Navigating the landscape of server populations in New World can be crucial for players looking for the best gaming experience. Following the introduction of Fresh Start servers and the “Trial of Aeternum”, questions arise about the health and activity of legacy servers. This article provides an overview of the current state of legacy server populations, particularly focusing on EU Central servers, and offers advice for players considering server transfers.
Currently, no legacy server has reached the high population levels seen during the initial wave of Fresh Start servers. This is largely attributed to the “Trial of Aeternum,” which has drawn players to the newer servers. In EU Central, Aaru and Nysa stand as the oldest remaining legacy servers, while Kronos is the last server standing from the original EU Fresh Start initiative. Determining the true player count on these servers, especially during peak evening and weekend hours, remains somewhat unclear. While server load indicators might show “medium,” the actual numbers and the daily fluctuations may not justify using a server transfer token for many players. Population numbers are subject to daily changes, but Aaru often appears to be slightly more populated when servers are sorted by population figures.
A significant portion of new characters were created on Fresh Start servers. Consequently, on legacy servers, player concentrations are often found in PvP-centric areas or engaging in chest runs within Brimstone Sands. However, the upcoming Winter Convergence event might bring returning players back to legacy servers, at least temporarily, as they revisit towns to collect event-specific rewards and items.
Forum discussions indicate that console players are facing limitations regarding transfers to legacy servers. It’s unclear if console players even have the option to transfer to or create new characters on legacy servers at this time. Many console players might have anticipated transferring from Fresh Start servers to legacy servers after the “Trial of Aeternum” concludes, expecting a potential decrease in Fresh Start server populations.
AGS has stated that console players would require a one-way ticket to join a legacy world. This raises concerns about characters becoming isolated if more players primarily remain on their Fresh Start characters. Choosing between Aaru and Nysa in EU Central largely depends on language preference, with Nysa catering more to French speakers, while Aaru is predominantly English and German speaking. Players who left Kronos, the old EU Fresh Start server, might have done so due to rumors about legacy servers still being associated with players involved in past duplication exploits.
Considering these factors, it is advisable to postpone any server transfers until the “Trial of Aeternum” concludes. Waiting for player reactions following the release of a new roadmap, or further official information, is also recommended. Acting without comprehensive information could be premature. Instead, players should focus on preparing their characters on their current servers, regardless of server type.
AGS has previously experienced setbacks in retaining returning players due to bugs introduced with the Halloween event, and the subsequent delay of the next season start. Ensuring a smooth and bug-free Winter Convergence event will be crucial for player retention this time around. Therefore, patience and informed decisions are key when considering server transfers in New World.
