In New World: Aeternum, shields are a crucial part of many weapon combinations, offering both defensive capabilities and offensive potential. This guide will delve into the different types of shields available, their characteristics, and how they integrate with various weapons to enhance gameplay in both PvE and PvP environments.

Types of Shields in New World Aeternum

There are three primary types of shields in New World: Aeternum: Round Shields, Kite Shields, and Tower Shields. Each type has distinct attributes that cater to different playstyles and situations.

In New World: Aeternum, players can acquire new gear and enhancements using new world coins, which are essential for upgrading and enhancing shields and other equipment. This currency allows players to purchase materials, repair gear, and engage in various economic activities that support character growth and strategic gameplay improvements. By effectively managing new world coins, players can ensure they have the best shields and weapons to excel in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Additionally, a solid understanding of how to use one's wealth wisely can lead to a more satisfying and competitive gameplay experience.

1. Round Shields

  • Weight: Lightest among the three types.

  • Block Stability: Lowest, meaning more stamina is consumed when blocking attacks.

  • Damage: Highest among the shields.

  • Ideal Use: Best for maximizing damage output in questing or 1v1 PvP scenarios. However, they are not suitable for tanking in Expeditions or large-scale PvP due to their low block stability.

2. Kite Shields

  • Weight: Twice as heavy as Round Shields.

  • Block Stability: 10% higher than Round Shields.

  • Damage: About 10% less than Round Shields.

  • Ideal Use: Offers a balanced mix of offense and defense, making them suitable for players who need to switch between attacking and defending frequently.

3. Tower Shields

  • Weight: Twice as heavy as Kite Shields.

  • Block Stability: 10% higher than Kite Shields.

  • Damage: Roughly 10% less than Kite Shields.

  • Ideal Use: Ideal for tank roles in large-scale PvP battles and Expeditions, where absorbing a high volume of attacks is necessary.

Shield Integration with Weapons

Shields in New World: Aeternum are often paired with melee weapons to create versatile builds. Two popular combinations are the Sword and Shield and the Flail and Shield.

Sword and Shield

  • Scaling Stats: Strength (90%), Dexterity (65%).

  • Damage Types: Strike, Slash, Thrust.

  • Pros: Balanced offense and defense, high survivability, and versatility in damage types.

  • Cons: Lower damage output compared to other weapons, limited AoE skills.

Flail and Shield

  • Scaling Stats: Strength (90%), Focus (65%).

  • Damage Types: Strike & Arcane.

  • Pros: Offers healing capabilities, great for tank/support roles, and wide horizontal sweeps for AoE attacks.

  • Cons: Lower damage output, no shield skills.

Strategic Use of Shields

Shields are not just defensive tools; they can also be used offensively, especially with the Sword and Shield combination. However, the Flail and Shield build focuses more on the flail's abilities, with the shield primarily used for blocking and defensive positioning.

Conclusion

In New World: Aeternum, shields are essential components of many builds, providing a balance between defense and offense. By choosing the right shield type and pairing it with an appropriate weapon, players can optimize their gameplay experience in both PvE and PvP environments. Whether you're aiming for a tanky role or a more agile playstyle, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each shield type is crucial for success in Aeternum.