The last beta test before Monster Hunter World: Iceborne drops is going to start this week.
If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on Iceborne, the wait is almost over. The first (and only) expansion to Capcom’s blockbuster entry into the Monster Hunter franchise is coming next week.
But this week, we’ve at least got an open beta test to tide us over.
Capcom is opening the floodgates a tiny bit with two open betas, the first of which arrives on the PlayStation 4. The PS4 beta starts on Friday, August 30th, at 12:01 AM Pacific. It runs over the weekend until 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 1st.
Xbox One players, unfortunately, don't get the benefit of having a weekend to play Iceborne. Their beta starts immediately after the PS4 one on Monday, September 2nd, at 12:01 AM, and goes until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, September 4th. Pre-loading begins today so there won't be any downtime once the beta starts.
As with the previous beta test, an actual copy of the base game is not required in order to play. Also with the previous beta there will be a limited number of quests available. For beginners, there's the Great Jagras, while more advanced players can take on the Banbaro and Tigrex.
New to this beta will be the quest that lets you take on the fearsome new flagship monster for Iceborne: the Elder Dragon Velkhana.
All 14 weapons will be available for the test and will also include all the new features that will be released in Iceborne. This includes the new slinger tool features as well as the Clutch Claw grapple tool.
Do you have what it takes to slay the mythical Elder Dragon Velkhana? Take on this frosty challenge in the #Iceborne Beta for PS4 and Xbox One:
❄️ PlayStation 4: Aug 30 ~ Sep 1
❄️ Xbox One: Sep 2 ~ Sep 5 pic.twitter.com/KUrtZM3aTu
— Monster Hunter (@monsterhunter) August 26, 2019
As this is just a beta test, progress will not be saved between the beta and the real version of Iceborne, but hunters will still walk away with a few prizes. Each completed quest provides four special "commendation packs" that will include "helpful consumable items" once Iceborne actually releases.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne arrives on September 6th for PS4 and Xbox One, with the PC version to arrive sometime this winter.