Rajang adds Super Saiyan Beatdowns to Monster Hunter World

One of the many reasons that Monster Hunter World was able to stay at the top is likely due to its continuous support of the game with free content. This has been a trend for a long time in the Monster Hunter franchise and seeing it continue is pleasing given the nickel-and-dime tactics many major publishers implement. With the first major paid expansion launching for $39.99 on September 6th, Iceborne continues the trend with the first new monster, Rajang, alongside several smaller updates that will be added to the game on October 10th.

While Japan has been getting the smackdown from Rajang since Monster Hunter 2 on PS2, global players were not able to fight this beast until Monster Hunter Freedom 2 on the PSP. From there, Rajang has been making waves on the 3DS and eventually the Switch, living in infamy as a fan-favorite that’s often tied to Dragon Ball Z. This is because its enraged state transformation is similar to that of the Super Saiyan forms. There’s also the connection to the Great Ape form exhibited by Saiyans, both visually and mechanically. Rajang can’t become enraged if its tail has been cut off. It’s currently unsure if this mechanic will carry into Iceborne.

Players who have purchased the Iceborne expansion will eventually unlock a quest in the Guiding Lands where Rajang will appear. A new volcanic region is also being added to the Guiding Lands for the occasion. Of course, with any new monster comes new weapons and armor to craft, and Rajang’s set looks awesome. Weapon augmentation and custom upgrades are also being expanded for this update.

Aside from Rajang, hunters are getting a lot of options to personalize their in-game room and be able to share the space with other players. A music player is also being added to enjoy lots of Monster Hunter tunes. Other decor and furniture, including a place to display weapons and armor, are being added. It was noted that there will be some paid content packs for some of these cosmetic features.

I’m personally not a fan of these paid items as they tend to feel overpriced for what they are, often being skins for the handler, emotes, and such. It’s a trend that I would like to see lessened, especially in Monster Hunter World which has been Capcom’s best-selling game in their history. Not only that but the lack of abundant micro-transactions was being touted during the game’s initial marketing. Thankfully, all additional paid content (aside from the Iceborne expansion of course) has been quite minor so far.

Aside from the October 10th update, we also got information on what’s in store for November and December. Monster Hunter World is getting a crossover event with Resident Evil 2, in November which includes new gear and outfits to look like Leon and Claire, plus a strange zombie mode for hunters, and more. Two contest designs will be also available come November, one a charge blade and the other a palico set. PlayStation players will also get the first round of Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds content. December will see more Frozen Wilds content as well as a seasonal event and an unannounced new monster.

Considering the winter themes of Iceborne and the fan demand, it seems likely that Gammoth is a likely candidate. Although I always like to see new monster designs, so I’m hoping we start to get more unique creatures to battle.

A Resident Evil-inspired pack of content is slated for November.

Being that I’ve spent much of my playtime in previous Monster Hunter titles in lower ranks, I haven’t run into Rajang in my travels as a hunter. I am playing at a much higher rank than ever before on Iceborne, mostly thanks to the game being on a full console with a comfortable controller. That and ranged weapons are far more fun to use as compared to previous entries in the franchise. I’m always excited to group up with some friends and take down the latest brute and I’ve already got a few ice element weapons ready.

It’s probably a safe bet to pack armor with thunder resistance too.

All of these details can be found in the latest Dev Diary from the Monster Hunter World team. There will likely be full patch notes released as well to detail bug fixes and balance changes.

For more information, check out the official Monster Hunter World: Iceborne website.

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