No, Target Lock In PvP Isn't Going Away In New World: Aeternum's Launch, But It Is Getting Last Minute Changes

The new "target lock" feature coming with New World: Aeternum's launch tomorrow has been quite the subject of debate during all of the MMORPG's testing. While most players don't have any issue with the feature being used in PvE content, and it certainly helps console players using a controller, the inclusion of target lock in the PvP content, like the recently showcased Cursed Mists, has been divisive.

Sure, target locked attacks will never be headshots, but being able to get guaranteed hits on your opponent all the time certainly make things a little too easy at times. The Blunderbuss is a huge problem given the spread shot the weapon uses, but it is by far not the only weapon that gets an advantage using target lock.

As pre-loading is live on consoles right now and PC pre-loading for launch tomorrow morning goes up later tonight, the team is taking a moment to announce a few changes to target lock based on player feedback. These changes ONLY apply to PvP. PvE target lock remains unchanged.

If you were hoping I would say, "they're removing target lock in PvP," I'm sorry to disappoint. The team seems committed to making target lock work. It's here to stay, even in PvP. That said, the Blunderbuss itself is getting its PvP base damage reduced to compensate for the "guaranteed hit." Other weapons may get this same treatment later.

As for functional details, character rotation will be slower if you have a target locked. This will give the opponent more of a window to break your lock. Additionally, it will be easier to break a lock using line of sight. Also, abilities will not just jump to a new close target if your current target dies while you are mid-cast. You'll have to manually lock on to your next target.

Is this enough to make the feature "ok" to use in PvP? Matchmaking for 3v3 Arenas should be easier, though, since the team is making matchmaking cross-world, so there's that.

In a bit of extra news, if you're keen to see New World's universe portrayed in the upcoming "Secret Level" show, a new blog with the co-founder of Blur Studios recently talked about how the team implemented the IP. Check it out.