The short answer is no, Monster Hunter DLC is not free. But is it worth paying for? Absolutely! In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Monster Hunter‘s paid expansions, including details on content, value, and tips for getting the most out of these meaty DLCs.
An Introduction to Monster Hunter Expansions
Let‘s start with a quick primer on Monster Hunter games and DLC. The core Monster Hunter games are premium titles developed and published by Capcom for consoles and PC. They involve hunting colossal beasts and using loot to craft new weapons and armor – the gameplay loop at the heart of the hunting genre.
Monster Hunter installments are released every few years, with each new title introducing fresh monsters, areas, mechanics, and content. After launch, the games receive both free and paid DLC updates. Free updates offer new event quests, cosmetics, and gear. Paid expansions add massive amounts of content equivalent to half or more of an entirely new Monster Hunter game.
Up until recently, these giant paid expansions were called ‘G Rank‘ or ‘Ultimate‘ editions and released as standalone games. But since Monster Hunter World, they have become DLC packs dubbed ‘Master Rank‘ expansions. Let‘s take a closer look at the two latest examples – Iceborne and Sunbreak.
Iceborne – The Frosted Expansion for Monster Hunter World
- Release Date: September 6th, 2019
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
- Price: $39.99 standalone or $59.99 bundled with the base game
Iceborne was the first paid DLC expansion for Monster Hunter World following the game‘s launch in early 2018. Iceborne introduced the new frigid Hoarfrost Reach locale along with its own story campaign and quests separate from the main World game.
The DLC added a whopping 27 new monsters including variants and subspecies. Some fan favorites like Nargacuga, Barioth, and Tigrex made their return. Brand new monsters included the mysterious Elder Dragon Velkhana and the giant Banbaro.
Iceborne expanded the weapon and armor sets to a new Master Rank tier. It raised the max Hunter Rank from 49 to 999 and introduced new difficult endgame events. Additional free updates after Iceborne‘s launch brought back more classic monsters and sieges against giant beasts like Safi‘jiiva.
Overall Iceborne doubled the content from the base World game for $40. Fans praised it as an expansion worthy of the Ultimate/G-Rank titles before it.
Sunbreak – The Monster Hunter Rise Master Rank DLC
- Release Date: June 30th, 2022
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC
- Price: $39.99
Following the success of World and Iceborne, Capcom adopted the expansion model again for Monster Hunter Rise – releasing the Sunbreak DLC around a year after Rise‘s initial launch.
Sunbreak adds a new story taking place in the Elgado Outpost and Citadel map areas. The DLC has a horror motif and introduces switch skill swaps for each weapon. Like Iceborne, Sunbreak adds…
- 17 new monsters including Garangolm, Lunagaron, and Malzeno
- New Master Rank hub quests separate from the base Rise quests
- New weapon and armor sets reaching up to Master Rank 10
Additional free title updates after launch are bringing back more classic monsters and variants like Silver Rathalos.
So in summary, both major Monster Hunter expansions add around double the content for $40. Pretty good value compared to standalone games!
Are Smaller DLC Updates Free?
While the giant Master Rank expansions aren‘t free, Monster Hunter games do frequently receive smaller free DLC updates. These add special event quests that unlock new gear, gestures, bonuses like consumables or decór, and returning classic monsters on occasion.
For example, Monster Hunter Rise has received 9 free title updates adding crossover content from games like Street Fighter. So you can get new monsters and gear added to each game over time without paying. But to get that huge influx of content equivalent to a new game, you need the paid expansions.
Tips to Get the Most from Monster Hunter DLC
Based on my 500+ hours playing the Monster Hunter games, here are some tips if you plan on picking up Iceborne or Sunbreak:
- Don‘t rush through the DLC! Take your time and savor the new monsters and gear progression.
- Use the new moves for your main weapon type – the switch skills really change up gameplay.
- Play online to tackle the DLC‘s toughest new monsters like Frostfang Barioth or Scorned Magnamalo.
- Craft new Master Rank armor before fighting Elder Dragons – defense matters more than ever!
- Check stores regularly for new stock – they get updated items over time.
- Partake in event quests to get limited-time gear and rewards.
- Farm monsters for materials to upgrade your decór and customization options.
Is Monster Hunter DLC Worth It?
At the end of the day, while the Monster Hunter expansions aren‘t free, they provide incredible value at $40 and are packed with content equivalent to complete new games in the series. Fans almost universally praise Iceborne and Sunbreak as high-quality expansions that respect players‘ time and money.
Compared to a 10 hour $60 standalone title, you can easily sink 100+ hours into these meaty DLCs and still have more to do after the story finishes. The sheer depth and content make Monster Hunter expansions some of the very best paid DLCs in all of gaming.
So if you‘re a Monster Hunter fan ready for hundreds more hours of hunting, or you‘ve finished the base game and want the true Ultimate-style experience – then absolutely grab Iceborne or Sunbreak! Just be prepared for the really tough new Master Rank hunts.
Hopefully this guide has given you all the details on Monster Hunter paid DLC and what to expect. Let me know if you have any other questions! Happy hunting!
