So, you've hit level 60 in New World and are ready to tackle the toughest challenges Aeternum has to offer? Awesome! But to conquer those expeditions and dominate in PvP, you're going to need the best endgame weapons. Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through some of the top weapon choices, where to find them, and why they're so darn good. Let's dive in and get you armed to the teeth!

Understanding Endgame Weapon Acquisition in New World

Before we jump into specific weapons, it's important to understand how endgame gear works in New World. Unlike the early and mid-game where you might rely on crafted items or quest rewards, endgame weapons primarily come from a few sources. Knowing these sources is key to efficiently gearing up. Endgame weapons often drop from high-level enemies in specific zones, particularly named bosses within expeditions (dungeons) and elite areas. These drops are not always guaranteed, so be prepared to grind! Crafting can also yield powerful weapons, but requires significant investment in trade skills and often relies on rare resources and schematics. Keep an eye on the Trading Post, as other players may be selling the weapons you desire, though be prepared to pay a premium for top-tier items. Faction vendors offer some decent gear, but generally not the absolute best in slot items. Weapon and Armor Expertise plays a huge role; you will want to increase this as much as possible to maximize the gear score of items you can use effectively. To increase your expertise level, you'll want to use Gypsum orbs which can be obtained by doing a variety of daily activities. Also, keep in mind that many of the best weapons have specific attribute requirements, so ensure your character build aligns with your weapon choice. Experimenting to see what weapon works best is key.

Top Endgame Weapon Choices

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best endgame weapons in New World, categorized by weapon type:

Great Axe

The Great Axe remains a powerhouse for both PvE and PvP, offering excellent AoE damage and strong crowd control. For those who love to cleave through groups of enemies or disrupt enemy formations in wars, the Great Axe is a top-tier choice. Many of the best Great Axes come from endgame expeditions. Greataxe is really strong when paired with a warhammer. Several key perks can significantly boost the Great Axe's effectiveness. Refreshing Move reduces cooldowns on skills when you successfully land light or heavy attacks. This allows for more frequent use of abilities like Whirlwind and Gravity Well. Keen and Vicious increase critical hit chance and damage respectively, further enhancing the Great Axe's offensive capabilities. Sundering Shockwave can apply rend to targets hit by Shockwave. Bloodlust grants a damage bonus when near enemies. For attributes, focus primarily on Strength, as it directly increases Great Axe damage. Some players also invest a small amount in Constitution for increased survivability. When using Great Axe, knowing how to effectively manage its range is critical. The Great Axe has a relatively short reach, so staying within striking distance while avoiding enemy attacks is essential. Use movement abilities like charge and dodge to close gaps and reposition yourself during combat. Timing your attacks is also crucial; heavy attacks deal significant damage but have a longer animation, leaving you vulnerable to interruptions. Practicing your attack combos and knowing when to use light or heavy attacks will significantly improve your effectiveness with the Great Axe.

War Hammer

The War Hammer is another excellent choice for melee DPS, specializing in crowd control and applying debuffs. If you enjoy stunning enemies, weakening their defenses, and disrupting their attacks, the War Hammer might be your weapon of choice. Warhammer is considered to be one of the best weapons for wars. The Warhammer's strength lies in its ability to inflict status effects such as stun, weaken, and rend. These debuffs can significantly reduce enemy damage output and increase their vulnerability to attacks, making the Warhammer a valuable asset in group PvE content and PvP battles. A well-timed Shockwave or Wrecking Ball can turn the tide of a fight. Armor Breaker and Sundering Shockwave are essential for any serious War Hammer user. Like the Great Axe, prioritizing Strength is key for maximizing War Hammer damage. However, because the War Hammer's primary role is often crowd control and debuffing, investing in Constitution for increased survivability is also a viable option. Being able to withstand enemy attacks while delivering devastating blows is crucial for a War Hammer build. Knowing how to effectively combine your abilities is crucial for maximizing the War Hammer's effectiveness. For example, using Shockwave to stun enemies followed by a heavy attack can deal significant damage while keeping them incapacitated. Experiment with different ability combinations to find what works best for your play style and the situation at hand. Be mindful of your positioning, as the War Hammer's slow attack speed can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks. Use your crowd control abilities to create openings and keep enemies at bay, and be prepared to dodge or block incoming attacks. With practice and a well-thought-out build, the War Hammer can be a formidable weapon in any situation.

