Is New World Free-to-Play? All You Need to Know
New World is one of the top MMORPGs available today, offering gameplay across multiple platforms. Many potential players have one pressing question before diving in: Is New World free-to-play?
In this article, we’ll cut through the confusion surrounding New World's pricing model and explain how the game has evolved since its launch. We'll also cover its expansion to other platforms beyond its original PC release, giving you the complete picture of what to expect before you decide to join this popular MMORPG.
Also Read: New World: System Requirements, Size, and Platforms!
New World Business Model
New World is not free-to-play. It follows a buy-to-play model that requires an upfront purchase with no recurring subscription fees.
Amazon Games originally planned New World as a free-to-play MMORPG, but changed course during development. The game launched on September 28, 2021, with a $39.99 price tag for the Standard Edition.
The pricing structure evolved with the release of the Rise of the Angry Earth expansion on October 3, 2023. This expansion cost $29.99, while new players could purchase the New World: Elysian Edition for $69.99, which bundled the base game and expansion together.
The game's most recent iteration, New World: Aeternum, launched on October 15, 2024, expanding to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S while remaining available on PC. This rebranded version comes with a Standard Edition price of $59.99.
Also Read: What’s the Max Level in New World: Aeternum?
Why Did New World Rebrand?
New World rebranded to New World: Aeternum in October 2024 to expand its reach beyond PC gaming. This strategic shift brought the MMORPG to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, opening the game to a much larger audience.
The rebranding came with several key improvements:
Console-optimized interface with controls specifically designed for PlayStation and Xbox controllers
Enhanced solo gameplay experience, making the game more accessible to players who prefer individual adventures
Cross-platform functionality allowing PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S players to play together seamlessly
A unified progression system ensuring players could maintain their progress regardless of which platform they used
Refreshed visual identity with updated logos, marketing materials, and in-game aesthetics
This rebranding represented more than a name change—it signaled Amazon Games' commitment to evolving New World beyond its initial PC-only launch and transforming it into a multi-platform MMORPG experience.
Also Read: How to Change Your New World Character Appearance
Final Words
New World has evolved significantly since its 2021 launch. Starting as a PC-only title with a $39.99 price tag, it's now a cross-platform MMORPG available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S under its new identity as New World: Aeternum. While not free-to-play, the game offers substantial content for its $59.99 price with no subscription fees. The rebranding and platform expansion show Amazon Games' commitment to growing the game's community and ensuring its long-term success in the competitive MMORPG market.
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“ GameBoost - Mustafa Atteya has been writing about gaming and esports since 2023, specializing in competitive game content and player improvement guides. At 24, he brings both hands-on gaming experience and professional SEO writing expertise to the GameBoost team.”
