I played New World at launch, took a break around the release of Lost Ark, and returned a few weeks before Season 2. PvP has always been my main reason for playing New World, and I’ve found it to be consistently enjoyable. Whether it’s open-world combat, 3v3 matches, Outpost Rush (OPR), or wars, I simply love the combat system. Over time, I’ve explored various roles, from heals and tanks to bruisers and assassins, but my heart truly belongs to being a bow/DEX main.
I won’t delve into the specifics of gear, perks, new world gold coins or min-maxing, as those aspects tend to develop with experience and personal preferences, depending on the build you enjoy. However, there’s one perk I’d like to mention, which is “hearty” on your ring. It’s the only perk I consider somewhat universal, particularly now that medium and dexterity-based builds rely on 50 stamina per dodge/roll.
In terms of actual gameplay, stamina management has always been the most significant skill gap in the game, without a doubt. Keeping a keen eye on your stamina bar should be your top priority until you can instinctively gauge how much stamina you have based on muscle memory. This involves understanding the rate of stamina regeneration and incorporating jumps between dodges seamlessly. All of this should become second nature. Even when I returned to the game after an extended break, it took me a little over a week to regain the muscle memory I had lost, and I found myself glancing at my stamina bar again.
Surprisingly, there are still many players who consistently deplete their stamina in the worst possible situations. On the flip side, there are individuals who simply move in a straight line in OPR, ignoring their dodge button, while becoming a magnet for every projectile and fireball aimed their way.
In all seriousness, stamina management is crucial. Challenge yourself to make jumping between dodges a habit. You can even jump to evade an attack entirely instead of relying on dodging. Mix things up, like dodging in one direction and then jumping back in the opposite direction. Jump in one direction and immediately dodge backward. Familiarize yourself with erratic movement to make yourself a more challenging target for ranged opponents. Avoid running in a straight line and exhausting your stamina the moment someone starts shooting at you. Once you’ve mastered your stamina management, start observing your opponents’ stamina as well.
Oh, and don’t hesitate to dodge into or through melee attacks or abilities. People often fixate on retreating to create distance and end up being pursued without making the melee opponents adjust their aim. Make them work to keep up with you by changing directions and making them move their camera.
As others have mentioned, dueling is an excellent practice. Whenever you find yourself idling in town, head to the area outside Windsward and challenge others to duels. It’s the most effective way to enhance your mechanical skills. Don’t be afraid to lose; every dedicated PvP player in this game has experienced hundreds or even thousands of duel defeats. Dueling, especially against the same opponents multiple times, helps you measure your progress and allows you to ask questions and gain valuable insights.
