New World
Review

New World (2021) is an online role-playing game where you colonise fictional land modelled after 1600s colonial America in the Atlantic Ocean. The world is persistent and accommodates 1000s of players to create a living breathing eco-system in MMO (Masively Multiplayer Online) style.

You are shipwrecked on a supernatural island corrupted by an ancient power. You start by choosing your geographical region and start out playing solo or with real world friends. Your character can be customised before entering the game at level one.

As you progress you can team up with up to 5 other players and join factions (Marauders, Syndicate, and Covenant). Using resources to craft items and win battles you gain control over settlements. Azarath is the magical currency in the game. Collecting it gives you more powers and abilities. It makes things both more beautiful and more deadly. There are quests to take on that further develop your abilities, or you can explore the sandbox at your own pace, encountering other players and monsters.

But as well as collecting things and winning battles, how you play will affect how your character develops. There is no class system. Your approach is determined by your skill and equipment. If you want to be the best blacksmith or fighter, you need to put time in practising that activity.

The game's currency is gold coins that can be traded for items they salvage. You need currency to repair equipment after battles as well as purchase better weapons. You can purchase and furnish housing that help you recover as well as travel quickly between properties you own.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked New World 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 22 months ago.