If that sounds odd, this is because the highly anticipated massively multiplayer roleplaying game has suffered multiple delays, from its first announcement during TwitchCon on September 2016. But after the Closed Beta from July 20, 2021, it looks like the release has been finalized and is on target. Check out the details of New World below, including what players can do to get in the Open Beta.
Road to Closed Beta
In New World, players create characters experiencing this stage in their planet’s history. Characters also belong to three different factions: the Marauders (centered on military strength), the Syndicate (which centers on arcane and forbidden knowledge), and the Covenant (a group of religious zealots). Factions can declare war against each other for control over territories called Settlements. Settlements are also where players will be able to acquire housing and trade establishments.
Open Beta trailer and release date
The New World Closed Beta was expected in 2020, but due to technical issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, the game had to be delayed more than once. It finally launched in July 2021. After a rocky start due to alleged reports of bricking Nvidia RTX 3090 graphics cards and delaying the initial August 2021 release, the end of the Closed Beta and the release of the Open Beta have been finalized and announced during GamesCom.
From shipwrecked survivor to legendary hero, grow as an adventurer as you explore the ancient mysteries of Aeternum! Open Beta starts September 9th!⚔️ https://t.co/rjftWBn6Ao pic.twitter.com/iMpyeLVXOI — New World (@playnewworld) August 25, 2021 At the official New World blog, the development team extended their gratitude to the participants of the Closed Beta: In addition, they issued an announcement for a period of Open Beta through the Steam Playtest feature in order to test server-issues and possible population concerns: During the Open Beta period, players will be able to download and play the game for free. Players can also order the pre-release for $39.99 for the Standard Edition and $49.99 for the Deluxe Edition. There will be no monthly fee. Players participating in the Open Beta should take note that not all progress will be retained (if any at all).