New World Aeternum has been steadily growing in popularity, drawing back returning veterans and welcoming plenty of newcomers. Season 9, the Season of the Banner, has been live for
New World Coins over a month, and while players are still diving into its content, everyone's eyes are already turning toward the next chapter: Season 10, launching on October 14th.
For players who are just returning or brand new to the game, one month in an MMO can feel like an eternity. Veteran players already have stronger gear, more resources, and established builds, while newer adventurers might feel like they're playing catch-up. The good news is that with some focus and smart preparation, you can be more than ready for Season 10 by the time it arrives.
This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do to catch up quickly, covering gear progression, coin management, crafting, faction reputation, and group content.
Step 1: Focus on Leveling and Gear Score
The most immediate goal for both new and returning players is to get your character's Gear Score (GS) up to par. Gear Score dictates not only your survivability and damage but also whether you'll be welcome in higher-level content like Expeditions and large-scale PvP.
Hit Level 65: This is the current max level in Season 9, and you'll want to get there as soon as possible to unlock full access to endgame content.
Prioritize Gear Upgrades: Focus on farming dungeons, open-world elites, and Helltide-style events for drops. Even if the perks aren't perfect, equip higher GS gear to raise your baseline.
Use the Upgrade System: Salvage and recraft gear when possible, and don't hesitate to use your New World Aeternum coins for smart market purchases to bump up your Gear Score quickly.
Step 2: Learn the Season 9 Systems
Each season introduces new mechanics, and Season 9 is no different. The Banner system allows you to empower your playstyle with buffs and utilities tied to your group. Mastering these seasonal systems is crucial since they often carry over or influence the meta in the next season.
Experiment with Banners: Test different banner loadouts to find which buffs complement your weapon setup.
Participate in Seasonal Events: These events often drop limited cosmetics, resources, and gear that won't return after the season ends.
Check the Battle Pass Track: The seasonal pass is a great way to pick up consumables, currency, and crafting mats that will give you a boost before Season 10.
Step 3: Stockpile Resources and Coins
Preparation is as much about resources as it is about levels. With Season 10 around the corner, the market is bound to shift once new items and mechanics arrive.
Farm New World Aeternum Coins: Run profitable activities like crafting materials farming, Expeditions, and elite chest runs. Having a healthy coin balance lets you quickly buy new gear or consumables when Season 10 hits.
Gather Crafting Materials: Metals, woods, cloth, and rare alchemical components are always in demand at the start of a new season. Stockpile these now when prices are stable.
Invest in Trophies and Housing: If you can afford it, trophies still give excellent passive bonuses, and houses are worth it for fast travel efficiency.
Step 4: Sharpen Your Weapon Builds
Since your weapon choice is your class in New World Aeternum, having a strong and familiar build is critical before heading into a new season.
Choose Your Main Set: Focus on 1-2 weapon sets and bring them as high as possible. Spreading yourself thin across multiple weapons will slow your progress.
Follow Season 9 Builds: The current meta gives you a head start on what's strong. For example, Great Axe + Warhammer remains dominant in PvP, while Life Staff + Void Gauntlet shines in group PvE.
Farm Asmodeum & Timeless Shards: Crafting top-tier gear requires rare materials, so start farming now to avoid market spikes later.
Step 5: Catch Up on Factions and Reputation
Factions remain a core part of New World's progression. If you've been away, it's worth catching up now.
Max Out Faction Reputation: This unlocks the best consumables, gear, and materials from your faction vendor.
Do Daily Faction Missions: They're quick, give solid rewards, and help you prepare for large-scale PvP.
Join a Company (Guild): Being part of an active Company helps you farm more efficiently and prepares you for Season 10's war content.
Step 6: Practice Group Content
New World Aeternum shines in group content-whether Expeditions, PvP Outpost Rush, or world bosses. These activities not only sharpen your skills but also prepare you for Season 10's coordinated challenges.
Expeditions: Start running them as soon as your Gear Score allows. They drop key materials and gear.
Outpost Rush (PvP): Great for coin farming and practicing PvP mechanics in a structured format.
Elite Chest Runs: Still one of the most efficient ways to farm loot and raise Gear Score.
Step 7: Set Season 10 Goals Early
Finally, decide now what you want to achieve in Season 10. Setting personal goals will help you focus your preparation in the weeks leading up to October 14th.
PvE Goal: Do you want to clear the highest Expeditions or farm rare crafting mats?
PvP Goal: Are you aiming to dominate Outpost Rush or climb the leaderboards in Wars?
Crafting Goal: Maybe you want to max out a specific crafting trade before new schematics arrive.
Knowing what you want out of the next season lets you prepare specifically instead of spreading your efforts too thin.
Final Thoughts
A month in New World Aeternum is enough for the dedicated player to close the gap with veterans and stand ready for Season 10's launch on October 14th. By focusing on Gear Score progression, mastering the Banner system, stockpiling resources, sharpening your weapon builds, and getting involved in group content, you'll set yourself up for success.
Whether you're chasing PvE progression, PvP dominance, or crafting mastery, the key is to prepare now rather than scrambling later. Season 10 will bring new challenges,
New World Coins for sale and with the right preparation, you'll be ready to meet them head-on.