New World, Amazon’s massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), brings players into a beautifully detailed world filled with danger, exploration, and discovery. One of the key features of New World’s end-game content is its Expeditions, which are dungeon-like group PvE activities offering some of the best rewards in the game. Among these, Starstone Barrows stands out as an early-game expedition that offers both challenge and reward.
The Starstone Barrows is a unique instance, located in the Starstone Grange region of Aeternum. Players will need to band together to fight through a series of challenging encounters, including both enemies and puzzles, to complete the expedition and earn valuable loot. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Starstone Barrows, including the objectives, strategies, gear recommendations, and tips for success.
What is the Starstone Barrows Expedition?
The Starstone Barrows is one of New World’s Expedition dungeons and is available once players reach level 35. It offers a unique experience combining puzzle-solving and intense combat. The dungeon is found in Starstone Grange, a region located in the Cutlass Keys territory. As an expedition, the Starstone Barrows requires a full party of players (up to 5) and can be accessed via a group matchmaking system or by using a mutator stone if you’re running a private expedition.
The Starstone Barrows features a mix of different mechanics: waves of enemies, traps, environmental hazards, and even a few puzzles. It is considered a medium-difficulty expedition compared to others, so it is perfect for groups looking to push into more difficult content but aren’t yet ready for the hardest expeditions in the game, like the Dynasty Shipyard or Garden of Genesis.
The rewards for completing the Starstone Barrows include excellent experience points (XP), gear upgrades, New World Gold, and unique crafting materials. Players also have the opportunity to earn starstone shards, which can be used for crafting powerful items.
Preparing for the Starstone Barrows Expedition
Before jumping into the Starstone Barrows expedition, it’s important to properly prepare your character, gear, and strategy. Here’s a checklist for getting ready:
1. Level Requirements
The Starstone Barrows expedition is recommended for level 35 players or higher. It’s designed to be challenging but accessible to players in the mid-level range.
While you can technically enter the expedition with a lower level, it’s advised to ensure you and your group are around level 35 for a smooth experience.
2. Party Composition
The Starstone Barrows is designed for 5-player teams, and teamwork is crucial to completing the dungeon. A balanced party with both offensive and defensive capabilities will ensure that you can handle the various challenges inside. Here is a suggested composition:
Tank (1): Your tank should focus on Constitution and Strength or Dexterity to take the aggro of enemies and absorb damage. Tanks will need high survivability and must be able to hold multiple enemies at once.
Healer (1): The healer will be crucial in keeping the team alive, especially during boss fights or mob waves. A healer with the Life Staff and Focus as the primary stat is recommended.
DPS (3): A mix of ranged and melee DPS is ideal. The Bow, Musket, Warhammer, Great Axe, or Void Gauntlet work well, depending on your preferred playstyle. High Intelligence or Dexterity will be important for maximizing damage output.
3. Gear and Weapon Recommendations
Level-appropriate Gear: Aim for level 35-40 gear, as this will help you survive against the dungeon’s enemies and bosses. Ensure your armor is at least Rare (green) or Epic (purple) quality to maximize your effectiveness.
Weapons: The tank should equip either a Sword and Shield or Warhammer for high control and damage mitigation. Healers should use the Life Staff, while DPS players can use a combination of Great Axe, Rapier, Fire Staff, Bow, or Void Gauntlet. It’s also important that your weapons are upgraded, ideally with gems or perks that complement your class.
Consumables: Stock up on Health Potions, Mana Potions, and Food Buffs to boost your chances of survival. You may also want to bring Tuning Orbs—these are required to start the expedition.
4. Tuning Orb
In order to enter the Starstone Barrows, you need a Tuning Orb. These orbs can be crafted using materials found in the world or by completing other content in the game. Once you have your Tuning Orb, you can use it to access the expedition. You will need 3-5 players in your group to use the orb and enter.
Key Mechanics of the Starstone Barrows
Once you’ve prepared, it’s time to understand the key mechanics you will encounter in the dungeon. The Starstone Barrows expedition is made up of three distinct sections: mob waves, puzzles, and boss fights.
1. Mob Waves and Trash Mobs
The expedition kicks off with a series of trash mobs—these are standard enemies that players will need to defeat in waves. The difficulty of these mobs varies, and you will encounter various types of creatures, such as:
Corrupted enemies: These creatures use magic and can deal heavy damage to players.
Elite mobs: These enemies are stronger than standard trash mobs and can present a challenge even for well-geared groups.
2. Environmental Hazards
The Starstone Barrows is known for its environmental hazards, including traps and obstacles that can damage players. Watch out for:
Floor traps: These will shoot out poison darts or spikes. Players will need to move carefully and time their movements to avoid taking damage.
Cave-in events: Certain sections of the dungeon may have a collapsing floor or a deadly fall if you’re not paying attention.
Light puzzles: Some rooms will require players to light a set of sconces or perform other actions to unlock doors or treasure chests.
Always communicate with your team to avoid unnecessary deaths from environmental hazards.
3. Puzzles
One of the more unique aspects of the Starstone Barrows expedition is its puzzles. These are typically light-based puzzles, where players will need to align mirrors or activate mechanisms in a specific order to progress.
Here’s how to solve a few of the puzzles you may encounter:
Light Reflection Puzzles: In some rooms, you will need to direct beams of light onto certain targets. This will require players to rotate mirrors or use mechanisms to reflect light beams to activate doors or chests.
Timed Puzzles: Some puzzles are time-sensitive, meaning your group will need to act quickly to activate certain switches or pull levers before the timer expires.
Solving these puzzles quickly is essential for progressing smoothly through the dungeon.
4. Bosses of the Starstone Barrows
The Starstone Barrows features a series of boss fights, which are the highlight of the expedition. These bosses have unique mechanics, and each requires a specific strategy to defeat:
Corrupted Conflux: This first boss is relatively simple and focuses on damage dealing, but players should be wary of its AoE (area of effect) damage. It can spawn minions, so having a tank who can control aggro and DPS focusing on the boss is key.
Heart of the Barrows: The final boss is more challenging and can deal massive amounts of damage. It has multiple phases, and players will need to coordinate well to avoid devastating AoE attacks. It can also summon waves of enemies, requiring quick reactions from the DPS to eliminate them before they overwhelm the party.
Tips and Strategies for Success
Here are a few tips that can help your team succeed in the Starstone Barrows expedition:
Focus on Agility and Coordination: Many sections of the dungeon require players to time their movements carefully to avoid traps and environmental hazards. Working together and communicating is essential.
Maximize DPS Output: Have your DPS players focus on maintaining high uptime on the boss and trash mobs while ensuring they avoid the boss’s heavy attacks.
Keep Healers Safe: Healers should position themselves safely behind tanks or other group members to avoid taking damage during boss fights.
Don’t Skip the Puzzles: Completing the puzzles quickly and efficiently can help prevent time pressure from mounting. Always have someone in the group assigned to puzzle solving.
Prepare for Multiple Waves: Some bosses or trash mobs will summon additional enemies. Be ready for waves of enemies, and make sure the tank is managing aggro properly.
Conclusion
The Starstone Barrows expedition in New World is a great way to challenge your team and earn some of the best loot available in the early game. While it may seem intimidating at first, with proper preparation, communication, and strategy, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Use the money from buy New World Gold coins to quickly become stronger and help you pass the level. Make sure you gather a strong group, prepare your gear, and understand the key mechanics of the dungeon, and you’ll be well on your way to conquering the Barrows and securing valuable rewards. Happy adventuring!