Vanquishing Simon Grey: Amrine Excavation Guide

Simon Grey stands as the ultimate challenge in Amrine Excavation, New World’s introductory expedition dungeon. This hulking boss demands precise coordination, smart positioning, and adaptive strategies from any group tackling him, particularly those undergeared or below the recommended level. Success hinges on understanding his attack patterns, managing summoned minions, and avoiding deadly environmental hazards like acid pools.

Understanding the Amrine Excavation Challenge

Amrine Excavation serves as the first major group content in New World, designed for five players around levels 20-25. The dungeon culminates in Simon Grey’s chamber, a spacious arena filled with potential pitfalls. Unlike earlier encounters, this fight escalates quickly due to Grey’s high damage output and relentless adds (additional enemies). Post-beta adjustments made him significantly tougher, hitting harder and moving faster, which catches many unprepared groups off guard.

Key to victory is recognizing that direct confrontation rarely works for underleveled teams. Instead, emphasize mobility, role specialization, and sustained pressure on the boss while controlling the battlefield.

Simon Grey’s Core Mechanics and Threats

Simon Grey is a brawler-style boss with melee-focused attacks that pack a punch. His primary threats include:

• Heavy Melee Swings: Wide-arc swings that deal massive damage and can stagger players. These are telegraphed but fast, requiring quick dodges or blocks.
• Acid Spit and Pools: Grey periodically spews acid, creating hazardous ground that ticks for continuous damage. Staying mobile is crucial to avoid stacking DoT (damage over time) effects.
• Zombie/Add Summons: He calls in three aggressive zombies or Star Excavation Workers that chase players. If left near the boss, they gain empowerment buffs, increasing their threat level.
• Charge and Pursuit: Grey dashes toward targets, closing distances rapidly. His speed makes tanking difficult in heavy armor without stamina management.

These mechanics force groups to split focus: damage the boss while kiting adds and dodging hazards. Neglecting any element leads to wipes.

Optimal Team Composition for Success

A balanced party is non-negotiable. Ideal setup includes:

For low-level runs (under 24), prioritize light armor users for dodge rolling over blocking, as stamina drains quickly against Grey’s onslaught.

Strategy 1: Classic Tank and Spank

This methodical approach suits geared groups with a strong tank capable of holding multiple targets.

1. Engage and Aggro: Tank charges in, using taunts to pull boss and initial adds. Position near the arena’s edge to limit add spread.
2. DPS Prioritization: Ranged DPS targets the boss while melee assists after adds are secured. Healer focuses on tank sustain.
3. Add Management: Quickly burst down one zombie at a time without pulling others. Avoid empowering them by keeping distance from Grey.
4. Hazard Dodge: Sidestep acid pools; use arena space to rotate positions.
5. Burst Phases: Cooldown all DPS when adds are down, pushing Grey’s health low before next summon.

This method shines with levels 24+ tanks but falters if aggro slips, as DPS often pulls unintentionally with high-output weapons like rapier.

Strategy 2: Kiting Mastery for Underdogs

Perfect for sub-25 groups, this hit-and-run tactic turns the arena into a racetrack.

• Tank’s Role – Zombie Roundup: Taunt the three zombies immediately upon spawn. Run tight circles around the room’s perimeter, keeping them far from the boss and group. Use Carnelian gems for sustain if available. Crucially, instruct DPS not to attack zombies—they respawn endlessly if not fully cleared as a set.
• DPS Boss Kite: Two DPS players harass Grey with ranged attacks or quick melee swipes, then dodge away. Swap aggro via Discord calls: when one pulls, they kite while the other bursts. Rapier DoTs excel here for passive damage during runs.
• Healer Orbit: Stay central, healing kitees while avoiding acid. Light armor healers can assist in kiting if needed.
• Stamina Circuit: Equip light armor passives for rolls. Regenerate stamina behind pillars or safe zones.

Kiting extends fights but ensures survival. Videos show groups clearing in 10-15 minutes this way, even at level 22.

Positioning and Arena Mastery

The fight arena is circular with minor obstacles. Optimal spots:

• Boss DPS Zone: Opposite the tank’s zombie circle, about 20 meters from Grey.
• Zombie Kite Path: Tight loop hugging one wall, away from acid spits.
• Safe Heal Spot: Elevated or central area clear of pools.

Pro Tip: Use the room’s size—Grey’s charge misses if you sidestep predictably. Always face him to react to swings.

Gear and Consumable Recommendations

Enhance viability with:

• Attributes: Tanks: 150+ Constitution, 50 Strength. DPS: Dexterity/Focus focus.
• Gems: Carnelian in weapons for tank heals; Cut Pristine Opal for Corruption resistance.
• Food/Buffs: Meaty Grubs for health regen; Honing Stones for damage.
• Armor Loadouts: Swap to light for kiting phases.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Groups fail from:

• DPSing Zombies: Causes respawns and chaos—focus boss only.
• Static Tanking: Grey shreds stationary heavies; always move.
• Ignoring Acid: Stacks kill fast—call out pools.
• No Communication: Use voice chat for aggro swaps.

Practice in normal mode first to learn timings.

Advanced Tips and Cheese Methods

For quick clears:

• Double Kite Swap: Two DPS alternate boss aggro seamlessly.
• Cheese Spot: Lure Grey to door edges where attacks whiff, though patches may fix.
• Overgear Burn: Level 30+ groups ignore adds, pure DPS race.

Record fights to refine execution.

Post-Fight Rewards and Progression

Defeating Grey yields gear (blues/greens), Umbral Shards, and expedition tokens. It unlocks higher difficulties and story beats, propelling players toward tougher content like Starstone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can solo players beat Simon Grey?

No, the adds and damage require a full group. Solo attempts fail quickly.

What’s the minimum level?

Level 20 viable with perfect kiting; 25+ recommended for tank-and-spank.

How long does the fight take?

5-10 minutes with good coordination; up to 20 for kiting learners.

Do adds respawn forever?

They cycle until boss is low; kill sets promptly in tank method.

Is heavy armor useless?

Not entirely—use for initial aggro, swap to light for mobility.