Hey, New World players! January 2024 is bringing some game-changing updates that are sure to shake the current meta. And we're talking about the nerfs to heavy equip loads, key weapon adjustments and exciting buffs that will redefine gameplay dynamics. Let's see what's coming!

• Nerfs to Heavy Equip Loads
• Weapon Adjustments
• Exciting Buffs
• Insights from Dave on Balance
• Arena and Out Rush Observations
• PvE Dynamics
• Looking Ahead

↖ Nerfs to Heavy Equip Loads

• Major Change: Increased stamina cost for dodging with heavy equip loads.
• Impact: This change aims at reducing dodge spamming in heavy equip and making different equip loads more balanced.

↖ Weapon Adjustments

• Fire Staff Nerfs: a decrease in speed while using flamethrower and a slight nerf to empowering fireball.
• Artifacts: Pestilence may take a hit, especially in its outgoing healing reduction.

↖ Exciting Buffs

• Void Blade and Koya's Knee Guards: Both are going to be buffed to make them more effective.
• PvE Focus: Bows and Muskets will get buffs specifically for PvE, but their PvP damage will be changed in such a way as to keep the current numbers.

↖ Insights from Dave on Balance

• State of Balance: Dave says that balance is getting better with the period before season 3 being especially strong.
• Systemic Issues: OPR premades, none matchmaker, role distribution for May alterations hinted at?

↖ Arena and Out Rush Observations

• Build Diversity in Arenas: Good diversity even though Blunderbuss and Life Staff are still strong.
• Out Rush: Bruisers/Sol Shield win matches; Ranged players deal damage & get kills (disparity).

↖ PvE Dynamics

• Melee Dominance: Melee still dominates PvE especially with cleaves.
• Increasing Diversity: Fire Staff and Ice Gauntlet are used more often as mutations go higher up levels.

↖ Looking Ahead

• Equip Load Changes in Season 5: More comprehensive changes to equip load balance are expected in season 5.
• Medium Equip Load: Focus on improving medium equip load so as to provide a viable alternative between light and heavy.

The upcoming changes in New World are set to change the current gameplay meta significantly. While heavy equip loads get nerfed, other aspects like Void Blade and ranged weapons in PvE are getting boosts. Be on the lookout for these adjustments and their impact on your in-game strategies!