Monster Hunter World: Iceborne's final major title update sees the long-awaited return of the iconic elder dragon Fatalis. This will be Fatalis' first appearance in a mainline Monster Hunter game in three years, since Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate on the Switch.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne was released nearly a year ago as an expansion to the already massive Monster Hunter World, and with it came a slew of free title updates adding a variety of new monsters. From the return of the brutish Rajang to the met with controversy from the playerbase due to its brutal difficulty.
Regardless, it makes sense that the next monster to be released following a calamity inducing black dragon would be the black dragon to rule over all. The Monster Hunter YouTube channel released a developer diary this morning titled "The Final Stand," showing a glimpse of what to expect with Fatalis' debut. Players will return to the classic locale from the old world known as Castle Schrade in order to fend off the black dragon's appearance at the destroyed kingdom. Not much else is known about how the battle with Fatalis will play out, but what is known is that the story surrounding its appearance will feature a new character named the General, who will prepare the operation to counter Fatalis' appearance. Excitable A-Lister, a returning Monster Hunter character, will also make an appearance in the story, and the developer diary states that the story will touch on his past as the Ace Cadet.
The developer diary also showcased some other new gameplay additions for the next title update. Some of these include the reveal of Arch-Tempered Velkhana, as well as a new skill that buffs the clutch claw. This update will also finally drop all of the master rank layered armor, providing full customization for fashion hunters. There will also be yet another seasonal event titled the "Fun Fright Fest," which will be Halloween themed and feature some snazzy looking Halloween armor.
Fatalis first appeared in the original Monster Hunter as the online final boss, and ever since its first appearance, it has been surrounded by mystery. Hardly anything is known about its actual lore in the games, aside from the "Legend of the Black Dragon," a tale that describes the coming of Fatalis. Its design is that of a classic black dragon, unlike the many wyverns in the series, which establishes a precedent of just how powerful Fatalis is, along with it seemingly destroying a whole kingdom. It was Fatalis that started the line of black dragons in the series, which paved the way for others like Alatreon. With all that history and enigma behind it, Fatalis has developed into a legend among the Monster Hunter community, inspiring both fascination and terror in long-time fans.
With all that's said about Fatalis's history, it's hard to ask for a better final monster to add to Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. No doubt it will provide a great challenge for players, but from what was teased with its equipment, the rewards are sure to be worth it. Title Update 5 featuring Fatalis will release in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne on October 1st, 2020.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Source: Monster Hunter/YouTube
