreaking, bringing mixed reactions from different segments of the player base.

A Fresh Start for New Players, Especially on Console

The arrival of New World: Aeternum on consoles has opened the world of Aeternum to a whole new set of adventurers, injecting fresh energy and enthusiasm into the game. For new players, Aeternum offers a streamlined leveling experience that’s a vast improvement over the grind-heavy gameplay of the original release. This revamped progression path makes leveling more rewarding, dynamic, and varied, creating an experience that draws players deeper into the lore and intrigue of Aeternum.

For console players, this iteration of New World essentially feels like a brand-new game, tailored to  buy New World Coins welcome those exploring Aeternum for the first time. The fresh start servers have been a major hit, providing a clean slate that enables newcomers and returning players alike to dive into the game without the sense of being overshadowed by veterans who’ve been around since launch. These servers, bustling with activity, bring back the MMO magic of discovering a world filled with new adventurers at every corner—a feeling that’s harder to replicate on legacy servers.

The Veteran PC Experience: A Mixed Bag

Longtime PC players, however, have a different perspective on New World: Aeternum. The new content additions, while enjoyable, don’t offer as much excitement for those who have already reached max level. The introduction of endgame features such as a new raid and PvP zones are welcome, but they don’t provide enough of a pull to lure established players back en masse. While the endgame content is challenging and well-designed, it primarily appeals to players with a passion for raiding or PvP combat.

Repeatable daily solo trials add a layer of content for solo players, but these activities don’t feel transformative enough to rekindle the interest of many veterans. For high-level players who have already invested hundreds of hours into Aeternum, the new content is more of a subtle enhancement than a full-fledged expansion.

Fresh Start Servers: A Missed Opportunity for Some

The new Fresh Start servers are designed to bring together new and returning players on a level playing field, ensuring that everyone begins with a blank slate. This approach is ideal for console players experiencing the game for the first time or PC players who want a fresh start. However, one downside is that these servers are restricted—veteran players on legacy servers cannot transfer existing characters to Fresh Start servers. This restriction has left some PC players feeling excluded from the bustling activity on these new servers, missing out on the renewed excitement and dynamic player interactions.

While the surge in population on both Fresh Start and Legacy servers has undoubtedly made the world feel alive, the inability to move existing characters to Fresh Start servers has caused frustration among veteran players. Some feel that they are missing out on the best part of New World: Aeternum’s relaunch—the sense of a lively, populated world where everyone starts on an even footing.

The Future of Aeternum

New World: Aeternum is a commendable effort by Amazon Games to address past criticisms and give the game a fresh lease on life. For new players, especially on consoles, Aeternum offers an inviting, immersive experience with  New World Gold improved mechanics and a well-paced leveling journey. The influx of players has added to the vibrancy of Aeternum, with towns and wilderness alike feeling populated and dynamic.

For the veteran PC players, however, the excitement may not run as deep. While the fresh influx of players and endgame content are welcome, there’s a lingering sense that Amazon Games could do more to cater to its established community. Allowing character transfers to Fresh Start servers, or offering more varied content specifically tailored for longtime players, could bridge this gap and ensure that New World remains engaging for all.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, New World: Aeternum is a solid step forward for Amazon’s MMO, especially as it broadens its reach to a new audience on consoles. For those new to the game or starting fresh, Aeternum feels like an expansive, bustling world that has finally found its stride. However, for veteran PC players, the journey is more nuanced, offering a mixed experience that lacks some of the excitement found in previous expansions or updates.

As Amazon Games continues to evolve New World, it will be crucial to address the needs of its varied community to ensure that both new players and veterans can find lasting enjoyment in the world of Aeternum.