New World Aeternum: The Ultimate Weapon Combos Guide for Mastering Combat

Key Takeaways:

• The Bow and Hatchet combo is agile with high DPS, perfect for solo players.
• Fire Staff and Rapier emphasize damage over time (DOT), great for sustained pressure.
• Greatsword paired with Sword & Shield brings balanced offense and defense for heavy hitters.

In New World: Aeternum, your weapon choice is more than just a matter of preference it defines your playstyle, strategy, and even your success in both PvE and PvP. While the game assigns players a starting weapon combo, as you progress, you’ll quickly realize that experimenting with different pairings can give you a competitive edge.

This guide explores the best weapon combinations in New World that cater to various playstyles. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a PvP enthusiast, or part of a dungeon-raiding squad, there’s a combo here that’s right for you.

Bow and Hatchet: The Agile DPS Powerhouse

Best Bow Abilities: Penetrating Shot, Evade Shot, Poison Shot
Best Hatchet Abilities: Berserk, Raging Torrent, Rending Throw

For those who prioritize agility and fast-paced combat, the Bow and Hatchet combo offers a deadly balance between ranged and close-quarters attacks. The Bow, a fan-favourite for its range and high damage, is perfect for solo players who prefer keeping enemies at a distance. Its abilities, such as Penetrating Shot and Poison Shot, make it a versatile tool for dealing damage from afar.

But when enemies get too close, the Hatchet shines. Known for its fast and frenzied melee attacks, the Hatchet allows you to switch seamlessly between ranged combat and up-close brawling. The combination of Berserk (which boosts attack speed and healing) with the Bow’s AOE damage makes this a formidable weapon pair for both PvE and PvP scenarios.

Fire Staff and Rapier: The DOT Masters

Best Fire Staff Abilities: Fireball, Flamethrower, Pillar of Fire
Best Rapier Abilities: Flurry, Flourish and Finish, Tondo

The Fire Staff and Rapier pairing is all about dealing damage over time (DOT). This combo allows you to control the battlefield by applying consistent, burning damage from the Fire Staff, while the Rapier adds bleed effects up close.

The Fire Staff is perfect for players who prefer to maintain distance while dishing out high amounts of damage through Fireball and Flamethrower. But once the enemy closes the gap, the Rapier steps in, delivering fast and precise strikes. Its bleed abilities from the Tondo skill tree work hand-in-hand with the Fire Staff’s burn effects, making this duo perfect for players who love sustained damage without relying on huge burst attacks.

Greatsword and Sword & Shield: Heavy Hitters with Defense

Best Greatsword Abilities: Relentless Rush, Onslaught, Skyward Slash
Best Sword & Shield Abilities: Upheaval, Whirling Blade, Shield Bash

If you like to deal heavy damage but want a layer of defense, the Greatsword and Sword & Shield combo is your go-to option. The Greatsword hits hard, thanks to abilities like Relentless Rush and Onslaught, but it comes with a drawback: increased damage taken. This is where the Sword & Shield steps in to balance the scales.

With the Sword & Shield, you can block attacks, control the battlefield, and unleash quick strikes. The Swordmaster and Defender skill trees offer abilities that negate stagger, keeping you on your feet and allowing you to counter enemies effectively. This combination is perfect for players who enjoy switching between tanking and dishing out massive damage, especially in group PvE content like raids or dungeons.

Musket and Rapier: Precision, Traps, and Quick Strikes

Best Rapier Abilities: Flurry, Flourish and Finish, Tondo
Best Musket Abilities: Stopping Power, Traps, Sticky Bomb

The Musket and Rapier combo focuses on precision and versatility. The Musket, with its long-range capabilities, allows you to take out enemies from afar, rewarding players who can land critical hits and headshots. But when the battle gets close, the Rapier is there for fast-paced, up-close combat.

One of the most exciting aspects of this combo is the Musket’s traps. The Trapper skill tree allows you to slow enemies, giving you time to switch to the Rapier and finish them off. Sticky Bombs and Traps keep enemies immobilized, while the Rapier’s Flurry ability lets you land multiple hits in quick succession. This combo requires practice but is incredibly rewarding once mastered.

More Advanced Combos to Consider

While the above combinations are some of the most popular and effective in New World: Aeternum, there are other combos that players can experiment with depending on their playstyle:

• Spear and Hatchet: For players who love agility, the Spear and Hatchet combo provides smooth, fast attacks with mid-range options.
• Rapier and Ice Gauntlet: This combo emphasizes crowd control with the Ice Gauntlet’s freezing abilities and the Rapier’s bleed effects for sustained damage.
• Life Staff and Hatchet: A hybrid build for players who want to deal damage while having healing capabilities. This is perfect for solo content or as a backup healer in group play.

Tips for Mastering Your Combo

• Experiment with skill trees. Every weapon in New World has multiple skill trees, allowing you to customize your abilities. Try different combinations to see which works best for your playstyle.
• Learn to switch efficiently. Weapon switching is key to surviving in tough battles. Practice switching between ranged and melee weapons to maximize your damage output.
• Prioritize gear and attributes. Certain weapon combos benefit from specific stats like Dexterity, Strength, or Intelligence. Ensure your gear supports your weapon of choice.

FAQ

Q: Can I switch weapons in the middle of the game?
A: Yes! New World allows players to switch weapons freely, and it’s highly encouraged to try out different combos as you progress through the game.

Q: What is the best weapon combo for solo players?
A: The Bow and Hatchet combo is one of the best for solo adventuring, offering a balance of ranged and melee attacks with high damage and mobility.

Q: What should I focus on for PvP?
A: For PvP, consider weapon combos like Musket and Rapier, or Greatsword and Sword & Shield. These pairings allow for high burst damage and defensive options, crucial in player-versus-player combat.

Q: Can I use magic and melee together?
A: Absolutely! The Fire Staff and Rapier is an excellent combination that blends magic attacks with close-range melee strikes.