New World: Aeternum is Amazon Games' action-combat MMO set on the supernatural island of Aeternum, recently rebranded and relaunched with major improvements. The game features real-time combat with no tab-targeting, territory wars where player companies fight for control of settlements, and a deep crafting system where player-made gear rivals endgame drops. With the Aeternum relaunch adding a new solo-friendly storyline and console release, the game has found its footing after a rocky launch.
New World: Aeternum features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everfall | Level 1-25 | Central hub, trading post, starter quests | Healer |
| 2 | Windsward | Level 1-25 | Amrine Expedition access, farming resources, starter gear | Healer |
| 3 | Cutlass Keys | Level 25-35 | Orichalcum nodes, mid-level gear, pirate aesthetic | Tank |
| 4 | Brightwood | Level 30-40 | Starstone Barrows Expedition, corrupted content, story progression | Tank |
| 5 | Shattered Mountain | Level 60+ | Endgame expeditions, elite enemy loot, endgame crafting materials | Tank |
Everfall — Starting Area
The central settlement and main trading hub. Contains the most active Trading Post on most servers. Centrally located, making it ideal for a home base. Frequently contested in territory wars due to high tax revenue.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 1-25 |
| Key Rewards | Central hub, trading post, starter quests |
| Recommended Build | Healer |
| Key Equipment | War Hammer |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of territory wars — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Windsward.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Windsward — Early Game
A popular starting zone south of Everfall with lush farmland and good beginner quests. Contains Amrine Excavation (first expedition). Often the second territory claimed by companies due to proximity to starting beaches.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 1-25 |
| Key Rewards | Amrine Expedition access, farming resources, starter gear |
| Recommended Build | Healer |
| Key Equipment | War Hammer |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering crafting progression — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for War Hammer if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Cutlass Keys.
Cutlass Keys — Mid Game
A coastal pirate-themed zone with undead enemies and ocean content. Mid-level zone with good Orichalcum nodes for endgame crafting. The pirate aesthetic and beach setting make it visually distinct.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 25-35 |
| Key Rewards | Orichalcum nodes, mid-level gear, pirate aesthetic |
| Recommended Build | Tank |
| Key Equipment | War Hammer |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Great Axe becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master expedition dungeons for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Brightwood — Late Game
A forested zone with corrupted enemies and the Starstone Barrows expedition. Mid-level content with a mix of corrupted and angry earth enemies. Important for main story progression.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 30-40 |
| Key Rewards | Starstone Barrows Expedition, corrupted content, story progression |
| Recommended Build | Tank |
| Key Equipment | Great Axe |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Great Axe should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- housing mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Shattered Mountain.
Shattered Mountain — Endgame
The endgame PvE zone with level 60+ content, corrupted breaches, and endgame expeditions. Contains the Genesis and Lazarus expeditions. Elite enemies drop endgame gear. The toughest open-world content.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 60+ |
| Key Rewards | Endgame expeditions, elite enemy loot, endgame crafting materials |
| Recommended Build | Tank |
| Key Equipment | Great Axe |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with PvP Bruiser for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — Everfall → Windsward → Cutlass Keys → Brightwood → Shattered Mountain. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More New World: Aeternum Guides
- New World: Aeternum New World: Aeternum Overview
- New World: Aeternum Best Builds
- New World: Aeternum Tier List
- New World: Aeternum Walkthrough
- New World: Aeternum Beginner's Guide
- New World: Aeternum Tips & Tricks
- New World: Aeternum Weapons Guide
- New World: Aeternum Combat Guide
- New World: Aeternum Boss Guide
- New World: Aeternum Crafting Guide
- New World: Aeternum Classes & Characters
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