
COMMUNITY STATS
Following the release of Cross-World Expeditions with improved Group Finder, our completion rate for this Expedition run through the Group Finder increased from 80% to 95%. We’ve compiled the following stats based on your performance in the Empyrean Forge.PLAYER DEATH HEATMAP

BOSS BREAKDOWN

COMPLETION RATE BY WEAPON

SISTER EXPEDITIONS
“Empyrean Forge and Glacial Tarn were developed as sister Expeditions, something we were unable to talk about in our original Empyrean Forge development diary,” Pride said. “The challenge of designing these two in tandem was actively considering both halves. They had to converge in the same space without overshadowing the other’s complexity or intrigue. Within Empyrean Forge, you can see the promenade of the Glacial Tarn’s exterior and the great Ancient pyramid that stands as the centerpiece of both Expeditions because these spaces were developed to fit snugly together.”
GUIDE

PLAN AHEAD
“Communication is crucial before launching your Expedition,” Sherlock Gnome said. “Discuss with your team whether you're aiming for speed, a high score, or a safe gold run. Setting expectations early is key to a smooth run. Understanding your team's skill level is also imperative for success. This insight allows for optimal allocation of Constitution, armor ratings, and stat points.” “Proximity voice chat makes New World stand out amongst most other MMORPGs,“ Grumpyyrose said. ”It’s super helpful to communicate game plans. Talking with your team can also establish good vibes and strengthen patience for one another.“GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

HAZARDS

LAVA AND PISTONS

CONTROL ROOM
“Tackling the puzzle before engaging with Ser Ducas can be a much safer approach,” Sherlock Gnome said. “First, go down the stairs carefully to progress the Quest Log. Next, go back up and make your way to the combination puzzle. The tank can then carefully jump off the cliff to stand on the button. Do not aggro Ser Ducas to make the most of this strategy.”PUZZLE ROOMS

THE HEEL


MUTATION-SPECIFIC ADVICE
NORMAL & M1
“Full Opals with an Amulet of Protection matching the Mutation are recommended,” Sherlock Gnome said. “Flame Protection is advisable for encounters with Ifrit and Marius.”M2
“Aim for 40% to 63% protection by equipping Tier 5 Gems across all Armor and Jewelry, complemented by a Protection Amulet,” Sherlock Gnome said. “Consider switching to a Flame Protection Amulet for the boss fights.”M3

IFRIT

DODGE AND MOVE
“Dodging and movement is the most important part of this fight,” YaBoiWiilly said. “The boss has multiple AOE abilities ranging from Flame Waves, Fire Bombs, and Flamethrowers. Some of the abilities also leave a lasting impression on the battlefield, so position yourself for success.” “This battle becomes significantly easier with Flame and Slash Protection,” Sherlock Gnome said. “Be vigilant of bombs dropping from the sky — they're deadly. The tank should position their back to the Flame Waves. This will allow the DPS player to more effectively anticipate and dodge.” “With the Flame Waves you can go prone to avoid them," YaBoiWiilly said. "But be careful! Bombs can still drop on your head."FAVORITE TACTIC
“As a ranged player it’s natural to stay far away,” Grumpyyrose said. “However after the first phase, I get closer and use my melee weapon for the remainder of the fight. During the final 2 stages, Ifrit shoots flames and rotates. Follow the rotation up close to stay safe and maximize damage.“COMMANDER MARIUS

TIPS
“Keep Marius on one side of the entrance door for more predictability since he’ll always go back to the same place,” Sherlock Gnome said. “For ranged strategies, designate the healer or a DPS to stand farthest from Marius. This will dictate his spin direction. For melee strategies, position the healer behind the tank to ensure Marius spins toward the tank instead of the DPS. Look out for red dots over your head. These indicate accumulated Flame Stacks and can one shot your team when exploded. Dodge his slam attacks to avoid fatal damage.” “You'll have to avoid mini volcanoes, Commander Marius spinning around the room, falling boulders, and rising lava,” YaBoiWiilly said. “Melee will have a tough time, so run range if you can. It can seem like a lot is happening, but pay close attention. There are indicators for when the lava boulders land and which direction they will go, as well as ample visual and audio ques that telegraph his other abilities.”FAVORITE STRATEGY
“Ranged players rejoice yayyy,” Grumpyyrose said. “I stick to the platforms during this whole fight and attack from a distance. Be aware of where the tank is and rotate to other platforms as necessary. Phase 2 and 3 (I like to call these the flaming meatball stages) is when the platforms get more dangerous. Be aware of where the last meatball has landed and rotate as needed. If you play the inner corners of the platform, you’ll find safe pockets to avoid the falling meatballs.”ENJOY THE JOURNEY
“Make friends, join groups, and experiment with different builds and tactics for another layer of enjoyment,” Sherlock Gnome said. “New World is designed for shared adventures with Company members, existing friends, and new acquaintances you meet along the way. Who will you take on yours?”REWARDS

STANDARD
- Minor Heartrune of Fire Storm
- Empty Hearth Amulet
- Red Hot Slag Ring
- Charcoal Earring
- Fire of Life - Life Staff
- Snowmelt - Ice Gauntlet
- Brightdark - Void Gauntlet
- Volcanic Staff - Fire Staff
- Firepoker - Spear
- Knightslayer - Rapier
- Firefight - War Hammer
- Blast Shield - Kite Shield
- Trickshot - Hatchet
- Old Longbow - Bow
- Shredder - Blunderbuss
- Flamespout - Musket
- Commanding Strike - Great Axe
- Enduring Will - Longsword
- Strikeback - Greatsword
- Rending Flail - Flail
- Dragonsteel - Heavy Chestwear
- Insulating Helm - Heavy Headwear
- Darkshroud Leggings - Heavy Legwear
- Counterbalancing Boots - Heavy Footwear
- Scaled Gauntlets - Heavy Gloves
MUTATED
Defeat Commander Marius in an M3 Mutation for a chance at the following items:- Fire Lord's Cuirass - Heavy Chestwear
- Fire Lord's Great Horned Helm - Heavy Headwear
- Fire Lord's Cuisses - Heavy Legwear
- Fire Lord's Greaves- Heavy Footwear
- Fire Lord's Vambraces - Heavy Gloves
FEATURED GUESTS
