Can You Avoid PvP in New World?
Yes, absolutely! You can completely avoid Player versus Player (PvP) combat in New World if you choose to. While the game does have a PvP component, it is entirely optional and doesn’t force players into engagements they don’t want. This is a significant departure from its original design, which was initially envisioned as a PvP-focused game. The current iteration of New World provides a robust Player versus Environment (PvE) experience that can be enjoyed without ever flagging yourself for PvP. This approach makes the game accessible to a wider audience, catering to both those who enjoy competitive player interactions and those who prefer exploring and conquering the world’s challenges solo or with friends.
The Optional Nature of PvP in New World
New World’s design gives players control over their PvP participation. You must actively choose to flag yourself for PvP within a Sanctuary area by pressing “U” while in game. Once flagged, you are vulnerable to attacks from other flagged players, but if you don’t flag yourself, you remain safe from PvP combat. This means that most of your time in New World, exploring, questing, crafting, and completing dungeons, can be spent without any risk of encountering adversarial players.
The optional nature of PvP also means that players can seamlessly switch between a PvE and PvP focus. For instance, if you’re primarily a PvE player, you can still flag yourself for PvP from time to time to gain the 5% experience boost or participate in faction missions that offer unique rewards. The freedom to toggle PvP on or off at will is a feature that benefits both PvP enthusiasts and those who prefer a more solitary or cooperative experience.
Benefits and Drawbacks of PvP in New World
While avoiding PvP is entirely possible, engaging with it does offer some benefits, along with certain risks:
Benefits of Flagging for PvP
- Experience Boost: Players who flag themselves for PvP receive a 5% increase in experience points (XP) earned from all activities. This bonus can significantly speed up leveling, especially in the early stages of the game.
- Faction Missions: Certain Faction Missions are designed specifically for PvP, providing opportunities for conflict with opposing factions, unique rewards such as 300 Azoth Salt and 500 PvP XP and opportunities to dominate the map.
- Engaging Open World Combat: For players who enjoy direct combat with other players, PvP provides a dynamic and challenging environment. It introduces an element of risk and reward, as victories can be satisfying and defeats can be a learning experience.
Drawbacks of Flagging for PvP
- Increased Vulnerability: Once flagged, you are open to attack by any other flagged player, regardless of level. This can be especially challenging for low-level players who might encounter more experienced and powerful enemies.
- Potential for Griefing: While most players engage in fair PvP, there is always the risk of griefing, where higher-level players might target lower-level players just to disrupt their gameplay.
- Loss of Resources: While you won’t lose items upon being defeated in New World, you will have downtime from respawning and returning to where you were, so this can be a waste of time when trying to complete missions.
Understanding Gear Score and Its Role in PvP
Gear Score (GS) plays a crucial role in both PvE and PvP in New World. Your character’s damage output, survivability, and the total amount of attributes are directly tied to your gear score and mastery levels. Higher Gear Score items provide better stats and perks, but it’s important to remember that perks, not just the score itself, are the critical determining factors of power.
In PvP, a higher Gear Score does give you a considerable advantage but is not the only factor. A high score with sub par perks won’t be as beneficial as a mid-score build with highly synergized perks. Skill, strategy, and knowing how to combine your abilities are equally important factors that will determine if you win or lose in PvP. Players can reach a maximum gear score cap of 625, at which point they will have to work hard to optimize each piece of equipment.
How to Avoid PvP in New World
The process is straightforward:
- Do not flag yourself for PvP: When you’re in a Sanctuary, do not press “U”. As long as you remain unflagged, you are entirely safe from PvP combat.
- Stay away from contested areas: Certain areas are more likely to see PvP activity. If you’re trying to avoid it, stick to safe zones and focus on PvE content.
- Join a PvE-focused company: Playing with a company that shares your preferences can ensure that the people around you are also more interested in avoiding PvP.
- Use social settings: Communicate with other players. If you’re looking to engage in friendly PvE content or want to join a group for a dungeon, let people know that your focus is on avoiding PvP.
New World: A Game for Everyone
The decision to make PvP optional has helped New World broaden its appeal. The game has successfully incorporated both PvP and PvE components, meaning the game is suitable for both styles of play. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of player-versus-player combat or you prefer the more collaborative aspects of exploring and conquering the environment, New World provides a diverse and engaging experience that caters to different player preferences. The developers have acknowledged that initially, the game was intended to be a PvP-focused experience but then later adjusted to include more PvE elements. This flexibility allows players to enjoy the game according to their own styles and preferences, making it more enjoyable for the masses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Avoiding PvP in New World
1. How do I turn on PvP in New World?
You can enable PvP by pressing the “U” key when you are inside a Sanctuary, like a town or outpost. You will receive a notification once you are successfully flagged.
2. Is it possible to be forced into PvP?
No, you will never be forced to participate in PvP. You must actively choose to flag yourself in order to participate.
3. Can I turn off PvP after enabling it?
Yes, you can turn off PvP anytime by returning to a Sanctuary and pressing “U” again. You’ll be unflagged and safe from PvP once the notification is displayed on your screen.
4. What is the benefit of turning on PvP?
The main benefit of flagging for PvP is a 5% increase in experience points, and access to faction PvP missions with their unique rewards and goals.
5. Will I lose my items if I die in PvP?
No, you will not lose items upon dying in PvP. You’ll respawn at your selected camp or town, and be able to get right back to what you were doing (or look to avenge yourself!)
6. How do I know if another player is flagged for PvP?
Flagged players will have their faction emblem displayed in the lower right of their screen as well as an obvious and visible symbol above their heads.
7. Does Gear Score matter in PvP?
Yes, Gear Score plays a significant role in PvP. Higher Gear Score items grant increased stats, damage, and defense. However, perks are equally important, and skilled players can overcome a disadvantage in gear score.
8. Is New World mainly a PvP or PvE game?
New World is designed to offer a balance of both PvP and PvE. The optional PvP system allows players to engage in both forms of gameplay without being forced into activities they don’t wish to do.
9. Can I enjoy New World solely as a PvE player?
Yes, you can absolutely enjoy New World entirely as a PvE player. There is plenty of content, like questing, crafting, dungeons, and group events that can be completed without ever participating in PvP.
10. How solo friendly is New World?
New World is very solo friendly for its PvE content. You can easily level up by completing quests and exploring the world alone. However, for certain end-game content, group play is generally required.
11. Can I change between PvE and PvP gameplay modes?
Yes, it’s easy to change between modes. As long as you are in a Sanctuary you are free to toggle your PvP status as you see fit.
12. What are the endgame PvE activities?
Endgame PvE activities include dungeons and mutated expeditions, as well as elite zones and the associated challenges.
13. Is New World pay-to-win?
New World is not pay-to-win. While there are optional purchases that provide cosmetic items or offer a bit of progression help, everything is obtainable through normal gameplay as well.
14. Is New World a good MMO for beginners?
Yes, New World is considered beginner friendly. Its straightforward mechanics, combined with plenty of opportunities to play solo or with others, make it a great gateway for players new to the MMO genre.
15. What does PvX mean in New World?
PvX is a shorthand term meaning Player versus Everything. It indicates a player or a guild that focuses on all aspects of the game, including PvE, PvP, and social interactions.
Hopefully this answers all your questions about avoiding PvP in New World! Enjoy your time exploring the world and remember to play how you want to play.