Nargacuga is back!
Monster Hunter World’s first expansive DLC, Iceborne, got a full trailer and release date during Sony’s most recent State of Play. During the three-minute trailer, we finally got a full look at a few returning monsters, including the fierce Nargacuga, and some brand new monsters, like the Elder Dragon Velkhana, along with snowy terrain and more. Capcom’s official stream unveiled even more details directly after. Keep reading for everything we know about Monster Hunter World: Iceborne.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Console and PC Release Dates and Price
During Sony’s State of Play, Iceborne was revealed to release on September 9. Iceborne will release on PC this “winter,” which may be late this year, or early 2020. No word on price as of yet, but owners of either physical or digital versions of the base Monster Hunter World will be able to purchase the expansion separately. There will also be a physical Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition which includes both Monster Hunter World and the Iceborne expansion in one package.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Pre-Order and Deluxe Version Bonuses
Iceborne preorders are available now. The Yukumo series layered armor set will be available only for those who preorder the expansion. Iceborne will also be available in a “Deluxe Kit” which includes the Silver Knight Layered Armor Set, three gestures, two sticker sets, one face paint, one hairstyle, and one room decor set.
Master Rank
Iceborne introduces a new Hunter Rank to Monster Hunter World called Master Rank. This follows the pattern from Low Rank, to High Rank, to Master Rank, and is equivalent to G-rank from previous games. G-rank traditionally not only includes more difficult versions of existing monsters, but brand new monsters, plus new armor sets with different bonuses made from G-rank monsters.
New Locale: Hoarfrost Reach Details
The Hoarfrost Reach is the newest locale in Monster Hunter World, introduced with the Iceborne expansion, and will be the largest locale in all of Monster Hunter World. It’s a forested region that introduces snow effects, including snow trail effects the developers have been unable to implement in the Monster Hunter series until now.
Because of how cold Hoarfrost Reach is, hunters will need to consume Hot Drinks, made with Hot Pepper plants, to keep their stamina from taking a hit. Additionally, there is an area with natural hot springs, which provides the same effect as Hot Drinks. More of Hoarfrost will be unlocked as progression is made through Iceborne’s story, and all of it will be revealed about halfway through. Hoarfrost Reach also introduces a brand new music theme, which was first played during Capcom’s official Spring Update stream.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne New Monsters
Among new local endemic life like Rime Beetles, which leave behind Crystalburst slinger ammo, and hot-spiring loving monkeys, there are brand new monsters to hunt in Iceborne – but they won’t be available until Master Rank is attained. Here are the ones we know of so far. Check back soon for official art of the new monsters.
Banbaro
Banbaro is a new brute wyvern with uncanny similarities to the Duramboros, which made its debut in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. It’s described as an early game monster, with fairly straightforward attacks. It has huge horns, and will use them to charge at hunters. Depending on where you’re fighting it, it may pick up boulders or trees as it charges. The reach will extend with boulder, or widen with trees. It’s also an herbivore, and appears to be quite docile until its attacks. It likes relaxing by the hot springs.
Beotodus
Beotodus is like a snowy version of Jyuratodus and Lavasioth. It will attack while submerged in the snow, so hunters will have to find a way to lure it out to the open to get clear attacks on it. We expect a mechanic to change its resistances based on if it’s covered in ice or not, much how Jyuratodus’s resistances are changed if its covered in mud.
Velkhana
Because Monster Hunter World is all about investigating and searching out Elder Dragons, an Elder Dragon has been created to be the flagship monster of Iceborne. Velkhana is defined by its use of ice attacks, but because it’s an Elder Dragon, it doesn’t just use straight ice attacks. We’ll learn more about this monster in the future. Read more about what Elder Dragons are here.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Returning Monsters
So far we’ve seen a few returning monsters from past Monster Hunter games in Iceborne.
Nargacuga
Nargacuga hails from the PSP title Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, in which it served as the flagship monster. It’s categorized as a Flying Wyvern, but it prefers to fight on the ground, and does so efficiently with swift, wily attacks. Nargacuga will emerge about halfway through Iceborne’s story. It will have “new tricks up its sleeve for Monster Hunter World” but still has all of its old attacks. It’s seen fighting a Rathalos in a turf war in the trailer.
In previous Monster Hunters, the Nargacuga is able to sling spikes from its tail. It also performs a slam attack with its tail, and occasionally, gets stuck to the ground if its spikes are extended. Though it prefers fighting on the ground, it still flies away when threatened. Sonic Bombs weaken it significantly, but it triggers Nargacuga’s rage mode as soon as it recovers. It’s show in the Ancient Forest during the trailer.
Popo
Popo are herbivores which share a similar role in the food-chain as aptonoth. In previous games, you could occasionally carve off a Popo Tongue for special rewards.
Remobra
Remobra are small, flying-snake type monsters from previous Monster Hunter games. This looks like an icy-take on the monster.
New Hunter Actions: Slinger, Clutch Claw Grappling Hook, Weapon Customizations
In blatant disrespect to Sword and Shield users, all weapon types will be able to use the slinger with the weapon drawn. This should significantly increase strategies available when battling monsters. There are also “New combos and new elements” for all weapon types.
The biggest new feature is the slinger’s Clutch Claw. This fires a claw while readying the slinger, which lets you grapple onto monsters. While clinging onto a monster, there a few actions available. For example, you can perform a Flinch Shot, which unloads all slinger ammo into a monster, sending it barreling into the direction you’re facing. This technique can be used to send monsters into traps or walls, or otherwise open opportunities to attack.
The Great Sword gets a Power Shot, letting hunters mix the slinger shot into a combo, making it easier to land a charged attack by flinching the monster. With the Dual Blades equipped, you can shoot while evading – so you can “go from attacking, to clinging, within the same combo.” The Light Bowgun will be getting additional custom mods. One new mod lets you reload while evading. For example, performing two actions in a row lets you do a slide and reload at the same time.
Another video on new weapon features will be shown later this year, so check back for more information as we update it. We at least know will be seeing more of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne at E3 in June.
Casey DeFreitas is an Editor at IGN and cannot withhold her excitement for Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, as her favorite monster, Nargacuga, is making a come back! Catch her tweeting about Monster Hunter and Pokemon @ShinyCaseyD.