Hatchet

For those who favor a fast-paced, aggressive playstyle, the Hatchet is a fantastic option. The Hatchet is a one handed weapon that lets you pair it with a shield. The Hatchet is known for its high damage output and mobility, allowing you to quickly dispatch enemies and move around the battlefield with ease. Berserk grants increased damage, movement speed, and healing. The Hatchet's damage scales primarily with Strength, making it a natural choice for melee-focused builds. However, some players also invest in Dexterity to increase their critical hit chance and damage, further boosting the Hatchet's offensive capabilities. With the Hatchet, mastering the art of dodging and weaving is crucial for staying alive and dealing consistent damage. The Hatchet's relatively short range means you'll need to be up close and personal with your enemies, making you vulnerable to their attacks. Use your mobility to your advantage, dodging incoming attacks and repositioning yourself to maximize your damage output. Knowing when to use your abilities is also essential. Berserk can provide a significant damage boost, but it also leaves you vulnerable to crowd control effects. Use it wisely and be prepared to disengage if necessary. With practice and a well-optimized build, the Hatchet can be a devastating weapon in the right hands.

Sword and Shield

The classic Sword and Shield is a versatile choice, offering a balance of offense and defense. If you like being a tanky character who can withstand a lot of damage while still contributing to the fight, the Sword and Shield might be perfect for you. Sword and Shield is a good way to start. The Sword and Shield's strength lies in its ability to block incoming attacks and protect allies, making it a valuable asset in group PvE content and PvP battles. The Defender tree focuses on defensive abilities, while the Swordmaster tree enhances offensive capabilities. Choose the tree that best suits your play style and the needs of your group. For attributes, focus primarily on Constitution for increased health and survivability. Some players also invest in Strength to increase their damage output, but prioritizing survivability is generally more important for a tank build. When playing as a tank, your primary role is to draw enemy aggro and protect your allies. Use your shield to block incoming attacks and position yourself strategically to absorb damage. Communicate with your group to coordinate your movements and ensure that you're always in a position to protect them. Knowing when to use your abilities is crucial for effective tanking. Shield Bash can interrupt enemy attacks and create openings for your allies, while Defiant Stance can mitigate a significant amount of damage. Use these abilities wisely to keep your group safe and control the flow of combat. With practice and a well-optimized build, the Sword and Shield can be a formidable weapon in any situation.

Spear

The Spear is a Dexterity-based weapon that excels at crowd control and applying debuffs from a safe distance. If you enjoy poking enemies from afar, disrupting their attacks, and setting up opportunities for your teammates, the Spear might be the weapon for you. The Spear is a Dexterity weapon that can be used with the Rapier. The Spear's strength lies in its reach and ability to control the battlefield. Its long range allows you to safely engage enemies from a distance, while its crowd control abilities can disrupt their formations and create openings for your allies. A well-timed Sweep or Javelin can turn the tide of a fight. Perforate applies rend to targets. Refreshing Javelin reduces the cooldown of Javelin when hitting a target. For attributes, focus primarily on Dexterity to increase your damage output. Some players also invest in Constitution for increased survivability, but prioritizing damage is generally more important for a Spear build. With the Spear, learning how to effectively manage your distance is crucial for staying alive and dealing consistent damage. Use your long range to your advantage, poking enemies from afar and avoiding their attacks. Be mindful of your positioning, as the Spear's slow attack speed can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks. Use your crowd control abilities to create openings and keep enemies at bay, and be prepared to dodge or block incoming attacks. With practice and a well-thought-out build, the Spear can be a formidable weapon in any situation.

Musket

The Musket is a ranged weapon that excels at single-target damage from a long distance. If you prefer to stay far away from the action, sniping enemies from a distance, the Musket might be right up your alley. The Musket is best used for single target pvp. The Musket's strength lies in its accuracy and long range, allowing you to safely engage enemies from a distance and pick them off one by one. A well-aimed headshot can deal devastating damage. Powder Burn applies burning. Shooter's Stance increases accuracy. For attributes, focus primarily on Dexterity to increase your damage output. Some players also invest in Intelligence to increase their mana pool and reduce their cooldowns, but prioritizing damage is generally more important for a Musket build. When using the Musket, mastering the art of aiming and positioning is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Find a safe spot where you can see the battlefield and pick off enemies without being detected. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the Musket's slow reload speed can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks. Use your traps and other utility abilities to keep enemies at bay, and be prepared to reposition yourself if necessary. With practice and a well-optimized build, the Musket can be a devastating weapon in the right hands.

Bow

The Bow is a ranged weapon that excels at sustained damage and mobility. If you enjoy kiting enemies, dealing damage on the move, the Bow might be the weapon for you. The Bow is a ranged weapon that is perfect for beginners. The Bow's strength lies in its mobility and versatility, allowing you to quickly move around the battlefield while dealing consistent damage. A well-aimed barrage of arrows can quickly bring down enemies. Penetrating Shot goes through enemies. Rain of Arrows deals damage in an area. For attributes, focus primarily on Dexterity to increase your damage output. Some players also invest in Constitution for increased survivability, but prioritizing damage is generally more important for a Bow build. With the Bow, mastering the art of kiting and positioning is crucial for staying alive and dealing consistent damage. Use your mobility to your advantage, kiting enemies around the battlefield and avoiding their attacks. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the Bow's draw time can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks. Use your dodges and other movement abilities to keep enemies at bay, and be prepared to reposition yourself if necessary. With practice and a well-optimized build, the Bow can be a devastating weapon in the right hands.

