Monster Hunter World: Iceborne might not be out for another week or so, but Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will be able to get an early taste of the frost-tipped expansion – or at least, a very small part of it – in just a few days, courtesy of Capcom’s imminent Iceborne beta.
PlayStation 4 owners are first in line, with Monster Hunter World’s Iceborne beta kicking off on Sony’s console this Friday, 30th August, at 8am in the UK. Things wrap up for PS4 players at 7:59am on Sunday, 1st September, making way for the Xbox One beta. This runs from 8am on Monday, 2nd September, until Thursday, 5th September, at 7:59am. You’ll need an Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus subscription to take part.
The Iceborne beta, according to Capcom’s page on the matter, will accommodate both solo and multiplayer hunters, with the headline quest, Velkhana of the Frost, pitting participants against the expansion’s new main monster, the Elder Dragon Velkhana. This, says Capcom, is a quest for Monster Hunter masters. so “expect a real challenge!”.
Those not quite up to the task needn’t despair, however; the beta will also feature three more quests designed for a variety of skills sets. For instance, the Great Devourer, Great Jagras mission is designed for novices and sets hunters on a mission to slay a Great Jagras in the Ancient Forest. The Big-horned Banbaro, meanwhile, is intended for experienced players, and features a hunt for a Banbaro in the chilly climes of Hoarfrost Reach. Finally, there’s the self-explanatory The Wild Tigrex, intended for the “most skilled” players, also unfolded in Hoarfrost. Successfully completing missions will unlock a number of reward packs, including the likes of max potions and meal vouchers for use in the full game.
Alongside new encounters, the beta will offer a chance to try out Iceborne’s new Clutch Claw mechanic, new actions and combos for each weapon, rideable creatures, and the screenshot-snapping View Mode. Players will also be able to test out some of Monster Hunter World’s new features ahead of quests via the Iceborne demo’s training area.
Of course, once players have had their fill of the beta’s quests, there’s not long to wait until the main event. Monster Hunter World’s Iceborne expansion launches on PS4 and Xbox One next Friday, 6th September. A PC release will follow in January next year.
