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Do You Have to Do the MSQ in New World? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: No, you do not HAVE to do the Main Story Quest (MSQ) in New World, but it is highly recommended. While New World offers a sandbox environment where you can explore and engage in various activities, the MSQ is a crucial component that significantly enhances your overall experience and unlocks essential features. Skipping it entirely might hinder your progression and enjoyment of the game. Let’s dive into why and explore the nuances.

The Importance of the MSQ

The Main Story Quest in New World is not just a linear path; it’s an integral part of the game’s structure. It acts as a guided tour through Aeternum, introducing you to its lore, characters, and various systems. Here’s what you stand to gain by following it:

Unlocking Key Features: The MSQ often rewards you with vital items such as the Azoth Staff, which is essential for interacting with corrupted breaches and accessing high-level content. Completing certain MSQ segments also opens up expeditions (dungeons), crafting tiers, and other critical game features.
Lore and Narrative: The story quests provide the foundation for understanding New World’s world and its conflicts. They offer insights into the history of the island, the motivations of different factions, and the overarching mysteries you’ll encounter.
Experience Points (XP): The MSQ is a significant source of XP, often providing a considerably higher amount compared to side quests or other activities. While you can level up through other methods, the MSQ is an efficient way to boost your character’s level quickly.
Progression Path: The quests help guide you through different territories, introducing you to the diverse resources, enemy types, and challenges that each region offers. This structured progression is especially helpful for new players.
Rewards: Completing MSQ chapters grants you not only XP but also valuable gear, weapons, and resources that are beneficial for your character’s development. These rewards often aid you in tackling higher-level content.

When You Might Skip Parts of the MSQ

While the MSQ is highly beneficial, there might be times when you consider skipping parts of it. Here’s when this might be a viable option:

Solo Play: If you prefer playing solo, the MSQ may lead you into expeditions that are designed for groups. While some players might opt to skip these, it’s worth noting that many expeditions can be completed by smaller, well-coordinated groups, and they unlock key features.
Group Difficulties: If you’re having trouble finding a group for a particular expedition, skipping that specific quest might be tempting. However, this approach might temporarily stall your progress, as certain MSQ paths may be necessary to continue the main storyline.
Alternative Leveling: If you prefer to level through gathering, crafting, or PvP, you can certainly do so, but be aware that your character’s overall progression may be slower without the substantial XP from the MSQ.

Alternative Paths Beyond the MSQ

Although the Main Story Quest is highly recommended, it’s not the only path to follow in New World. Here are some alternatives:

Side Quests: Numerous side quests are scattered throughout the world. These are less structured than the MSQ but provide good experience, gold, and loot. They also offer a more detailed look into local settlements and their unique challenges.
Gathering and Crafting: Spending your time gathering resources and crafting items can be an engaging alternative to questing. Crafting is also vital to equip your character with better gear and gain economic independence within the game.
PvP and Faction Missions: Joining a faction opens up access to PvP missions and opportunities to participate in territory control battles. These can be a source of XP, money, and powerful gear.
Weapon Mastery: Killing enemies and engaging in combat is also an effective way to level up your weapon mastery. Certain locations, such as Channelview Post and Oceanview Post, are great for quickly leveling weapon mastery due to the density of enemies.
Exploration: New World rewards exploration. Simply wandering around and discovering new areas, completing landmarks, and encountering different enemies can be a rewarding way to play, although it is not the fastest route to level up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I play with friends in New World?

Yes, you can play with friends, but ensure you are in the same world within the same World Set. Due to random starting areas, you may need to meet up in-game if you start separately to begin the MSQ or other content together.

2. What is the best starting zone in New World?

Many players consider Everfall to be the best starting zone due to its central location on the map and abundance of resources.

3. How does co-op work in New World?

Co-op requires being in the same world and grouped up. You can participate in quests, expeditions, and other activities together, contributing to the overall progress of your team.

4. How long does it take to max level in New World?

The time it takes to reach the max level (currently level 60) varies. It can range from 30 to 100 hours depending on your playstyle and focus. Following the MSQ can reduce the time it takes to hit max level.

5. Is there a Main Quest in New World?

Yes, the Main Story Quest (MSQ) takes players throughout Aeternum, providing lore, NPC interactions, and important progression milestones.

6. What happens after level 60 in New World?

Once you reach level 60 and complete the main storyline, you can dive into the Brimstone Sands questline and engage in endgame activities, such as expeditions, territory control, and gearing up for more challenges.

7. What is the hardest skill to level in New World?

Furnishing is often considered the most difficult trade skill to level due to its complexity and resource demands.

8. Can you max out everything in New World?

While trade skills have no level cap and allow you to gain better recipes and bonuses, weapon skills are limited. So while you can technically “max” your weapon mastery level, you cannot have a “max level” in all trade skills because there is no limit.

9. How fast can you get to level 60 in New World?

Following the MSQ efficiently, alongside optimized gameplay, can lead you to level 60 in about 30 hours, though this may take longer if you are playing less efficiently or engaging in other activities.

10. What is the best leveling build in New World 2023?

The combination of the Fire Staff and Ice Gauntlet is considered a strong DPS build, suitable for both leveling and PvP.

11. What is the fastest way to level weapon mastery in New World?

Areas like Channelview Post and Oceanview Post offer great opportunities to quickly level up your weapon mastery by engaging numerous enemies at once and then killing them all.

12. What is the easiest trade skill to level in New World?

Mining, Logging, Harvesting, and Tracking/Skinning are considered the easiest and essential skills to level for every type of character.

13. How do you get good gear in New World?

Good gear can be obtained through drops from enemies, crafting, the trading post, faction vendors, outpost rush crates, and completing special armor quests.

14. What is the best attribute in New World?

While Strength offers more melee attack power, the versatility of Dexterity makes it a desirable second attribute for many builds.

15. What is the best skill for making money in New World?

Armoring, Jewelcrafting, and Weaponsmithing are considered the best crafting skills for making gold in the New World due to the high demand for crafted gear.

Conclusion

While the Main Story Quest in New World is not mandatory, it offers a rich experience, guides your progression, and unlocks crucial features. While you may deviate and explore other avenues, be aware of the benefits and challenges associated with skipping parts of the MSQ. Understanding the balance between the main story and alternative gameplay paths can help you optimize your journey through Aeternum. Whether you choose to prioritize the story or blaze your own trail, New World offers a variety of ways to engage with its world.

Do you have to do the MSQ in New World?