Hey guys! So, you're diving into New World and thinking about wielding the mighty Warhammer? Awesome choice! This weapon is a beast, capable of dishing out massive damage and controlling the battlefield. But, like any weapon in New World, the Warhammer's true potential is unlocked through its skill tree. Let's break down everything you need to know to become a Warhammer master.

Understanding the Warhammer Skill Trees

The Warhammer boasts two distinct skill trees: Juggernaut and Crowd Crusher. Each tree offers a unique playstyle and caters to different combat scenarios. Choosing the right tree, or even a hybrid build, is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Before we delve deeper, it's important to understand core concepts within the skill tree system.

Juggernaut: The Single-Target Demolisher

The Juggernaut tree focuses on dealing massive damage to single targets. If you love taking down bosses, elite enemies, or just want to be a front-line powerhouse, this is the tree for you. Think heavy, impactful attacks that leave your enemies reeling. This skill tree is really about bringing the pain, one enemy at a time. Skills in this tree often have longer windups but deliver devastating blows. Mastering the timing and positioning of these attacks is key to success. You'll want to learn to anticipate enemy movements and strike when they're most vulnerable. A well-placed Juggernaut attack can stagger even the toughest foes, opening them up for further punishment. Remember, patience and precision are your allies in this tree.

To truly excel with the Juggernaut tree, consider pairing it with a secondary weapon that offers some mobility or crowd control. This will help you stay alive and create opportunities to unleash your powerful single-target attacks. Think about using a Hatchet for its Berserk ability or a Great Axe for its gravity well. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your play style. Also, pay attention to your armor weight. Medium or heavy armor will complement the Juggernaut's tanky nature, allowing you to withstand more damage while you're delivering your earth-shattering blows. Don't forget to invest in attributes like Strength and Constitution to further enhance your damage output and survivability.

Crowd Crusher: King of the Battlefield

As the name suggests, the Crowd Crusher tree is all about controlling and decimating groups of enemies. This tree is perfect for players who enjoy participating in wars, outpost rush, or tackling large groups of mobs in PvE. You'll be stunning, knocking down, and generally disrupting the enemy team. This skill tree isn't necessarily about dealing the highest damage per hit, but about maximizing your impact on the battlefield. Crowd control is incredibly valuable in New World, and the Crowd Crusher tree makes you a master of it. You'll be able to disrupt enemy formations, protect your allies, and create opportunities for your team to capitalize. Remember, a well-placed Crowd Crusher ability can turn the tide of a battle.

If you opt for the Crowd Crusher path, focus on skills that provide area-of-effect damage and crowd control effects. Abilities like Shockwave, Wrecking Ball, and Clear Out are your bread and butter. Learn to use these skills strategically to interrupt enemy attacks, peel for your teammates, and create openings for your damage dealers. Like the Juggernaut, pairing the Crowd Crusher with a secondary weapon that complements its strengths is essential. A weapon like the Great Axe can provide additional crowd control, while a weapon like the Life Staff can offer much-needed healing and support. Consider your role in the group and choose a secondary weapon that fills any gaps in your toolkit. In group content, communication is key. Coordinate your crowd control abilities with your teammates to maximize their effectiveness and ensure that you're not overlapping your efforts.

Key Skills to Prioritize

Alright, let's dive into some specific skills that you should definitely consider grabbing early on, regardless of which tree you're focusing on. These skills offer significant benefits and will improve your overall effectiveness with the Warhammer.

Armor Breaker

Armor Breaker is a staple skill for any Warhammer build. It deals a good chunk of damage and, more importantly, reduces the target's armor. This debuff significantly increases the damage they take from all sources, making them much easier to take down. It's a fantastic skill for both PvE and PvP, as it allows you to shred through even the most heavily armored opponents. It is a powerhouse for single target and pairs well with Juggernaut's kit.

The skill's effectiveness is really in its versatility. It can be used to initiate a fight, weaken a strong enemy, or simply provide a consistent damage boost. The armor reduction effect stacks with other debuffs, making it even more powerful when combined with other damage-enhancing abilities. To maximize the benefit of Armor Breaker, try to use it before unleashing your other high-damage skills. This will ensure that your attacks hit harder and deal more overall damage. Experiment with different timings and combinations to find what works best for your play style. Pay attention to the cooldown of Armor Breaker and try to keep it active on your target as much as possible.

