Combat in New World relies on a system of strengths and weaknesses. Each weapon does a certain type of damage, and each enemy is either strong or weak against a certain damage type. To make the most out of the system, you’ll need to know which weapons do which damage types, and which weapons you should bring to any given fight. Luckily for you, we can help with that.
New World damage types: Physical and elemental
There are nine different damage types in New World: three physical, and six elemental. Each of the game’s weapons deal at least one type of physical damage with the exception of arms labeled as magical weapons.
Physical damage is broken down into three damage types: Slash, Thrust, and Strike. Each of these types of damage correspond to different types of weapons:
- Slash: Axes, Swords, Hatchets, Rapiers
- Thrust: Bows, Spears, Muskets, Rapiers, Swords
- Strike: War Hammers
As for elemental damage, things are a bit more complicated. Elemental damage can be dealt with certain weapons, including staves like the Fire staff. However, others, such as Void, are applied through perks.
Here’s a look at each type of elemental damage in New World:
- Arcane
- Fire
- Ice
- Lightning
- Nature
- Void
All enemy weaknesses in New World
Now that you know which different types of damage you can deal, it’s time to put your power to the test. Each type of enemy mob in New World so far is classed into one of five categories: Ancients, Angry Earth, Corrupted, Lost, and Beasts. And as you might have guessed, each of these enemy archetypes have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s a look at each enemy type in New World as well as the damage types they are both weak and strong against:
- Ancients
- Weak against Strike, Void, and Lightning
- Strong against Slash and Fire
- Angry Earth
- Weak against Slash and Fire
- Strong against Thrust and Lightning
- Corrupted
- Weak against Thrust, Nature, and Arcane
- Strong against Strike and Ice
- The Lost
- Weak against Strike, Ice, and Nature
- Strong against Thrust and Void
- Beasts
- Weak against Thrust
To make the most out of combat in New World, you’ll want to bring weapons and gear that deal the appropriate damage type. If you know you’re going to take on Ancients, for instance, bring along your sword and shield. It’s okay if you don’t always have the right kind of attacks ready, but you’ll stand much better chances if you come prepared. Needless to say, doing so will help you reach the max level cap that much faster.
