MMOEXP-New World: WIT Longsword vs Other Weapons - Which Wins?
The WIT Longsword in New World: Aeternum is one of the most coveted weapons introduced in recent patches, offering players a dynamic blend of raw power, intelligent scaling, and refined utility in both PvE and PvP environments. As part of the New World Coins Wisdom-Initiative Tier (WIT) weapon series, it stands out not just for its base stats, but for the synergy it creates with specific builds, traits, and tactical strategies. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to get the most out of your WIT Longsword.
Overview of the WIT Longsword
The WIT Longsword is a unique named weapon categorized under the Longsword archetype. What sets it apart from other Longswords is its scaling with Intelligence, a rare and powerful trait that allows traditionally magic-based builds to incorporate melee combat into their kit effectively. This weapon is ideal for hybrid players—mages looking to add a frontline threat or melee players who dabble in elemental damage.
Base Stats and Traits
Weapon Type: Longsword
Primary Attribute Scaling: Intelligence (Int)
Secondary Scaling: Dexterity (Dex)
Damage Type: Slash + Elemental (Arcane or Fire depending on perks)
Default Perks:
Empowered Strikes – Gain 10% Arcane damage on critical hits.
Runic Carve – Heavy attacks leave a rune on the ground that explodes after 2 seconds.
Refreshing Move – Reduces active cooldowns on successful light attacks.
How to Obtain the WIT Longsword
The WIT Longsword can be acquired in one of the following ways:
Faction Questline – Completing the Arcane Trials in Brightwood Enclave at level 58+ can reward a WIT Longsword crate.
Elite Chests – Found in high-level areas such as Myrkgard, Scorpius, or Elysian Wilds.
Expedition Drops – Rarely drops from bosses in Empyrean Forge and The Savage Divide.
Trading Post – If tradable, expect prices ranging from 12,000 to 18,000 gold on populated servers.
Best Builds for the WIT Longsword
Because the WIT Longsword scales with Intelligence, you’ll want to focus on builds that enhance magical synergy while maintaining survivability. Here are the top three viable builds:
1. Battle Mage (Longsword + Fire Staff)
Attribute Spread:
Intelligence: 300+
Constitution: 100–150
Gameplay Focus: Mid-range burst with melee combo finishers.
Recommended Abilities (Longsword):
Empowered Slash – Fast arcane-damage frontal slash.
Void Guard – Magic-enhanced parry that reflects a % of incoming damage.
Arcane Finisher – Heavy hit that detonates elemental runes.
Fire Staff Synergy: Use Incinerate and Burn Out for AoE setup, then swap to Longsword for single-target execution.
Perks to Prioritize:
Keenly Empowered
Refreshing
Arcane Attunement
Playstyle: Rotate Fire Staff skills to burn down targets, then switch to Longsword to finish them off with Arcane Finisher and empowered basic attacks.
2. Rune Knight (Longsword + Void Gauntlet)
Attribute Spread:
Intelligence: 250
Focus: 100
Constitution: 150
Gameplay Focus: Crowd control, self-sustain, and corruption-based DPS.
Recommended Longsword Abilities:
Runic Carve
Void Guard
Arcane Finisher
Void Gauntlet Synergy: Use Orb of Decay to weaken enemies, Oblivion to increase damage, and then combo into Longsword finishers.
Perks to Prioritize:
Lifestealing
Empowering Void
Runic Echoes (rare Longsword perk)
Playstyle: Create zones of denial and sustain, then punish grouped enemies with explosive sword combos.
3. Arcane Duelist (Longsword + Rapier)
Attribute Spread:
Intelligence: 300
Dexterity: 50–100
Constitution: 100
Gameplay Focus: High mobility, single-target pressure, burst damage.
Rapier Synergy: Use Evade for positioning and Flurry or Riposte to capitalize on opponent mistakes.
Playstyle: Close the gap with Longsword, unleash a short combo, then dodge out and poke with Rapier. Rinse and repeat with cooldown reductions from Refreshing Move.
PvE Performance
The WIT Longsword shines in Expeditions and elite content, especially against magical foes due to its Arcane damage output. Runic Carve is incredibly useful for AoE packs, and Void Guard provides needed defense during boss mechanics.
Tips for PvE Use:
Use the rune explosion to soften up trash packs.
Stack Intelligence and elemental gems for maximum output.
Combine with Arcane damage-boosting gear sets (like the Arcanist’s Light or Corrupted Scholar sets).
Notable PvE Perks to Add
Bane (Lost/Corrupted/Ancients) – Depending on the enemy type.
Chain Arcane – More AoE pressure during trash packs.
Enchanted – For consistent damage in long fights.
PvP Performance
In PvP, the WIT Longsword has a deceptive edge. Players often underestimate melee users who scale off Intelligence, allowing you to surprise them with devastating spell-enhanced combos.
Best PvP Modes:
3v3 Arenas: Use Void Guard for clutch parries and zone control.
Open-World PvP: Kite, burn, close in with mobility skills, and use Runic Carve for pressure.
Counter Classes:
Effective against mages and healers due to Arcane burst.
Slightly weaker against full tanks or high-Dex evasion builds unless supported.
Gems and Runeglass Recommendations
Gem Slots:
Runeglass of Igniting Opal – Boost damage when stamina is not full.
Runeglass of Abyssal Onyx – Mixes elemental and physical resistance for PvP balance.
Runeglass in Armor:
Igniting Malachite – Pairs well with AoE fire/arcane damage.
Sighted Moonstone – Great for extra crit chance on melee attacks.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Animation Cancel Runic Carve – Immediately dodge or weapon swap after casting to minimize animation lag.
Stagger Chain – Light → Light → Heavy (Runic Carve) → Swap to secondary → Skill attack for burst.
Void Guard Timing – Perfect timing can reflect key abilities in PvP, such as Ice Shower or Spear Sweep.
Cooldown Sync – Stack Refreshing perks and Intelligence to reach a near-constant rotation of abilities.
Conclusion
The WIT Longsword is a phenomenal hybrid weapon that opens up new playstyles in New World: Aeternum. Whether you’re a Fire Mage who wants to jump into the fray or a PvP duelist looking for stylish, arcane-infused swordplay, this weapon has something to offer. By combining intelligent build design, proper skill usage, and gear optimization, you can make the WIT Longsword one of buy New World Gold the most formidable tools in your arsenal.