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Iceborne is an expansion, not a standalone sequel: you need Monster Hunter: World to play it. If you already own the base game, look for Iceborne on its own; if you own neither, choose an edition that includes both. Capcom calls that bundle the Master Edition.
What is Monster Hunter: World – Iceborne?
Monster Hunter: World is the base game, and Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is its major paid expansion. Iceborne continues the story and adds new quest ranks, moves, locales, monsters, and gear. Capcom described it as a continuation of the game rather than a separate title. Capcom’s Iceborne announcement
Do you need the base game to play Iceborne?
Yes. Iceborne requires Monster Hunter: World. The Steam listing explicitly states that the base game is required, so buying the expansion by itself will not give a new player access to the base game. Steam’s Iceborne listing
Which edition should you buy?
| What you own | What to look for | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| You already own Monster Hunter: World | Iceborne expansion-only | The expansion; the base game must already be owned. Steam’s listing states this requirement. Steam |
| You own neither the base game nor Iceborne | Master Edition | Capcom describes Master Edition as including both the base game and Iceborne. Capcom’s Master Edition announcement |
Before purchasing, confirm the platform, region, edition name, and included content on the store or product listing. Bundle names and regional availability can differ, and historical announcements do not establish what a store currently sells.
#1 Best Overall
- Contains both Monster Hunter: World and the Iceborne expansion
- Explore sprawling locales teeming with undiscovered creatures and thriving ecosystems
- Battle fearsome monsters not only to craft new weapons & armor, but also to drive the story forward and uncover the mysteries of the New World and Hoarfrost Reach
- Extensive single-player campaign that also allows drop-in multiplayer; use the SOS Flare to summon other hunters for an assist!
- Use monster materials, as well as items found growing in the wild, to craft new items and gear
When did the games come out?
The dates below are historical release information, not confirmation of present-day stock or storefront availability.
- Monster Hunter: World launched globally on PS4 and Xbox One on January 26, 2018; Capcom said the PC release would follow. Capcom’s 2017 release announcement
- Capcom scheduled Iceborne for PS4 and Xbox One on September 6, 2019, with the PC release to follow that winter. Its announcement specified North America and Europe for the Xbox One version. Capcom’s Iceborne release announcement Capcom’s Xbox One regional announcement
- Steam lists January 9, 2020, as Iceborne’s PC release date. Steam’s Iceborne listing
What did Capcom report about Iceborne sales?
Capcom reported that Iceborne had shipped over 4 million units worldwide in an announcement dated January 15, 2020, then reported over 5 million units shipped worldwide on March 13, 2020. These are dated, publisher-reported shipment milestones—not current sales totals. Capcom’s January 2020 announcement Capcom’s March 2020 announcement
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Monster Hunter World iceborne master Edition includes the original Monster Hunter World massive volume of content - iceborne builds on every aspect of World with a wealth of new challenges and surprises
- new story introduces hoarfrost reach locale - picking up the plot from world, hunters will travel to a snow-covered terrain which progressively expands with the story, eventually becoming the largest region in world so far
- new and returning monsters - The new locale is home to brand new frigid climate foes as well as returning fan favorites joining the monster Hunter: World lineup. Leading the pack is the new flagship Monster velkhana, an Elder Dragon with powerful ice attacks that is a pervasive threat in the new story
- master rank difficulty option - A brand-new quest Tier above High rank that makes new and existing monsters more ferocious than ever
- added gameplay mechanics deepen combat - options for the slinger tool have been added including a Clutch CLAW grapple move and flinch shot that stuns monsters. With the new ability to use the slinger while the main weapon is drawn, new strategies and opportunities are available for combat.expanded weapon options - each of the 14 weapon types will get new combos and new elements, offering new depth to master
Rank #4
![PS4 - Monster Hunter World: Iceborne - Master Edition - [PAL EU - NO NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NvNjaVaZL._SL160_.jpg)
- Contains: Monster Hunter World and the highly anticipated iceborne expansion
- New setting with new enemies, in addition to the line-up of monsters featured in MHW
- New monsters add new materials that hunters can use to manufacture equipment
- New combat strategies and new gear and craft items
Rank #3
- Welcome to the new world: taking on the role of a Hunter, players are tasked with going on a research expedition to a newly discovered continent known only as “new world”.
- Living and breathing ecosystem: utilize the surrounding environment and wildlife to your advantage;Subgenre:Action role-playing game (RPG)
- Online drop-in multiplayer: when the battle is too daunting to take on single-handedly, hail up to three other hunters to assist during quests by sending up a sos flare to a worldwide server.
- Hunt to craft new Gear: defeat monsters and collect loot from fallen foes to craft equipment and weapons styled after the monsters that have been slain.
- SEAMLESS gameplay: players and monsters can move from One map area to another freely and without loading screens whilst gameplay also dynamically transitions between night and day.
Rank #2
- Monster Hunter World Iceborne Master Edition includes the original Monster Hunter World
- Massive Volume of Content - Iceborne builds on every aspect of World with a wealth of new challenges and surprises
- New Story Introduces Hoarfrost Reach Locale - Picking up the plot from World, hunters will travel to a snow-covered terrain which progressively expands with the story, eventually becoming the largest region in World so far
- New and Returning Monsters - The new locale is home to brand new frigid climate foes as well as returning fan favorites joining the Monster Hunter: World lineup. Leading the pack is the new flagship monster Velkhana, an elder dragon with powerful ice attacks that is a pervasive threat in the new story
- Master Rank difficulty option - A brand-new quest tier above High Rank that makes new and existing monsters more ferocious than ever
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