Fire Staff

The Fire Staff is a magical weapon that excels at dealing damage over time and area-of-effect damage. If you enjoy burning enemies alive, setting the battlefield ablaze, the Fire Staff might be the weapon for you. The Fire Staff's strength lies in its ability to deal consistent damage over time and control the battlefield with area-of-effect spells. A well-placed Fireball or Incinerate can quickly decimate enemy groups. Fireball deals area damage. Incinerate deals high burst damage. For attributes, focus primarily on Intelligence to increase your damage output. Some players also invest in Constitution for increased survivability, but prioritizing damage is generally more important for a Fire Staff build. When using the Fire Staff, mastering the art of positioning and timing is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Stay at a safe distance from enemies and use your area-of-effect spells to control the battlefield. Be mindful of your mana, as the Fire Staff's spells can quickly deplete your mana pool. Use your mana potions and other utility abilities to keep your mana high, and be prepared to reposition yourself if necessary. With practice and a well-optimized build, the Fire Staff can be a devastating weapon in the right hands.

Ice Gauntlet

The Ice Gauntlet is a magical weapon that excels at crowd control and debuffing enemies. If you enjoy slowing enemies down, freezing them in place, the Ice Gauntlet might be the weapon for you. The Ice Gauntlet is a magic weapon that pairs well with the Void Gauntlet. The Ice Gauntlet's strength lies in its ability to control the battlefield with crowd control spells and debuffs. A well-timed Ice Storm or Ice Shower can slow down enemies, while an Ice Wall can block their path. Ice Storm slows enemies. Ice Shower slows and hinders enemies. For attributes, focus primarily on Intelligence to increase your damage output. Some players also invest in Constitution for increased survivability, but prioritizing utility and crowd control is generally more important for an Ice Gauntlet build. When using the Ice Gauntlet, mastering the art of positioning and timing is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Stay at a safe distance from enemies and use your crowd control spells to control the battlefield. Be mindful of your mana, as the Ice Gauntlet's spells can quickly deplete your mana pool. Use your mana potions and other utility abilities to keep your mana high, and be prepared to reposition yourself if necessary. With practice and a well-optimized build, the Ice Gauntlet can be a devastating weapon in the right hands.

Life Staff

The Life Staff is a magical weapon that excels at healing allies and keeping them alive. If you enjoy supporting your teammates, keeping them healthy, the Life Staff might be the weapon for you. The Life Staff is one of the best healing weapons. The Life Staff's strength lies in its ability to heal allies and keep them alive. A well-timed Sacred Ground or Beacon can quickly heal allies, while a Divine Embrace can provide burst healing. Sacred Ground heals allies in an area. Divine Embrace provides a burst heal. For attributes, focus primarily on Focus to increase your healing output. Some players also invest in Constitution for increased survivability, but prioritizing healing is generally more important for a Life Staff build. When using the Life Staff, mastering the art of positioning and timing is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Stay at a safe distance from enemies and use your healing spells to keep your allies alive. Be mindful of your mana, as the Life Staff's spells can quickly deplete your mana pool. Use your mana potions and other utility abilities to keep your mana high, and be prepared to reposition yourself if necessary. With practice and a well-optimized build, the Life Staff can be a devastating weapon in the right hands.

Void Gauntlet

The Void Gauntlet is a magical weapon that excels at both dealing damage and supporting allies. If you enjoy a versatile playstyle, dealing damage while keeping your allies healthy, the Void Gauntlet might be the weapon for you. The Void Gauntlet has quickly become a favorite among many players due to its versatility and powerful abilities. The Void Gauntlet's strength lies in its ability to deal damage and support allies. A well-timed Orb of Decay can damage enemies and heal allies, while a Void Blade can deal burst damage. Orb of Decay damages enemies and heals allies. Void Blade deals burst damage. For attributes, focus primarily on Intelligence to increase your damage and healing output. Some players also invest in Focus to further increase their healing output, but prioritizing a balance between damage and healing is generally more important for a Void Gauntlet build. When using the Void Gauntlet, mastering the art of positioning and timing is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Stay at a safe distance from enemies and use your abilities to damage enemies and heal allies. Be mindful of your mana, as the Void Gauntlet's spells can quickly deplete your mana pool. Use your mana potions and other utility abilities to keep your mana high, and be prepared to reposition yourself if necessary. With practice and a well-optimized build, the Void Gauntlet can be a devastating weapon in the right hands.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best endgame weapon in New World ultimately comes down to your play style, your group composition, and the content you're tackling. Experiment with different weapons, try out different builds, and find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to respec your attributes and try something completely new! The beauty of New World is that you can adapt your character to suit any situation. And remember, gear is only one part of the equation. Skill, teamwork, and a good understanding of game mechanics are just as important. So, get out there, grind those expeditions, and become a legend of Aeternum!