The latest on the open-world action RPG releasing later this month
MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD
This month sees the release of the highly-anticipated Monster Hunter: World, the latest installment in the popular RPG franchise from Capcom, set in the striking, colorful New World.
Gamers will once again take on the role as a hunter who is tasked with either capturing or killing chaotic creatures that roam across different zones; gaining materials to create stronger weapons to take on even bigger monsters.
Ahead of the game’s release on Steam PC, we’ve put together this ‘what we know so far’ blog post to give you an idea of what to expect.
The release date
Monster Hunter: World arrives worldwide for consoles on January 26th, 2018 - with the PC version set for Autumn 2018 release.
The story and features
The Guild has created a project known as the Research Commission, a team of experts dispatched to research the Elder Crossing – an event which takes place every 10 years where the elder dragons, known as Zorah Magdaros, trek across the sea and migrate to the New World. You, an avid hunter, will embark on missions which take you deep into the heart of this mystical world – so it’s important to equip the right weaponry and items for the job.
Your hunter will be able to choose from 14 different weapons including swords, lances and bowguns – each with its own unique characteristics and attacks. You’ll also have access to Scoutflies, small illuminated bugs which can track monsters and guide you towards your target, as well as gaining intel on the monster.
The Slinger is a key tool for survival, allowing hunters to grapple to new heights, distract monsters in a bid to escape, and it can also be used as a slingshot to bop a few creatures on the head with nuts and berries. Players will also have access to time-limited perks including the camouflage, glider and heavy armor Mantle suits.
Similar to Monster Hunter 4, you’ll be accompanied out in the field by Palicoes, small furry creatures which can assist on hunts. These little comrades are customizable, allowing you to create your perfect buddy. Palicoes have the ability to learn the language of smaller monsters, which can result in those monsters lending a hand during a battle with larger creatures.
The New World
Get to know your surroundings!
Monster Hunter: World has four main ecosystems in which players will explore to hunt down monsters; each differing in appearance, species and threats.
Ancient Forest
With high trees and a clear blue sky, the Ancient Forest has a calming look about it, but don’t be fooled as they’re still dangerous creatures roaming around.
Large monsters in the Ancient Forest include the Great Jagras, Pukei-Pukei, Tobi-Kadachi, Anjanath and Rathalos.
Wildspire Waste
Aside from a swamp-like area from the waters of the Ancient Forest, Wildspire Waste mainly consists of dry, rocky terrain. Don’t be surprised to see monsters enjoying a roll in the mud as you sneak past, and definitely don’t underestimate their ability to sneak up on you in the swamps.
Large monsters living within Wildspire Waste include the Barroth, Jyuratodus, Rathian, Diablos and Kulu-Ya-Ku.
Coral Highlands
Mimicking the ocean, the Coral Highlands is a beautiful ecological part of the game’s world where eggs from the corals travel in the rising currents and spread to the rest of the New World, becoming part of the natural food chain. You might be in awe of your surroundings, but be careful of monsters with elemental-type attacks.
The three large monsters roaming across the Coral Highlands are the Tzitzi-Ya-Ku, Paolumu and Legiana.
Rotten Vale
A place where the corpses of fallen ferocious monsters decay in the dirt, the Rotten Vale lies below the Coral Highlands – a huge contrast in appearance from the ecosystem above it. Decomposing remains serve an important ecological role in the Vale, home to a bacterium known as effluvium, which devours organic matter.
Despite being a monster graveyard, you’re not alone in the Rotten Vale as beasts lurk in search of scraps and the odd live meal to feast on. Three large monsters can be found in the Vale; the Great Girros, Radobaan and Odogaron.
The trailers
Leading up to MH: World's release, Capcom has unveiled five trailers so far - the latest being the Rotten Vale trailer (above) back in October 2017.
The game modes
Monster Hunter: World includes single-player (offline and online) and online co-op for up to four players. Capcom has confirmed that the game will not include a local online multiplayer mode.
The game will allow players in different release regions to work together, and will also include greetings to help players communicate. The story mode will be played via quests and bounties, ranging from easy to hard, which will prompt the player to upgrade their equipment as the quests become more challenging.
The game's director, Yuya Tokuda, told US Gamer that the campaign should take "about 40 to 50 hours" to complete.
