PvP vs. PvE in New World: A Comprehensive Guide
The world of New World offers diverse gameplay experiences, primarily categorized into PvP (Player versus Player) and PvE (Player versus Environment). The fundamental difference lies in who or what you’re engaging with during your adventures in Aeternum. PvP is when you directly fight against other players, testing your skills and strategies in direct combat. On the other hand, PvE involves battling the game’s environment, including monsters, non-player characters (NPCs), and completing quests and challenges. Understanding these two core modes is crucial for making the most of New World.
Understanding Player vs. Player (PvP) in New World
What is PvP Mode?
PvP, or Player versus Player, in New World focuses on combat between human players. This can range from open-world skirmishes to structured battles like Outpost Rush, a 20v20 mode where teams compete for control of outposts, and Wars, large-scale battles for territory control. Engaging in PvP often requires you to “flag” yourself for PvP, which makes you vulnerable to attacks from players of opposing factions. This system introduces a layer of risk and reward, adding intensity to exploration and resource gathering.
How to Engage in PvP
To activate PvP mode, you need to visit a settlement or a spirit shrine, and then press the designated key (usually “U”) to flag yourself for PvP. A faction stamp in the lower-right corner of your screen indicates your PvP status. Once flagged, you become visible to other players who are also PvP-flagged, and you can engage in combat. However, be aware that unflagging automatically abandons any ongoing PvP missions.
PvP Missions & Rewards
Participating in PvP isn’t just about combat; it’s also about contributing to your faction’s goals. PvP missions are a key component, providing faction reputation, faction tokens, and gold as rewards. These missions often involve weakening the influence of rival factions or reinforcing your own. Successful completion of PvP missions can have a direct impact on the territorial control of different factions, adding a strategic layer to the game.
The Risk and Reward of PvP
PvP in New World inherently comes with risk. Losing a fight can result in lost time and resources, but the rewards for successful PvP engagements can be substantial. Participating in PvP can lead to faster progression, access to unique resources, and the thrill of outwitting and overpowering other players. It’s a high-stakes, high-reward environment that offers a completely different experience from PvE.
Understanding Player vs. Environment (PvE) in New World
What is PvE Mode?
PvE, or Player versus Environment, in New World involves interacting with the game’s world and its AI-controlled entities. This includes questing, exploring, fighting monsters, crafting, and engaging in activities like fishing and hunting. Unlike PvP, PvE is generally more cooperative. Players often team up to tackle difficult content, but the primary focus remains on overcoming challenges posed by the game itself, not other players.
How to Engage in PvE
The majority of your time in New World will likely be spent in PvE content. You can freely engage in exploration, questing, and resource gathering without worrying about attacks from other players, unless you are in a neutral territory and are flagged for PvP. This allows players to focus on leveling up, developing their character’s skills, and completing the game’s story without the need for constant vigilance against other players.
PvE Content and Activities
New World provides a vast array of PvE content, including main story quests, side quests, faction quests (for non-PvP objectives), dungeons (called Expeditions), and open-world activities like gathering and crafting. PvE activities are generally more structured and story-driven, often involving tasks such as retrieving items, defeating specific enemies, or exploring new areas. This mode offers a more relaxed and cooperative environment compared to PvP.
Benefits of PvE Gameplay
PvE is essential for character progression in New World. It provides experience points (XP), resources, crafting materials, and allows you to explore the game’s lore and world. This mode is ideal for solo players or for those who prefer cooperative gameplay against AI-controlled opponents, offering a less competitive and more laid-back experience.
PvP vs. PvE: Which is Better?
The debate about whether PvP or PvE is “better” is subjective. There is no definitive answer as it entirely depends on individual preferences. If you prefer competitive gameplay, intense battles against other human players, and the thrill of high stakes, then PvP might be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, cooperative environment where you can focus on exploring, completing quests, and progressing your character, then PvE will likely be more enjoyable.
Blending PvP and PvE
New World also offers content that blends elements of both PvP and PvE. Outpost Rush is a prime example, combining team-based PvP combat with objectives that require players to fight both each other and AI-controlled enemies. This hybrid approach offers a dynamic and engaging experience that caters to players who enjoy both aspects of the game.
The Choice is Yours
Ultimately, the beauty of New World lies in its flexibility. You can choose to engage primarily in PvP, focus solely on PvE, or find a balance between the two based on your personal preference. Both modes offer unique challenges and rewards, allowing players to shape their own journey in Aeternum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you switch between PvP and PvE mode?
Yes, you can freely switch between PvP and PvE by flagging or unflagging yourself in a settlement or near a spirit shrine.
2. Is it necessary to engage in PvP to enjoy New World?
No, New World offers a significant amount of PvE content, and you can fully enjoy the game without participating in PvP.
3. Does PvP give experience points?
Yes, engaging in PvP activities, particularly PvP faction missions, will reward you with PvP XP.
4. Can I play New World completely solo focusing on PvE?
Yes, you can play New World completely solo and reach the level cap through PvE activities like questing, crafting, and gathering.
5. Can I use my PvE gear in PvP?
While you can use PvE gear in PvP, it is generally not recommended. PvP gear is often optimized for player combat. However, some PvE gear can be useful.
6. Can I use my PvP gear in PvE?
Yes, PvP gear is often viable for PvE activities. Certain PvP gear pieces are sought after for specific builds and roles in PvE.
7. What are PvP faction missions?
PvP faction missions are tasks assigned by your faction that involve undermining enemy influence or securing your own territory. These can reward you with reputation, tokens, and coin.
8. What is Outpost Rush?
Outpost Rush is a 20v20 game mode that blends PvP and PvE elements, where teams compete for control of outposts.
9. Is New World a good MMO for beginners?
Yes, New World is considered very beginner-friendly due to its straightforward mechanics and abundant PvE content.
10. Do gear score upgrades affect PvP?
In New World, upgrading your PvP gear primarily increases the non-PvP item level. The PvP item level is static for all rated gear and does not increase by upgrading.
11. How do I know if someone is PvP flagged?
You can see if a player is flagged for PvP by the faction stamp displayed in the lower-right corner of their screen, and if they are flagged for PvP they will be attackable by members of opposing factions.
12. What does “GG” mean in PvP?
“GG” stands for “Good Game” and is often typed after a PvP match as a sign of sportsmanship.
13. Does gear score matter in PvP?
Yes, Gear Score (GS) plays a significant role in PvP as it affects your damage output and attributes.
14. Can you turn PvP gear into a tier set?
Yes, using a Catalyst, you can convert PvP items from the current and past seasons into tier sets.
15. What is the difference between PvE, PvP and PVC?
PvE stands for Player versus Environment, where you fight AI controlled elements. PvP stands for Player versus Player where you fight other humans. PVC (or more accurately, PvC) also stands for player versus computer, which is another term for player versus AI.