《魔物獵人 世界：Iceborne》（英文：Monster Hunter World: Iceborne，日文：モンスターハンターワールド：アイスボーン）是由Capcom開發的《魔物獵人 世界》大型資料片擴充內容，於2019年9月6日首先在PlayStation 4與Xbox One平台推出，2020年初再登陸PC。不僅為本篇遊戲帶來全新的劇情與探索地區，更加入大量新魔物、新動作系統與大幅提高的挑戰深度，使其被視為是《魔物獵人 世界》的「真正完成版」，並廣受系列粉絲與評論界的高度讚譽。

劇情方面，《Iceborne》緊接《魔物獵人 世界》本篇劇情之後展開。調查團在解決「熔山龍」與「冥赤龍」等威脅後，在新大陸目擊到大量魔物開始異常遷徙，進而發現一處未曾探索的冰雪地帶——「永霜凍土」（Hoarfrost Reach）。這片區域環境極其嚴峻，佈滿雪原與冰壁，棲息著眾多前所未見的強悍魔物。與調查團便隨著主線任務前往此地展開新一輪的探索與調查，最終將面對以寒氣統治凍土的古龍「冰咒龍」（Velkhana）。除冰咒龍外，劇情也揭露與整個新大陸生態系統密切相關的更深層威脅，為整體世界觀與生態設定添加更多層次。

在操作與系統方面，最引人注目的變革之一，是新增「精英任務」（Master Rank）這個新的高難度等級。相較於過去的「下位」與「上位」，精英任務的魔物不僅攻擊力與耐久度更高，AI行為也更加智慧且具挑戰性，戰鬥過程需更加講求觀察與技巧。這使得整體遊戲時間與重玩價值大幅提升，對資深玩家來說是一大福音。

此外，武器系統全面追加新動作與新連段。每種武器皆針對其核心特性強化，例如大劍新增能快速拔刀後直接接強力真蓄力斬的連段、雙劍擁有新的鬼人強化模式、操蟲棍能更靈活地控蟲與空中移動等，大幅提升操作的深度與自由度。

另一項重大新增系統是「抓鉤」（Clutch Claw），這是裝備於獵人手上的鉤爪道具，在戰鬥中主動抓附在魔物身上，並進行如削弱部位、防止逃跑或引導撞牆等戰術行動。抓鉤的導入不僅改變過往以遠距或機動躲避為主的打法，更強化攻守節奏的互動性，使獵人更能主動創造戰術優勢。

地圖方面，新增的「永霜凍土」區域擁有豐富的地形變化與動態天氣系統。不僅需因應雪地的滑動與視野限制，還需管理體溫與耐力消耗，加入更多探索與生存的元素。除新地圖外，也追加大量原創與經典魔物，像是「冰魚龍」、「雷狼龍」、「冰牙龍」、「迅龍」等人氣舊作魔物皆在本作中回歸，而冰咒龍、猛牛龍、煌黑龍等新登場古龍與強敵亦成為系列玩家挑戰極限的對象。

遊戲進程的節奏也經過重調，支線任務與裝備素材的分佈更加緊湊。系統還導入「導引地帶」（Guiding Lands），作為後期Endgame內容的重心，會隨著探索而動態變化的特殊區域，可遇見眾多稀有魔物與獲得特殊強化素材。此地區設計為開放性長期挑戰區，成為許多玩家追求極限配裝與高階狩獵的終點站。

畫面與音效方面，延續本篇高品質演出風格，在寒冷場景中加入更多細膩的雪地效果與粒子光影演算，魔物身上的冰霜、結晶甚至呼出的霧氣都表現得極具臨場感。配樂方面則偏向哀愁與神秘感的冰原風格，特別是冰咒龍與終盤魔物的主題曲營造出宏大、神聖且充滿危機感的氛圍，強化狩獵過程的沉浸感。

在市場表現與玩家評價方面，延續《魔物獵人 世界》的銷售熱潮，上市不久即銷售破百萬套，在追加內容中堪稱空前成功。評論界普遍給予極高分數，認為其不僅在本篇基礎上擴充出極具誠意的內容，更於系統與戰鬥深度上持續突破，真正展現出《魔物獵人》系列核心魅力。許多老玩家更認為《Iceborne》才是真正意義上的「世界完整版」，在精英任務、抓鉤系統與導引地帶的加持下，狩獵體驗完整而紮實。雖然部分新手玩家可能會覺得精英任務的難度偏高，抓鉤使用也需要時間適應，但這些挑戰正是本作的核心吸引力所在。隨著社群支持、更新魔物與活動任務不斷推出，《Iceborne》的生命週期遠超出一般DLC，幾乎可視為一款獨立的大型續作。

