When New World first launched in September 2021, Amazon Games entered the MMORPG market with high ambitions. The game offered an expansive world, rich crafting, and PvP battles, but it also faced challenges. Over time, updates improved performance and content, yet some players moved on. Fast forward to October 2024, and the developers unveiled New World: Aeternum, not just an update but a reimagining of the entire experience.
This version is being called the “new era” of the game designed to welcome back old players, appeal to new audiences, and make the once-PC-exclusive title available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. With its polished features, solo-friendly gameplay, and cross-platform support, Aeternum marks a significant milestone.
What Is New World: Aeternum?
At its core, New World: Aeternum is a redesigned action RPG built from the foundation of New World. It takes the DNA of the MMORPG but focuses on accessibility, flexibility, and storytelling. Amazon Games shifted from a strictly group-centered MMO to an experience that works equally well for solo adventurers.
This doesn’t mean the game abandoned its roots players can still join raids, dungeons, and PvP zones. Instead, the change ensures no one is locked out of progress if they prefer to play alone. That design choice is key to the relaunch. For many, Aeternum feels like a spiritual successor to New World rather than just a patch.
Release and Platforms
The original New World launched on PC in September 2021. With Aeternum, Amazon Games expanded to new territory. The release date was October 15, 2024, and for the first time, the world of Aeternum became available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
For PC players who already owned the Rise of the Angry Earth expansion, the transition was free, bundled into their existing game. Console players, however, needed to purchase New World: Aeternum as a full package, which included both the base game and the expansion.
Cross-platform play is a standout feature. PC, PlayStation, and Xbox users can share the same servers and adventures, ensuring a larger, more connected community. However, characters cannot be transferred across platforms, meaning each account must start fresh on the platform it was created.
Gameplay Enhancements
One of the biggest draws of Aeternum is its improved gameplay systems.
Solo-friendly design ensures that players can progress through the story without needing to group up. Group content is still available and rewarding, but optional. This is a refreshing change for RPG fans who prefer immersion without relying on random matchmaking.
Swimming a long-requested feature has been added, allowing for smoother exploration of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. While small, it makes the world feel more complete.
Archetypes at character creation give players direction early on. Choosing from roles like Soldier, Ranger, or Mystic offers recommended starting paths, but these archetypes don’t lock builds. As before, weapon choice and skill training ultimately define a character’s growth, keeping the sandbox approach intact.
New Content and Features
With the relaunch, Amazon Games introduced entirely new content that enriches the endgame and variety of activities.
10-player raid – Ruche des Gorgones: This raid challenges groups with mechanics that require teamwork and coordination, offering unique rewards and progression.
New PvP zone – Foglands: Competitive players can dive into this new zone designed for large-scale battles, resource control, and strategic skirmishes.
Soul Trials – solo challenges: These trials allow individuals to face powerful bosses without needing a raid group, rewarding players who master combat mechanics on their own.
Seasonal events and new gear tiers keep progression fresh. The gear score cap was raised, offering new build opportunities and keeping long-time players engaged.
Together, these features show Amazon’s commitment to balancing solo and group experiences, making Aeternum flexible for different playstyles.
Technical and Visual Improvements
Beyond new content, Aeternum focuses on polish. The user interface was completely redesigned, streamlining menus and improving readability. Console-friendly layouts make the game far easier to navigate with a controller.
Performance and visuals have also seen upgrades. Lighting, textures, and animations were enhanced, and cinematic cutscenes now support the narrative. Some veteran players noted the world feels slightly less “raw” than before, but most agree the improvements make the experience smoother and more immersive.
Story and World Updates
Another defining feature is the rewritten narrative flow. Early game pacing has been adjusted with cinematic storytelling, better quest structures, and clearer direction for new players. Instead of wandering aimlessly, adventurers are guided through Aeternum’s lore more effectively.
The island of Aeternum itself remains the centerpiece mysterious, cursed, and full of opportunity. The new approach makes the world feel alive, encouraging exploration whether solo or with allies.
Cross-Platform Play
Cross-play is a major advancement for Aeternum. PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players now adventure together, removing the platform barriers that often fragment online communities.
This benefits matchmaking, social play, and server activity. However, as mentioned, characters cannot transfer between platforms. This means a player on PC cannot carry progress to console, and vice versa. While some see this as a limitation, others view it as a chance to start fresh.
Benefits of New World: Aeternum
The benefits of Aeternum depend on who you are:
- New players enjoy a smoother introduction, improved UI, and a story-driven solo path.
- Returning players get new raids, zones, and challenges without needing to pay again if they already owned the expansion.
- Console gamers finally have access to Amazon’s RPG, fully optimized for controllers.
On top of that, the crafting and progression system remains one of the strongest in the genre. Players can “learn by doing,” leveling trade skills organically. Crafted items often rival or surpass drops, adding meaning to resource gathering and marketplace trading.
Combat also benefits from flexibility. Archetypes provide guidance, but builds remain weapon-driven, allowing experimentation and creativity.
Player Impressions
Early impressions from the community reflect cautious optimism. Many welcome the solo-friendly design, the ability to swim, and the improved onboarding. Casual players appreciate being able to enjoy the full story without needing to join a guild.
On the other hand, some MMO purists feel that shifting toward solo accessibility removes part of the genre’s charm. Others note that while the visuals are upgraded, they have lost some of the unique atmosphere from the original launch.
Still, the majority agree that Aeternum is a strong step forward one that blends the best of RPG and MMO experiences.
Is It Worth Playing in 2025?
The ultimate question: is New World: Aeternum worth your time now?
For newcomers, the answer is yes. It provides a polished, modern RPG experience with depth and flexibility, especially for those on console who never had access before.
For returning players, the free update, new content, and smoother systems make it worth revisiting. Even if you stepped away years ago, Aeternum feels refreshed and inviting.
For RPG fans in general, it strikes a balance. It may not be as hardcore as Elden Ring or as traditional as Final Fantasy XIV, but it offers an accessible, rewarding world to explore.
Conclusion
New World: Aeternum is not just an update it’s a rebirth. By opening the gates to consoles, embracing solo players, and enriching the world with new content, Amazon Games has turned a once-polarizing MMORPG into a flexible action RPG.
Whether you’re stepping onto Aeternum’s shores for the first time or returning after years away, the new era is here. The island is alive, the challenges are fresh, and the journey is yours to shape.
FAQs
Is New World: Aeternum free for PC players?
Yes. If you already owned New World and the Rise of the Angry Earth expansion, the Aeternum update came at no extra cost on PC.
Can you play New World: Aeternum solo?
Absolutely. The game was redesigned to allow solo progression through the full story, while still offering group content for those who want it.
Does Aeternum support crossplay?
Yes. PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S players can all play together on shared servers, making the world more connected.
Can I transfer my character between platforms?
No. While crossplay exists, characters cannot be transferred from PC to console or vice versa. Each platform requires a separate character.
What new content does Aeternum add?
Players get access to a 10-player raid, a new PvP zone called Foglands, solo boss challenges, and seasonal events with expanded gear progression.
