Knowing an opponent's weak point in New World is a huge advantage, and one you should take advantage of at all times.
Here are the five main types of enemy you'll encounter in Aeternum, along with their weaknesses and resistances. We also offer some tips on how to counter them.
Understanding Damage Types
Weapons in New World are allocated either a specific physical damage type, between Slash, Thrust, and Strike, or magical damage type, between Arcane, Fire, Ice, Lightning, Nature, and Void.
Only Arcane, Lightning and Void damage types are not an inherent part of any weapon. To deal this damage, you must use gear and perks that convert a portion of damage to that element.
Here are the types and their weapons:
The Lost
Those doomed to live forever, The Lost are the ghosts, wights, and other undead beings you'll encounter on Aeternum -- including all those pirates lost to the waves.
They are very often in higher concentrations in the regions of Monarch's Bluffs, Brightwood, Reekwater, Weaver's Fen, Restless Shore, and Cutlass Keys.
In addition, The Lost are the main enemy in the Amrine Excavation.
Ancients
The original residents of Aeternum, the Ancients are represented by the skeletal Ancient Guardians you'll find surrounding old ruins and other buildings of interest.
They're mostly found in Weaver's Fen, Windsward, Mourningdale and First Light. Islands of Blades.
They are also the main enemy in both the Starstone Barrows and the Lazarus Instrument.
The Angry Earth
Dryads, terrawolves, and more -- the Angry Earth are the dryads of Aeternum, creatures made of wood and other natural elements who consider our presence an infection.
Edengrove is their home territory, but you'll find them in the Bronzegrove area of Brightwood and in several pockets of Reekwater.
They're also the main enemy in the Garden of Genesis.
The Corrupted
The Corrupted are one of the primary antagonists in New World, and form an important part in the game's PvE content.
Sprouting up everywhere, you'll have to band together with friends to take them down, although they can be found in pockets you can take solo - you can identify them by their red coloring.
They also make up the main body of enemies in both The Depths and the Dynasty Shipyard.
Beasts
The wild animals of Aeternum, Beasts are found everywhere.
From predators like wolves, bears and wild cats to prey such as turkeys, boar and bison, you'll find yourself facing off against them time and time again.
Increasing bonuses against enemies
In addition to enemies' natural resistances and weaknesses, there are multiple ways you can increase your damage against certain types of enemy.
One of these is by using Coatings on your weapons.
A concoction made through the Arcana trade skill, when consumed they apply a percentage bonus to damage when fighting that type of enemy.
They typically come in four strengths:
- Common [x] Coating - 9% bonus damage
- Strong [x] Coating - 11% bonus damage
- Powerful [x] Coating - 13% bonus damage
- Infused [x] Coating - 15% bonus damage
You can also craft Trophies with the Furnishing trade skill, that you can display in your home for additional bonuses.
The Combat Trophies usually come in three levels:
- Minor [x] Combat Trophy - 6% bonus damage
- Basic [x] Combat Trophy - 8% bonus damage
- Major [x] Combat Trophy - 10% bonus damage
Gear bonuses
You can use special resources to add perks to your gear that protect against certain enemy types or deal extra damage against them. This is useful to keep in a Storage Shed for when you're running a particular Expedition.
For example, adding Baetylus when crafting armor protects against the Corrupted, while the Draught of Ancient Essence adds damage absorption against the Lost.
