‘Monster Hunter World’: Fourth Free Update Delayed Due To COVID-19

Another popular game has fallen victim to COVID-19.

In an announcement on Twitter, Capcom revealed that the fourth free title update for “Monster Hunter World: Iceborne” will be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The said update was supposed to bring back fan-favorite monster Alatreon, but its arrival has now been postponed indefinitely.

Capcom apologized for the delay, citing that they had no other choice but to make the tough decision due to the impact of the crisis on their production.

“Unfortunately, coronavirus (COVID-19) related impacts on our production have made it necessary to postpone the release of the fourth free title update for Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. Voice over production for the Italian, Spanish and French language versions have also been affected, and will be replaced with simplified recordings,” Capcom shared in the announcement.

“We would like to apologize to all of our fans eagerly waiting Alatreon’s arrival in the New World, and will provide updates once we have new information to share.”

In order to at least lessen the disappointment of fans though, the Japanese game developer and publisher provided a roadmap to let players know what they can expect through May. Aside from new layered armors, high-tier decorations and high-grade armor spheres, there will also be a limited-time event quest starting on May 1.

Capcom also promised to extend the availability of most of their “Monster Hunter World: Iceborne” quests for the foreseeable future.

“Monster Hunter World” is a highly popular role-playing game where players take on the role of a hunter to slay or catch powerful monsters. Defeating monsters and obtaining items from them – as well as mining and gathering other materials in the area -- allow the hunters to craft more powerful weapons and armors.

The game is currently available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

“Monster Hunter World” is the latest major title to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Other games such as “The Last of Us Part 2,” “Iron Man VR,” Amazon’s MMO “New World,” and “Wasteland 3” have all been rescheduled at later dates due to the logistical problems caused by the ongoing health crisis.