If you've been keeping up with the content added in New World Season 10, you already know the update leans heavily toward PvE. Between the new Catacombs activity and the Isle of Night raid, Amazon is clearly pushing cooperative dungeon-style combat. Most players approach these activities with a standard group setup, especially since the new raid continues to rely on the traditional 10-player structure. That particular mode is punishing enough that entering alone is a quick path to repair bills New World Coins and frustration.

Catacombs, however, is a different story.

Unlike the Isle of Night raid, the Catacombs is designed as a flexible three-player activity that doesn't strictly enforce group presence. While the recommended team of DPS, tank, and healer is still the most efficient way to clear it, players with strong builds and a high level of game knowledge have discovered that soloing Catacombs is not only possible but surprisingly fun. If you enjoy challenge runs, extreme builds, or simply want to test your limits, solo Catacombs might be the most rewarding activity in Season 10.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know before attempting a solo clear, including preparation, route strategy, recommended builds, and what kind of rewards you can realistically expect.

Why Catacombs Works for Solo Play

Catacombs has a few key characteristics that make it viable for solo players despite being designed for three adventurers.

First, the dungeon does not include hard locks. The design feels like the mutated expeditions from earlier seasons, but with fewer mandatory group mechanics. There are no synchronized switches, split-party puzzles, or gimmicks that require multiple bodies to progress. That alone opens the door to solo players.

Second, enemy AI in Catacombs is manageable if you understand kiting, crowd control, and hit spacing. While the mobs hit hard, their movesets are predictable enough that a mechanically skilled player can avoid the majority of incoming damage.

Lastly, the dungeon's layout contains optional side rooms and branching paths. This means you can skip some encounters entirely, which dramatically increases your chance of completing a solo run. Efficiency and survival matter more than full clears when you're alone.

Recommended Builds for Solo Catacombs

While nearly any endgame build can attempt a solo run, certain setups drastically increase your odds of success. Catacombs enemies deal high burst damage and have multiple stagger effects, so your build needs either strong mitigation or consistently high mobility to avoid hits in the first place.

Here are the most reliable archetypes for solo play.

Solo Bruiser with Lifesteal

A bruiser build using Great Axe, War Hammer, or Greatsword with heavy weapon perks and life-stealing passives is the most common choice. The naturally high health and armor give you room for mistakes, while the self-sustain keeps you alive through extended fights.

Pairing Great Axe with Sword and Shield is especially strong, giving you both offensive pressure and a reliable defensive toolkit. Heavy armor is preferred for solo bruisers, since you can't rely on a healer.

Ranged Kiting Builds

Bow and Musket players who excel at spacing and mobility can thrive in Catacombs solo. The dungeon's wide hallways and long sightlines allow ranged builds to pick off enemies one by one, eliminating the risk of being overwhelmed.

The main drawback is stamina management. If you run out of dodge attempts while being chased, you can easily be cornered.

Magical Sustain Builds

Healer-focused Life Staff users or hybrid Fire Staff and Ice Gauntlet builds can solo Catacombs with careful play. Life Staff allows you to heal through many encounters without potions, and the combination of crowd control and defensive buffs makes survival easier.

Final Thoughts

Solo Catacombs is one of the most satisfying challenges introduced in New World Season 10. It's not easy, and most players won't complete it on their first attempt. But the fact that it's possible opens up a new type of gameplay that rewards mastery, patience, and clever decision-making.

If you're willing to invest time in buy New World Gold coins preparation and refine your build, stepping into Catacombs alone offers a fresh and thrilling experience. Try it for yourself, push your limits, and see whether you can emerge with the rewards entirely on your own.