Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is coming to Xbox One and PS4 at the start of September, with a PC launch dropping a little further down the line. Today, Capcom have released not just a new trailer, but also a developer update video that is jam-packed with new details for the highly anticipated massive expansion to Capcom’s best-selling Monster Hunter: World.
You can take in the action below, and you’ll want to watch the latest footage as it provides an overview of the newly confirmed subspecies variation of monsters, a look at the all new gathering hub in the Seliana headquarters, plus all manner of other gameplay improvements and additions.
Subspecies monsters join the roster in Iceborne, offering extreme, twisted variations that amp up the difficulty and require master-level hunting skills to defeat. The latest trailer provides a little peek at just two of the ferocious variants that await. These include the electrifying brute wyvern Fulgur Anjanath which channels lightning instead of fire, and the fanged wyvern Ebony Odogaron; more vicious than ever with a wider attack range and dragon elemental.
In addition we also get to hear about the fiery Glavenus, whose distinguishable roar was teased in the previous story trailer, wields its sword-like tail to wipe out hunters with its trademark sweep attack.
It’s not just about the monsters with Iceborne though and as part of the cozy new Seliana home base in Hoarfrost Reach, a streamlined Gathering Hub offers a warm welcome for hunting parties with more centralized facilities and features. Built around an interactive hot spring, hunters and Palicoes can conveniently manage all the pre-hunt necessities in close proximity such as the Smithy to craft gear, resource center to manage bounties or botanical research to harvest items. “My Room” is also accessible and features new personalization options such as furniture, décor, and colors, with a post-launch update planned to allow other players to visit each other’s spaces.
Further gameplay options included in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne will also offer additional flexibility for multiplayer hunting parties. A series-first scaling balanced difficulty which will adapt for a two-player team if others have dropped out or if a duo sets out to tackle a quest with their Palicoes in tow. The furry sidekicks will also get upgraded gadgets and new options such as the Shieldspire Stooge, a mobile decoy that draws a monster’s attention away from the player, the Meowcano, a giant jar that shoots out fireballs at enemies, and an enhanced Vigorwasp that can revive players immediately back into battle if they faint. New Squad Cards featuring info on the respective team can be sent to invite others to join the group, similar to how Guild Cards for each hunter can be traded individually. Sub-leaders have been added for Squad teams and can share duties on recruiting and accepting team requests.
Sound good? You’ll obviously need the base game of Monster Hunter: World in place to enjoy Iceborne, but with the new gameplay options teased, and the chance to partake in new story elements and quests, it certainly seems like it’ll be giving Monster Hunter World a new lease of life.
If you wish to get involved than several options are now available for pre-order, with a special Yukumo Series layered armor set bonus exclusively for these early bird customers. For existing owners, the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion is available as an addition digital DLC, while a Digital Deluxe version includes both the expansion and an Iceborne Deluxe Kit DLC of cosmetic items. For those who are new to the game, the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition will probably be the best bet as it is that which contains both the main game and the Iceborne expansion.
Whatever you decide you can be sure of one thing – Iceborne is coming!