Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Review
To all the hunters out there welcome to the new world of Monster Hunter World and those that have been there since the beginning welcome back. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is finally out and after 3 weeks of playing we can finally share out thoughts on this new expansion.
If you have not acquired this title then it is a good time to play. Monster Hunter World was released in early 2018 and already is a game with many rewards. One in particular that it is not greedy against gamers. The developers really appreciate all their fans and have been giving out the content for free and when the Expansion was announced with a $40 price tag. Without hesitation, many gamers just said, “Take my Money!” Did it live up to the hype?
HOW DOES ICEBORNE EXPAND THE ALREADY HUGE MONSTER HUNTER WORLD?
As some of you may know a Frozen Force has begun a crisis for the game as we know opening up a new area for hunters to tackle. Iceborne introduces new monsters in this hidden world with Velkhana leading the way to this frozen Thundra. Of course, as hunters in Monster Hunter World, we are going to need some upgrades in order to handle the new missions.
In this new area called Seliana which is a new gathering area located in the Hoarfrost region. This is where we chased a Shrieking Legiana which is its new form, but it unveils a new mystery. Will we hunters be ready for the task?
NEW MONSTERS MEANS NEW UPGRADES
Introducing your new equipment of the clutch claw which is a fun feature that this beast is quite fond of. With the claw hunters in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne can latch onto monsters and drop slinger ammo that can be used as tactics. Once you have loaded this special slinger ammo you can use it to either stop a fleeing monster, stop its attack or a personal favorite. Clutch claw to the monster’s faces and force them into a near wall or rock face to knock them down.
Be mindful not to overuse the clutch claw as when the monsters are raged it will not work and you will waste your stamina in the process. Now with the new world being frozen, that means the re-release of hot drinks. It is funny how many hunters missed the ability of hot drinks.
Lastly, we go into Master Rank which is the third stage many of you hunters will now deal with after diving into High Rank. No worries if you reached end game and are HR 16 and above that grants, you access into the expansion. That being said hunters will be able to crafter Master Rank armors and new rarity weapon upgrades as well.
Augmentation has changed from the previous build where now you will have to farm the guiding lands and follow new rules in order to enhance your weapons. The Guiding Lands is a new feature that kind of feels like a survival mode. As hunters, the task is to upgrade the areas to the maximum level. Then you will be able to lure particular monsters of your choice in a list to hunt as you please. With each area being upgraded also unlocks new materials to gather.
This area is definitely for those that want to do heavy farming and have access to all the areas without having to leave an expedition and jump to another. Just be sure to bring a lot of crafting supplies because this can eat up hours. Also now being able to add pendants to your weapons to show off some fun cosmetics is amusing.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON MONSTER HUNTER WORLD ICEBORNE
Besides all the new Master Rank upgrades and of course your new room which you can fully customize with furniture and obtain more items through special missions. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne feels like a proper thank you to all of us hunters supporting the title. This is just the start as more free DLC will be released and monsters before the year is done.
Monster Hunter Iceborne just adds more personality, especially with the new gathering hub having everything you need without leaving. Also playing with your Palicos in the Hot Springs is just too darn cute.
Right now you can pick up both Monster Hunter World and the Expansion Iceborne or if you already have the base game just obtain either regular or Deluxe Edition with some nice incentives.
Final Verdict: Buy it!
Pros:
- Great upgrades from the base game
- Better controls in fighting monsters
- New Guiding Lands helps with farming
- The Grammeowster is a lovely character
- Challenge is still welcoming for both new and old hunters
- You can now Invite Hunters to your Home
Cons:
- Loading issues are still a problem
- I would not mind Palacios to fight off small monsters.
