Monster Hunter: World Iceborne Gets Beta, Goes on Tour

Capcom has announced a pair of open betas for Monster Hunter: World Iceborne. The betas will be exclusive to PlayStation 4 with PlayStation Plus members able to access the beta from June 21, 2019, through June 23, 2019. The second beta will be available to all PlayStation 4 owners and will last from June 28, 2019. Players will not need to own Monster Hunter: World to access the beta, but will need to own a copy of the game for the expansion’s full release.

Accompanying the beta announcements came a new trailer. The trailer is a nine-minute tour of the upcoming expansion hosted by the Handler, beginning with the story of how the Fifth Fleet discovered the new area, the Hoarfrost Reach. The trailer also gives a new look at what new features players will have a chance to try in the beta.

The first new thing players will have to keep track of is their temperature. Players must consume hot drinks to stay warm and preserve their stamina, or find any number of hot springs in the wild. All hunters’ Slingers have also received an upgrade: they can now be fired while drawn and now include the Clutch Claw. The Clutch Claw is a grappling hook that allows players to cling to monsters and make an attack. The attack will either soften a monster’s hide or force them to drop Slinger ammo depending upon the type of weapon used. Claw attacks may also be used while clinging to a monster, forcing them to change direction. Hunters will also be able to fire all their Slinger ammo while clutching the monster, making them flinch into or over obstacles.

Iceborne will arrive on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 6, 2019. The PC version is set to arrive at a later date.