New World: Aeternum’s target-lock changes were published on October 14, 2024, after feedback from the Open Beta. They applied to PvP—not PvE—and made target lock less forgiving in three ways: kills no longer trigger automatic retargeting, brief breaks in line of sight can end a lock, and locked characters turn more slowly. Amazon Games did not quantify how many players disliked the system, so “hated” overstates what the announcement establishes.
What changed in PvP target lock?
Amazon Games outlined three adjustments in its Season of Opportunity release notes on October 14, 2024. The publisher said they were made in response to Open Beta feedback.
| Behavior | Before the change | After the change |
|---|---|---|
| Target dies | An ability already in progress could automatically switch to another opponent when the locked target died. | The lock no longer automatically selects another opponent after the current target is killed. |
| Line of sight breaks | A lock could persist through a brief loss of line of sight. | Even a brief break in line of sight can break the lock, making it easier to evade and supporting stealthy PvP. |
| Turning while locked | Locked characters turned quickly enough to track moving targets more effectively. | Turning is slower while locked, so homing attacks are more likely to miss moving targets. |
Why did Amazon Games adjust it?
The publisher said automatic retargeting could let an ability already in progress instantly target a different player after the original target died—a maneuver it said was not possible with manual keyboard-and-mouse aiming. The other two changes were intended to make evasion more effective: breaking line of sight drops the lock more readily, while slower turning makes it harder to keep tracking a moving opponent.
Did the changes affect PvE?
No. Amazon Games specified that these target-lock adjustments affected PvP only; PvE target-lock behavior remained as it was. The same release notes also list other target-lock fixes and adjustments, including changes to allied target-lock controller bindings, close-range attacks that could miss, target-selection sensitivity, and auto-run. Those are separate from the three PvP changes above.
When did the changes arrive?
The announcement appeared on October 14, 2024, following Open Beta feedback. It is a historical update, not a newly announced change in 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is New World: Aeternum’s current status?
As of the official Steam listing, New World: Aeternum was delisted and became unavailable for purchase on January 15, 2026. The listing says the game is scheduled to go offline across platforms on January 31, 2027, with the Nighthaven season extended until then.
Rank #2
- Made of durable high-density eco-friendly materials
- Ideal Product
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions
In an October 28, 2025 announcement, Amazon Games described Season 10/Nighthaven as the game’s final content release, said it intended to keep servers operating through 2026, and promised at least six months’ notice before changes affecting the ability to play. The later Steam listing gives the scheduled shutdown date.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- New World "I left Aeternum", is a fun representation of time spent with your favortie MMORPG, without being obvious.
- A must for any aspiring Marauder, Syndicate or Covenant or just us ordinary guys and gals who love the game!
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
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