New World has an outstanding PVP system that gets better as the player progresses in the game. Besides flagging yourself for PVP within the open worlds, there are different PVP modes that you can choose (Sieges & Outpost Rush).
Since the game holds a classless system, you need to pick the appropriate PVP build that depends entirely on your gameplay and preference. If you’re a solo player, you need equipment that helps you sustain yourself during fights, and if you’re someone who runs with a group, then you have a lot of options to choose from for the new world PVP build.
Best PVP Weapons
There are three weapons that stand out at the top of the PVP meta: Great Axe, Life Staff, and Hatchet. The combination of the Great Axe and Life Staff is actually broken as you become invincible during combat. The Life Staff’s ability called Sacred Ground is one of the most powerful AOE healing abilities in the game. You can stand within your casted heal and cause chaos using the Great Axe.
Similarly, the Amber-gem Hatchet and Life Staff combo are also broken. The self-heal ability of the berserker hatchet tree is quite impressive as you can simply stand within the AOE and eat the damage inflicted upon you.
The primary reason why the Fire Staff and Ice Gauntlet is not on this list is that their AOE attacks are completely busted. Besides that, we’ve also removed the Rapier from the list as it falls apart during tank-like scenarios; however, it’s still a viable weapon.
Great Axe Build
Great Axe may seem slow to some players for the new world PVP build, but it’s a vicious build to have. It deals immense damage while offering decent sustainability during battles. Some of its abilities provide additional mobility, while others like the Gravity Well are known as the best CC abilities in the game.
Great Axe: Best Mastery
The best mastery for the Great Axe PVP build in this new world guide is the Reaper tree. It centers around Reap, Charge, and Gravity Well to hold players in their place for AOE damage. While Gravity Well is known as the most powerful PVP ability; Reap is decent for both PVE and PVP as it hooks the opponent towards you when they try to escape. Speaking about Charge, it provides a slight boost in mobility in case you want to get away from the danger.
Great Axe: Best Armor
Similar to weapons, armor also plays a vital role in the game after several teaks in the past updates. Heavy armor is currently the best-known equipment wear for PVP scenarios. The other two variants; light and medium armors are kind of squishy in comparison to heavy. You’ll need a heavy helmet and chest for damage reduction and bearable defensive stats, alongside the Resilient perk if accessible.
Great Axe: Weapon Pairing
Great Axe & Sword – A tanky preference for a PVP Build, where you utilize the defensive abilities of the Sword’s defender perk alongside the Great Axe’s immense damage. Great Axe & War Hammer – This pairing is about dealing high damage, but fast. You might find yourself frequently targeted during battles, and even though it works better in PVE situations, it’s good for both.
Great Axe & Hatchet – It relies entirely upon the ranged capabilities of the Hatchet. You can pick up its various throwing abilities for a versatility boost during a 1 Vs 1 battle. The ability Rending Throw is perfect to weaken your enemy before switching to the Great Axe for this new world guide. Great Axe & Life Staff – An Amber Gem socketed in the Great Axe and Focus for the Life Staff, what more is needed? An outstanding self-healing ability paired with a powerful CC and heavy armor. You’ll basically come invincible.