Capcom details Monster Hunter: World 'Iceborne' features, including upcoming patch and new dragons
Watch out for that Velkhana!
What you need to know
- Monster Hunter: World is getting a massive expansion in September.
- Iceborne adds a new region, dragons, and much more to the base game.
- Today, Capcom revealed even more details about the project.
- You can preorder Monster Hunter World: Iceborne for $40 at the Microsoft Store.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is an upcoming expansion that adds a new story, monsters, weapons, and more to the base game. It's expected to launch on September 6, and Capcom keeps on releasing new details about the project. Today, we got a new trailer and developer diary that reveals never-before-seen Elder Dragons and other mechanics.
Hunting grounds
Go claim your prize
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne adds new monsters, weapons, and quests to the game. Please note that if purchased from the Microsoft Store, you'll need to already have the base game. Luckily, it's part of Xbox Game Pass.
According to the developer, the videos give players a closer look at Velkhana, the mysterious Elder Dragon that's new to the series. The team is also adding new options to help gamers progress through the story and encourage helping others during multiplayer. You can take a look at the main upcoming features below.
Monsters
The brute wyvern Brachydios is a returning fan-favorite known for its explosive slime attacks, while Namielle, a mysterious all-new Elder Dragon, unleashes powerful water-based attacks. Velkhana is another Elder Dragon whose icy breath can cause frozen pillars to form on the battlefield. Luckily, they can be used by you as cover or structures to climb. There's also a Glavenus subspecies thrown in there called Acidic Glavenus.
Armor
A free Guardian Armor set will be provided to all players as part of an upcoming update on September 4. You probably want to use it because this upgradeable armor set grants increased defense and skills. If you're having a hard time, the Guardian Armor should make it easy to beat the base game.
Multiplayer
Right now in Monster Hunter: World, there really aren't great incentives to help other players. However, that's about to change. Capcom said that helpful players will get rewarded with exclusive in-game Pendants and Trophies for assisting other hunters who are weaker than they are.
Developer Diary
Capcom also released a developer diary in which select members of the team discuss some other aspects of the game. You can read about the major additions and changes below.
- Each character has more backstory.
- The Boaboa are new pigmy-like creatures that live in the frozen wasteland.
- Your room can now be redecorated.
- Monster dung will be generated from a location between the monster's legs.
- You can now cultivate Dung Pods because monsters defecate.
- When you're knocked back and your weapon is sheathed, holding down the right trigger will allow you to guard when using a sword or lance.
- Maximum level cap raised from 30 to 50 for Palicos.
- Gadget proficiency level cap raised from 10 to 15 for Palicos.
- Tailraider Unity level cap raised from 5 to 10.
- When a monster calls for help, the helper monster's roar can now be heard.
- Background textures may be displayed in higher resolution.
You can check out the complete patch notes for the next update which changes even more aspects of the game here. There's a lot to love about Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, and we can't wait to play it at the beginning of September.
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Asher Madan handles gaming news for Windows Central. Before joining Windows Central in 2017, Asher worked for a number of different gaming outlets. He has a background in medical science and is passionate about all forms of entertainment, cooking, and antiquing.