Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, the game’s first official expansion, is set to further expand the Capcom masterpiece with a new area to explore, more monsters to hunt, and additional gear to collect.
Iceborne, which was firstteasedin December 2018, launched its first gameplay trailer in Sony’s latestState of Play. Capcom followed with its own livestream to reveal more details about the upcoming expansion.
The new area that willopen upinIceborneis called Hoarfrost Reach, and its chilly environment will be more than just visuals. Tying in to the temperature mechanics from Monster Hunter World, players will need to fight the cold with a steady supply of hot drinks and bathing in natural hot springs. Walking on heavy snow will also slow down a character’s movement.
Hoarfrost Reach is home to many new monsters, including Banbaro with its giant horns and Beotodus with its sharp fin, both of which were featured in Capcom’s livestream. Nargacuga, fromMonster Hunter Freedom Unite, will be making its return, while Velkhana, an elder dragon, will look to freeze everything that stands in its way. Other new creatures in Hoarfrost Reach include Popo, which are tusked herbivores that are generally docile, and Cortos, which are winged creatures that players can use to hitch a ride.
Players will be able to try new combat options inIceborne, including the ability to use the Slinger while their main weapon is drawn. The Slinger also received upgrades in the form of the Clutch Claw, which can be used to grapple onto monsters, and the Slinger Burst to fire a powerful shot to make monsters flinch.
Icebornewill alsointroduceMaster Rank, which is similar to the G-Rank from previousMonster Huntergames. Challenges in Master Rank will pit players against more ferocious versions of existing monsters.
Icebornewill launch on September 6 for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and for the PC sometime after in the winter. Twobeta weekends on PS4will precede its launch in June. The expansion will cost $40 for players who already ownMonster Hunter World,but for newcomers, Capcom will also release a bundle that containsMonster Hunter World, all of its updates, and Iceborne for $60.
