The Soldier archetype in New World Aeternum embodies the spirit of the frontline warrior, adept at both defending allies and delivering powerful strikes against foes. Equipped with a sword and shield for balanced defense and offense, and a hatchet for versatility, the Soldier is an ideal choice for those seeking to master the art of war. In the late game, Soldiers can pivot into either a tanking role with sword and shield paired with a hammer or a DPS-focused playstyle using the hatchet alongside a greataxe or hammer.

Early Game: The Stalwart Defender

In the early stages of your journey, the Soldier archetype excels at controlling the battlefield with a combination of durability and damage. The sword and shield setup allows for effective blocking and counterattacks, while the hatchet provides quick, decisive strikes. Skills like Shield Bash and Defiant Stance grant significant crowd control and damage mitigation, making you an asset during early skirmishes and PvE content.

Why the Soldier is Perfect for New Players:

• Balance of Offense and Defense: With a sword and shield, you can absorb damage while dealing consistent blows to enemies. The hatchet’s ability to execute foes at low health further enhances your survivability.

• Crowd Control: Skills such as Shield Bash not only deal damage but also stun enemies, allowing you to control the flow of battle and protect your allies.

• Sustainability: The hatchet’s ** Berserk** ability enables healing during fights, ensuring you can stay in the fray longer.

Mid-Game: Flexibility and Adaptation

As you progress into mid-game content, the Soldier remains effective, but you may find the need to adapt your build for different scenarios. In PvE, while the sword and shield continue to provide strong defense, the option to transition to a more DPS-oriented setup with the hatchet and greataxe or hammer becomes appealing.

Why Pivot to Greataxe or Hammer:

• High Utility Value: The greataxe offers grouping abilities like Maelstrom, while the hammer provides crowd control through abilities like Wrecking Ball.

• Versatility: These weapons allow you to adapt to group dynamics, whether you need to tank damage or focus on eliminating high-priority targets.

• Meta Adaptability: In late-game PvE and PvP, the increased crowd control from the greataxe or hammer can be crucial in high-stakes encounters.

Late-Game: The Dual Path of Power

In the late game, the Soldier archetype truly shines with its duality. Players can choose to embrace the tanking role, fully utilizing the sword and shield combined with a hammer for maximum control and durability, or focus on a more aggressive playstyle with the hatchet and greataxe.

Tanking Build: Sword and Shield + Hammer

• Unmatched Defense: Skills like Defiant Stance and Shield Rush allow you to absorb significant damage while mitigating incoming attacks for your team.

• Crowd Control Mastery: The hammer’s abilities like Shockwave provide excellent area control, ensuring you can protect objectives and lock down key targets.

DPS Build: Hatchet + Greataxe or Hammer

• High Burst Damage: The hatchet’s mobility and dps potential allow for quick takedowns, while the greataxe or hammer provides heavy hitting and AoE Crows Control to decimate groups of enemies.

• Increased Mobility: The hatchet’s Berserk allows you to reposition quickly, making you harder to pin down in combat.

Conclusion

The Soldier archetype in New World Aeternum provides a rich and rewarding experience for players who relish being at the forefront of battle. With the sword and shield, you embody the stalwart defender, able to absorb and redirect damage, while the hatchet offers quick, decisive strikes against your enemies.

As you progress through the game, your ability to adapt—whether transitioning to a tanking role with a hammer or unleashing devastation with a greataxe—ensures that you remain a valuable asset in both PvE and PvP encounters. Embrace the versatility of the Soldier, and you will carve your name into the annals of Aeternum’s storied battles.