Shockwave

Shockwave is the quintessential crowd control ability in the Warhammer's arsenal. It's an AoE stun that can interrupt enemy attacks, knock down groups of enemies, and create openings for your team. If you're playing a Crowd Crusher build, this skill is absolutely essential. It's also useful for Juggernauts who want some extra survivability and control.

The range and area of effect of Shockwave are quite generous, making it relatively easy to land on multiple targets. The stun duration is long enough to allow you to follow up with other attacks or reposition yourself. In group content, Shockwave can be used to protect your teammates, interrupt enemy abilities, and create opportunities for your damage dealers. In PvP, it can be used to disrupt enemy formations, peel for your healers, and set up kills. To maximize the effectiveness of Shockwave, try to anticipate enemy movements and time your stuns accordingly. A well-timed Shockwave can completely shut down an enemy push or interrupt a critical ability. Experiment with different timings and positions to find what works best in different situations. Also, be mindful of your mana consumption. Shockwave is a relatively expensive ability, so you'll want to make sure you have enough mana to use it when you need it.

Wrecking Ball

Wrecking Ball is another excellent crowd control ability. It's a charged attack that knocks enemies back and deals damage. It's particularly effective against melee opponents who are trying to close the distance. It can also be used to interrupt enemy abilities or knock enemies off objectives. While not a stun, the knockback can be just as effective in disrupting enemy formations and creating space for your team.

The charged nature of Wrecking Ball allows you to control the distance and direction of the knockback. You can use it to knock enemies into walls, off cliffs, or into other hazards. The damage is also respectable, making it a decent option for both crowd control and damage. To maximize the effectiveness of Wrecking Ball, try to anticipate enemy movements and charge your attack accordingly. A well-placed Wrecking Ball can completely disorient an enemy team or knock a key target out of position. Experiment with different charge levels and angles to find what works best in different situations. Be mindful of the charge time. Wrecking Ball takes a moment to charge up, leaving you vulnerable to attack. Make sure you have enough space and protection before using it.

Hybrid Builds: The Best of Both Worlds

Don't feel like you have to commit to just one tree! New World's skill system allows for hybrid builds, where you can pick and choose the best skills from both the Juggernaut and Crowd Crusher trees. This can create a versatile and powerful character that's effective in a variety of situations.

For example, you could focus primarily on the Juggernaut tree for single-target damage, but grab Shockwave from the Crowd Crusher tree for some extra crowd control. Or, you could focus on the Crowd Crusher tree for battlefield control, but grab Armor Breaker from the Juggernaut tree for increased damage. The possibilities are endless! Experiment and see what works best for your playstyle. Consider your role in the group and choose skills that complement your teammates' abilities. In PvP, a hybrid build can provide you with the flexibility to adapt to different situations. You can switch between single-target damage and crowd control as needed, making you a valuable asset to your team. Don't be afraid to respec your skills and try different builds. Respecing is relatively cheap and easy, so you can always change your mind later.

Leveling Up Your Warhammer: A Quick Guide

Okay, so how do you actually level up your Warhammer skill tree? It's pretty straightforward. As you use the Warhammer in combat, you'll gain weapon mastery. As your weapon mastery increases, you'll earn skill points that you can spend in the skill tree. The more you use the Warhammer, the more skill points you'll earn, and the more powerful you'll become.

The best way to level up your Warhammer is to simply use it in combat as much as possible. Find a good spot to grind on mobs, participate in wars and outpost rush, and complete quests that reward weapon experience. Focus on using your Warhammer's abilities frequently to maximize your experience gain. Experiment with different skills and combinations to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. As you level up, you'll unlock new skills and passives that will significantly enhance your Warhammer's effectiveness. Make sure to read the descriptions of each skill carefully and choose the ones that best suit your play style. Also, pay attention to your gear score. As your gear score increases, your damage output and survivability will also increase. Make sure to keep your gear up to date to stay competitive.

Final Thoughts

The Warhammer is a force to be reckoned with in New World. Whether you choose to be a Juggernaut, a Crowd Crusher, or a hybrid, mastering the skill tree is essential for unlocking its full potential. Experiment with different builds, find what works best for you, and get out there and start smashing! Good luck, have fun, and I'll see you on Aeternum!