New World PTR: How to join, release date, time and content

It is no secret that the New World server population is shrinking a bit, as denizens of Aeterum are leaving the island in droves. Asmongold recently spoke out about New World issues, saying the developers are doing their best. One aspect of improving the game is listening to player feedback, something the developers appear to do quite a lot. That's where the Public Test Realm (PTR) for New World comes into play.

Here's what you need to know about the New World PTR, from its release date and time, how you can join in on the action, and the new content players will be able to test, then provide feedback on.

New World PTR release date and time

Amazon Games recently introduced a new program in the form of the Public Test Realm, with the goal of getting player feedback and testing upcoming content as well as changes.

The New World PTR's release date and time are set for 10th November 2021 at 19:00 UTC. 

At the time of writing, there's no specific end date but we do know that all worlds will shut down and be wiped clean once the testing period end and the update gets pushed out to the main version of New World. You also can't transfer your live server characters to the PTR.

The TLDR version is that progress will not carry over to the live servers.

How to join the New World PTR

Firstly, it is important to note that the New World PTR will only have two test servers on release. One will be for US East, and one for Central Europe.

The New World PTR is only open to those who already own the game, so no freebies here. If you own a copy of New World on Steam, follow the simple steps below to join the PTR once it goes live.

• Find the "New World Public Test Realm" standalone install in your Steam library. It should be just beneath New World.
• Download the New World PTR (file size TBA).
• Run the New World PTR build and log in with your regular account.

It is really as simple as that but there is one caveat. The New World PTR is a limited-availability server-set, which basically means it is a first-come, first-serve affair and there might be long server queues. 

Furthermore, once the first test period comes to an end (date and time not announced at the time of writing) the New World PTR will remain in your library, but there will be no servers to connect to.

Content in the first New World PTR

In a recent update, Amazon Games noted that "Hundreds of changes" have been made, and that they will share the full release notes once the update goes live.

In terms of content, denizens of Aeterum can expect new enemies scattered across the world, including:

• Withered Swarmancer
• Beetle
• Lost Shaman
• Pirate Alligator
• Ancient Guardian Pyromancer
• Corrupted Laborers

There's also a completely new enemy type called Varangian Raiders.

Amazon Games explains: "New dangers have landed on our southern shores! The Varangian Raiders have sailed down from the north and brutally carved out sections of each territory to establish a base of operations: from war camps on the beaches of First Light and Monarch’s Bluffs to an entire fort they’ve captured in Everfall.

"Face off against fierce Varangian Hewers, Varangian Scouts, Varangian Knights, and Varangian Archers (level range: 16-20) as you ascertain their true intentions."

Further, expect improved main storyline quests, new enemy quests and legendary weapons.

Speaking of weapons, there's a brand new weapon type coming to New World in the form of the Void Gauntlet. 

Amazon Games explains the Void Gauntlet: "Manipulate the powers of the Void to support your allies and debilitate your enemies with this magical DPS/support hybrid. It’s the first weapon to scale on both Intelligence and Focus, making it a great pairing with the Life Staff and other magic weapons.

"The Annihilation tree focuses on maximizing damage at close-range and revolves around Void Blade, a summoned blade of corrosive void energy. The Decay tree offers ranged healing and debuffs and revolves around Orb of Decay, a dual phase projectile that can debuff enemies and heal allies."

Trading posts have also been unified. This means they have all been linked together. Amazon Games explains: "Fees for Buy and Sell Orders are defined by the Settlement that you’re posting from.

"Additionally, Transaction Taxes on purchases you make are defined by the Settlement in which you are making the purchase. Items listed in Sell Orders that expire return to the Settlement from which they were posted."

Lastly, there are some new PvP Faction missions, namely: 

• Control Points - These missions send you out to capture control of Forts.
• Intercept - Defeat enemy faction members and collect their tears!
• War Camp loot - Retrieve hidden plans at the enemy war camp.

The whole point of the New World PTR is to test upcoming content and changes, so expect to encounter bugs, crashes, missing text, and more. Amazon Games hopes to catch and resolve all serious issues before the update gets released on live servers.

• Read more: TSM SolidFPS banned after abusing New World exploits

Don't forget to check out our dedicated New World section for the latest news, updates, guides, leaks and more.

Header image courtesy of Amazon Games.