How is it these days?

Purchased the game way back on release. I really enjoyed the game, and crafting system but eventually kinda got burnt on the state of the game during that time.

Ive been very losely following this game, and as of late am feeling a massive burn out on Classic Wow and all the Classic + pserver nonsense.

So im curious, how is the game overall these days? Im stuck between New World, and Ashes of Creation Alpha lol. Is the PvP still great? has the world expanded besides the desert place?