Unstoppable Force: Why Tanks Are Dominating in New World PvP – Even with Autolock
In the current meta of New World: Aeternum, where flashy DPS builds and agile bow users often steal the spotlight, tank builds are quietly—and powerfully—rising to the top of PvP play. Armed with the ever-reliable Sword and Shield combo and the brutal utility of the Greatsword, modern tanks are becoming unshakable walls on the battlefield. And the best part? Even the new autolock system can't bring them down.
Whether you’re locking down objectives in Outpost Rush, holding the line in open-world faction skirmishes, or soaking damage in 3v3 Arenas, tank players have more tools than ever to shine. This article breaks down why tanks are thriving right now, how the autolock feature interacts with tanky builds, and how you can gear up to New World Gold coins  become an unmovable force in Aeternum PvP.
The Sword and Shield – Still the Core of Tanking
The classic Sword and Shield combo has always been the go-to for tank players. With skills like Shield Bash and Defender’s Resolve, you have both crowd control and damage reduction baked right into your kit. The shield not only absorbs blows—it enables you to control the pace of fights, keeping enemies staggered and locked down while your team capitalizes.
In PvP, where positioning and burst mitigation matter most, the Sword and Shield setup thrives under pressure. The sheer utility it provides makes it nearly impossible for opponents to ignore you—and nearly as difficult to bring you down.
The Greatsword – Utility Meets Devastation
Pairing your tank kit with a Greatsword is what takes this build to the next level. It might seem like an odd pairing at first, but the Greatsword’s abilities bring serious offensive pressure to your otherwise defensive setup.
Using Calamity Counter to reflect incoming damage and Relentless Rush to close gaps or escape sticky situations adds dynamic threat potential to your tank. You're no longer just a sponge—you’re a walking fortress that can bite back.
Autolock: No Real Threat to True Tanks
With the recent updates introducing autolock targeting, many feared that tanks would become easier to isolate and eliminate. But in practice, the opposite has proven true.
Autolock may help players land hits, but it also makes it easier for tanks to buy New World Coins   manipulate line of sight, bait abilities, and draw focus away from teammates. Plus, the natural bulk of a tank means even if you’re locked on, you’re not going down without a fight—and more often than not, you're still standing after the fight ends.
Tank Builds Are PvP MVPs
If your goal is to be the backbone of your team, the Sword and Shield + Greatsword combo is your golden ticket. You’ll offer unparalleled utility, survivability, and pressure—all while shrugging off lock-on mechanics and absorbing the spotlight in every PvP match.
With the current meta and game systems leaning toward tactical, team-based play, tanks aren’t just viable—they’re essential. And if you build it right, you won’t just survive—you’ll dominate.
Need a tank build guide, gear set recommendations, or ability tree breakdowns? Just let me know, and I’ll help you craft your unstoppable warrior!