總結而言，《魔物獵人 世界：Iceborne》不僅成功延伸並深化《世界》的優點，更以其豐富的內容、創新的戰鬥系統與視覺美術達成系列的一次巔峰表現。既是對系列老玩家的最佳回饋，也為動作遊戲類型設下難以超越的新標準，堪稱PlayStation 4平台上最具代表性的狩獵動作作品之一。

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (Japanese: モンスターハンターワールド：アイスボーン) is a massive expansion to Monster Hunter: World, developed by Capcom. Initially released on September 6, 2019 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, it later launched on PC in early 2020. Not only does it add a brand-new storyline and exploration region, it also introduces a wealth of new monsters, expanded combat systems, and significantly increased difficulty—earning it the reputation of being the "true complete edition" of Monster Hunter: World, and receiving widespread acclaim from both longtime fans and critics.

The story of Iceborne picks up immediately after the events of the main game. Following the resolution of threats like Zorah Magdaros and Xeno’jiiva, the Research Commission witnesses a mysterious mass migration of monsters within the New World. This leads to the discovery of a previously unexplored, frozen region known as the Hoarfrost Reach—a harsh, snow-covered landscape inhabited by powerful and unfamiliar monsters. The player, as part of the Fifth Fleet, ventures into this perilous zone alongside fellow researchers. The central narrative eventually leads to an epic confrontation with Velkhana, an Elder Dragon that commands the cold. The story also unveils deeper ecological threats intertwined with the broader ecosystem of the New World, adding complexity to the game’s lore.

In terms of gameplay and systems, one of the most significant additions is the Master Rank, a new difficulty tier beyond Low and High Rank. Monsters at this level feature heightened aggression, resilience, and smarter AI behaviors, demanding more strategic observation and precision in combat. This significantly extends playtime and replayability, offering a major draw for experienced hunters.

Weapon systems have also been expanded with new moves and combos for each weapon type. For instance, the Great Sword gains a new combo that allows for a fast draw into a powerful True Charged Slash, the Dual Blades receive enhancements to their Demon Mode, and the Insect Glaive becomes even more versatile in mid-air and Kinsect maneuvers. These updates deepen the combat system and offer more freedom in player expression.

A major new feature is the Clutch Claw, a grappling device attached to the hunter’s arm. It allows players to latch onto monsters during combat, weakening specific parts, preventing escapes, or slamming them into walls for damage and stagger effects. The Clutch Claw shifts combat strategy, encouraging a more proactive, rhythm-based engagement rather than simply reacting or dodging at range.

The new region, Hoarfrost Reach, is rich in environmental detail and features a dynamic weather system. Players must contend with slick ice surfaces, reduced visibility, cold management, and stamina limitations, adding layers of exploration and survival mechanics. Beyond this map, Iceborne reintroduces many classic monsters—such as Barioth, Zinogre, Nargacuga, and Tigrex—as well as formidable new additions like Banbaro, Velkhana, and Alatreon, offering a robust roster of challenges.

Game progression has been fine-tuned, with improved side quests and more accessible material acquisition. One of the biggest endgame additions is the Guiding Lands, a constantly evolving area where rare monsters spawn and unique materials can be collected. Designed for long-term engagement, this region becomes a central hub for high-level hunting and gear optimization.

Visually and sonically, Iceborne maintains the high production quality of the base game while enhancing the atmosphere with more detailed snow effects, ice particles, and dynamic lighting. Monster designs are more intricate than ever, with frosty textures, crystalline features, and animated breath vapor. The soundtrack complements the setting with melancholic, mysterious compositions, especially the haunting themes of Velkhana and other late-game monsters, heightening the sense of majesty and peril during hunts.

From a commercial and critical perspective, Iceborne continued the sales momentum of World, quickly surpassing one million units sold and becoming one of the most successful expansion packs in modern gaming. Reviewers praised its generous content, refined systems, and the expanded challenge it offered. Many veteran players regard Iceborne as the true culmination of the Monster Hunter: World experience, thanks to the Master Rank, Clutch Claw mechanics, and robust endgame content.

While some newcomers may find the Master Rank difficulty curve steep and the Clutch Claw requiring practice, these elements are core to Iceborne’s appeal. With continued developer support, new monsters, and time-limited event quests, Iceborne has enjoyed a long lifespan, effectively serving as a standalone sequel in terms of scope and polish.

In conclusion, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne not only extends and enriches the foundation laid by World, but also elevates the series to new heights with its expansive content, innovative combat systems, and stunning visual design. It stands as a pinnacle of the franchise and sets a high standard for action RPG expansions—undoubtedly one of the defining hunting action titles of the PlayStation 4 era.