New World – Insights from Creative Director David Verfaillie on Game Balance and More

The latest update for New World is a significant one, arriving after the launch of “Rise of the Angry Earth,” providing players with an opportunity to explore the changes on live servers. The discussion touches on various aspects, including the game’s PvE and PvP balance, the performance of the Flail since the expansion’s release, and other issues the development team is currently addressing.

The conversation delves into the alterations made to the gearing system with the introduction of artifacts, which is a noteworthy aspect of the expansion. A simplified gearing system has been well-received, removing the need for expertise and Umbral Shards. The intention is for players to earn gear based on their activities and the difficulty level they engage with. However, certain aspects, such as PvP gear, Outpost Rush caches, and Arena, have been identified as areas that may require some adjustments.

In terms of gear progression, while it has become faster, the data shows that only approximately 3.2% of players have full 700 gear sets, indicating that the progression rate remains manageable, albeit slightly accelerated.

The addition of named item upgrades has been positively received, providing flexibility to diversify build options. Artifacts, too, have proven effective, and more thematic artifacts are expected with each season, as mentioned in a recent community Q&A. The development team is actively working on issues like the Ankh and continuously monitoring artifacts to ensure they do not disrupt game balance.

The Flail is noted for feeling well-balanced and has gained popularity in Expeditions, becoming the most used weapon at the time of the discussion. If you don’t have enough New World Gold to get this weapon, then what’s the hesitation, go to MMOexp and buy it! Regarding the overall game balance in New World, with the introduction of the first expansion, substantial changes have not yet materialized. The increased options and variety of changes introduced are referred to as being “in flux” by Verfaillie. The next update is expected to provide more data and answers, addressing concerns of overpowered or underpowered elements, and the team remains open to feedback to make further adjustments.