Amazon Games is gearing up for the exciting launch of New World: Aeternum Season 8, known as the Season of the Divide, which will kick off on Tuesday, May 13. With this new season, players can explore fresh PvP modes, dive into the brand-new Barbershop, and participate in a host of limited-time events.
For those who crave an adrenaline rush, the upcoming introduction of the Hardcore Seasonal World in early June is something to look forward to. This part of the update promises more intense activities and fiercer enemies, but with the upside of faster leveling and quicker gear acquisition for those brave enough to take it on. This change brings a focus on high-risk, high-reward gaming, yet players of all skills can find something enjoyable in the wealth of new content.
Since its PC-exclusive launch in September 2021, New World, which later expanded to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in October 2024 under the name New World: Aeternum, has continually evolved with many updates. Season 8 keeps up this trend by unveiling a fresh Season Pass alongside numerous improvements aimed at enhancing player experience.
Set to debut in early June, the Hardcore Seasonal World will present characters with an “unfallen” status, giving them the opportunity to level up and gather gear more swiftly through a streamlined main quest. Those who manage to survive without dying can access elite rewards. While the challenge is steep, with rewards lost upon a single death, characters stay available and there’s much more to uncover even after falling. More details on this Hardcore mode will be shared in an upcoming blog post by Amazon Games.
As we march into this fresh season, players can anticipate new maps and modes, such as the Coral Divide Outpost Rush and limited-time 10v10 Capture the Flag PvP modes. A fresh 3v3 Arena map is also in the pipeline, and players can battle mighty level 70 Expedition bosses in these events, earning coveted loot to aid in endgame adventures.
The introduction of the Barbershop opens up fresh customization opportunities. Tokens, either earned in-game or bought from the in-game store, allow players to modify their character’s appearance, with one complimentary token available through the Season Pass. The Pass offers both Free and Premium Tracks, featuring a myriad of rewards from Lich Gloves and Vampire Vestments Artifacts to exclusive Fallen Set weapon skins, each offering something for every type of player.
Throughout this season, many thrilling seasonal events and activities will return, such as Springtide Bloom and Faction Fest: Expeditions, offering a chance to earn new rewards and experience spring-themed aesthetics. To complement these happenings, quality of life improvements will be implemented to refine gameplay.
In Season 8, PvP gets a makeover, allowing players who opt in for PvP to place faction-only destructible camps, offering a tactical depth to combat encounters. Other significant changes include introductions like the Ready Up feature for quicker PvP match initiation, a Spectator Cam for post-death viewing, and new survival potions enhancing various aspects of combat survivability.
A reevaluation of targeting mechanics aims to rekindle the skill-based nature of combat by adjusting aim assist, particularly for controller users, to maintain the balance and challenge in player-versus-player scenarios.
Tech-wise, expect enhanced performance and visual upgrades for Nvidia GPUs, alongside DirectX 12, now the default setting on Steam, delivering greater stability and eye-catching graphics.
This season promises an action-packed slate, whether you’re taking on the Hardcore challenges or simply exploring the many new features and events. New World: Aeternum continues to evolve, maintaining its fascination for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
