[img]https://images.ctfassets.net/j95d1p8hsuun/7FVPpDrlozS0NEP9Ujk53n/e296eeb332237096b743b781b2dc34dc/NW_S4_GlacialTarn_MiniBoss_E_1_1920x1080_CT-002808.jpg[/img] Greetings, Adventurers! Aeternum is an ever-evolving world, and as such, we continue our efforts in providing our players with an assortment of ongoing new features, content, and changes. Join the next PTR for a preview of Cross World Expeditions with improved Group Finder. [h2]PTR[/h2] The Public Test Realm (PTR) is a limited-availability server-set that grants an early look at upcoming features. These preview builds are snapshots of upcoming major releases and are not final versions — you may encounter bugs, crashes, missing text, or other issues. Between our internal testing efforts and your reports, we hope to catch and resolve all serious issues before they reach the live servers. Hundreds of changes have already been made — with more to come — and the full release notes will be shared on release day. However, not every bug or feedback piece will be actioned on before release — some changes need time to be investigated further, and may arrive in a subsequent patch or two. To help with the feedback process, all newly created PTR characters will have the opportunity to instantly level to select level-ranges outfitted with appropriate gear and items. The PTR will officially open on January 16. If you encounter a bug, exploit, or have suggestions to improve a feature or piece of content, we’d love to hear your feedback on our [url=http://discord.gg/playnewworld]Discord[/url] (you can also utilize our in-game feedback tool). We will do our best to address as much of your feedback as possible before the content update makes its way to our live servers. Your participation will help us to deliver awesome content and updates in the future! [h2]CROSS WORLD EXPEDITIONS WITH IMPROVED GROUP FINDER[/h2] [img]https://images.ctfassets.net/j95d1p8hsuun/6RhnOYfHshyCRwpLqiJVwR/3af5c1967bff314689a84aa2e8503e45/NW_S4_Ice_RiverJumpPuzzle_GlacialTarn_1920x1080_CT-002808.jpg[/img] Team up with players from any world within a region to overcome challenges within the depths of Aeternum. The new, one-click Group Finder will automatically assemble a role-balanced, cross-world group—no more lobby management required! [olist] [*] Go to the ‘Activities’ tab in the nav bar (formerly ‘Modes’). [*] Find Expeditions and Mutated Expeditions at the top of the new Activities menu. [*] Use the “Random” button to queue for any Expedition you qualify for, or use the checkboxes to the left of each Expedition to build a specific Expeditions list and enter with the Queue button. Note: M3 is not available through the cross-world group finder. [*] Once in an Expedition, after the instance has been live for 10 minutes, you must use ‘Abandon’ to leave without incurring the Deserter Penalty. [*] Explore the menu’s tooltips and item descriptions to learn more. [/olist] Jump into the PTR on January 19 at 4PM PT for a chance to run Expeditions with members of the New World Development and Community Teams. [h2]PTR CLIENT ACCESS[/h2] This special preview client will be made available for download through the stand-alone Steam application, “New World Public Test Realm” (which should already be in your Steam library if you own the main game). When the test period is complete and the main New World game is updated with the previewed content, the PTR world will shut down and may be wiped clean. You will continue to see the New World PTR application in your Steam library, but there will not be an active server until the next time we announce a public test. [h3]PTR BACKSTORY LOADOUTS[/h3] Upon character creation on the PTR, players will be given multiple caches of special armor and weapons. Each cache has a designation based upon a general build and a main attribute: CON, DEX, INT, FOC, and STR. To help manage the sudden onset of new items, do not open all provided caches at once, or you’ll risk becoming encumbered! Instead, equip all provided bags and then follow-up with opening each cache deliberately. Any undesired caches can be dropped or deposited into your personal settlement storage. [h2]PTR FAQ[/h2] [h3]HOW DO I ACCESS THE NEW PTR?[/h3] Everyone with a copy of New World will be automatically granted access to the secondary PTR app. The PTR is not compatible with the live game, so you will need to download a separate client (and have the hard drive space required to support it). From there, we will have special worlds available within supported regions. Not all regions will initially be supported. Access is on a first come, first served basis. There may be queues. [h3]CAN I PLAY WITH OR TRANSFER MY LIVE CHARACTERS TO THE PTR?[/h3] Unfortunately, no. These are separate ecosystems, so at this time it is not possible. However, to make testing easier, we will occasionally provide our play-testers with special accommodations such as instant levels, special gear, etc. [h3]CAN I PROVIDE DESIGN FEEDBACK REGARDING WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THE PTR?[/h3] Preview game builds on the PTR are finished with their core development and are in their final phase of testing and bug fixing. Our main focus at this phase is improving quality, although we will appreciate any feedback you have to share. [h3]I HAVE A PROBLEM; HOW CAN I CONTACT CUSTOMER SUPPORT?[/h3] Our policies and Code of Conduct cover the PTR, and in-game moderation will continue to be supported. Unfortunately, due to the temporary and potentially unstable nature of the PTR, general Customer Service assistance through both Live Chat and through the Support Website will not be available. [h3]I DON’T WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PTR, CAN I REMOVE THE APP FROM MY LIBRARY?[/h3] Don’t worry, no offense taken. Players can manage visibility of the New World Public Test Realm Steam Library entry. Opening up the game options (right-click > Manage) offers the “Hide Game” function. Thanks for your support and participation! We'll see you in Aeternum.