According to a freshly penned New World development blog, the delays to date have allowed the developer to spruce up quests, weapons, and armor variety, introduce fishing, hone the combat and crafting systems, expand the map with a new region, and prop up the mid and end-game with extra content. Yet, Double Helix needs additional time to implement ‘substantial improvements’ alongside some finish-line polish and fine-tuning.
New World Closed Beta
Interested players can expect to sample the improvements – not in Spring as initially planned – but in a closed beta set to start on July 20, 2021. The closed beta will grant access to a host of new features and content, including a new end-game zone known as Ebonscale Reach. Additionally, players can look forward to five-player instanced adventure Expeditions, and 20 vs. 20 player Outpost Rush battles.
Finally, you can find out more about these over on the New World development blog here. Or if audio-visual is more your cup of tea, you can watch game director Scot Lane walk through the reasoning behind the delay below.
