Skip to content

Game Mechanics

Understand the core systems that power New Dawn's gameplay experience.

Overview

This section covers the fundamental mechanics of Ultima Online as implemented on New Dawn:

Core Systems

The Skill System

New Dawn uses a skill-based progression system where:

  • Characters have 700 total skill points
  • Skills range from 0.0 to 100.0
  • Skills improve through use
  • No class restrictions

Learn about Skills

Character Stats

Three primary statistics define your character:

Stat Primary Effect Secondary Effects
Strength Hit Points, Melee Damage Carrying Capacity
Dexterity Stamina, Swing Speed Defense Chance
Intelligence Mana Pool Magic Effectiveness

Stats Guide

Combat Fundamentals

Combat in UO is based on several factors:

  • Weapon skill vs. opponent's defense
  • Tactics skill for damage bonus
  • Anatomy for critical hits
  • Equipment quality and properties

Combat Details

Magic & Spellcasting

Multiple magic systems exist:

  • Magery - Traditional spell casting
  • Necromancy - Death magic (if enabled)
  • Chivalry - Paladin spells (if enabled)
  • Bushido/Ninjitsu - Eastern arts (if enabled)

Magic Guide

Crafting & Economy

Create your own equipment and sell to others:

  • Blacksmithy for metal weapons/armor
  • Tailoring for cloth and leather
  • Carpentry for furniture and tools
  • Alchemy for potions
  • And many more!

Crafting Guide

Resource Gathering

Before crafting, you'll need resources:

  • Mining - Ore and gems
  • Lumberjacking - Wood
  • Fishing - Fish and treasure
  • Skinning - Leather and hides

Character Development

Skill Progression

Skills increase through use:

  1. 0-50: Fast gains, basic activities
  2. 50-80: Moderate gains, advanced activities
  3. 80-100: Slow gains, expert-level content

Stat Growth

Stats increase over time:

  • Gain points by using related skills
  • Maximum 225 total stat points
  • Individual stat cap: 100

Game Balance

New Dawn maintains balance through:

  • Skill caps limiting specialization
  • Stat caps requiring trade-offs
  • Equipment durability
  • Resource scarcity
  • PvP systems (if applicable)

Quick Reference

Key Numbers to Remember

  • 700 - Total skill points
  • 225 - Total stat points
  • 100 - Maximum single stat/skill
  • 80 - Starting stat points
  • 0.1 - Minimum skill gain increment

Advanced Mechanics

As you progress, you'll encounter:

  • Resist systems (magic and elemental)
  • Special moves and abilities
  • Reputation and karma
  • Notoriety system
  • Housing mechanics

These are covered in detail within their respective sections.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore the specific mechanics that interest you!