New World vs Throne and Liberty
Two modern open-world MMORPGs with big PvP ambitions — but one is buy-to-play and the other is free. Here's how New World and Throne and Liberty compare in 2026, and which is worth your time.
At a glance
| Aspect | New World | Throne and Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Buy-to-play (New World: Aeternum), one-time purchase | Free to play |
| Setting | Supernatural colonial-era island, grounded tone | High-fantasy world with dynamic weather |
| Combat | Action combat with light/heavy attacks and dodges | Hybrid tab/action with mid-fight weapon swapping |
| PvP | Territory wars, open-world flagging, arenas | Massive guild sieges and PvPvE world events |
| Crafting | Deep, gathering-heavy economy | Lighter, more standard progression |
| Best for | Players who want deep crafting and don't mind paying | Anyone wanting a modern open-world MMO for free |
Our verdict
New World has the deeper crafting economy and a distinctive grounded setting, but it costs money and its population has been up and down. Throne and Liberty is free, newer, gorgeous, and built around massive guild-driven battles.
If you won't pay up front, Throne and Liberty is the easy call — it delivers a modern open-world MMO at no cost. Choose New World if a rich crafting-and-territory economy is what you're really after and the one-time price isn't an issue.
FAQ
Is Throne and Liberty free and New World not?
Yes. Throne and Liberty is free to play on PC and console, while New World (New World: Aeternum) is a one-time purchase with no permanent free tier.
Which is better, New World or Throne and Liberty?
New World has deeper crafting and a unique setting; Throne and Liberty is free, newer and built around large-scale guild PvP. For a free modern open-world MMO, Throne and Liberty wins on value.