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Rathalos is a High Rank monster inMonster Hunter Wildsfocusing on heavy-hitting physical and fire attacks. It’s one of the first monsters players will encounter inthe endgame, offering a challenging fight that requires preparation and a solid strategy.
While Rathalos is a difficult fight, this monster is well worth hunting considering the armor and weapons you can craft from its materials are very strong and provide a solid start as a High Rank hunter.
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If you’re struggling with beating Rathalos inMonster Hunter Wilds, we have you covered. Read on to learn how to beat Rathalos as this guide will explain its weaknesses and strategies.
How to Prepare for Rathalos
Before going into any hunt inMonster Hunter Wilds, it’s really important to prepare. Depending on the monster you’re about to fight, preparation can look a bit different from one enemy to the next.
Considering Rathalos is a flying monster, there’sone essential itemto take on the hunt and that isFlash Pods.
These helpful itemscan be crafted withFlashbug Phosphorand are great atknocking flying enemies down to the groundwhenever they take flight.
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If you don’t have anyFlashbug Phosphor, use your Filter Icon tool on the in-game map and track some Flashbugs.They can be found in the Windward Plains.
Additionally, make sure youstock up on Potions and Mega-Potionsfor healing andeat a strong mealin your tent or portable grill. I recommendadding veggies to the mealto increase element resistance, which will help protect against Rathalos' fire attacks.
All Rathalos Weaknesses
While there are different elements that can do just fine against Rathalos, the monster’s biggest weakness areDragon-type weapons.
Dragon is the only element that can deal high damage to every body part, with zero red X’s showing in the Large Monster Guide (Red X means ineffective).
If you don’t have access to a Dragon-type weapon when you encounter Rathalos, thenThunder is also a good option.Whatever you do,don’t fight Rathalos with a Fire-type weapon.
As for the weapon type, Rathalos isweakest against Blunt damage.Weapons that deal the highest blunt damageare Hammers and Hunting Horns, so these two are the best choices when fighting this monster. However, I used the Switch Axe against Rathalos and did just fine.
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Theweakest point on Rathalos' body is the head, having a four-star rating in the Large Monster Guide.
In this case, you want to aim for the head as much as possible to deal the highest amount of damage.Rathalos' wings, legs, and tail are the second weakest, so they’re also a good spot to attack.
As for effective status effects, Rathalos is the weakest to the following (more stars equals more effective):
If you want to bring an item that inflicts any of these status effects, then go for it. However,stun seems to be the most helpful(Flash Pods) despite it having the same number of stars as the others.
Best Strategies to Defeat Rathalos
Rathalos is afire-breathing dragonthat focuses on shooting lines of fire and swinging his tail to deal damage. Luckily, he doesn’t have a very complex moveset, only consisting of a handful of attacks.
Description
Flame Circle
Rathalos creates a ball of fire in his mouth and swings in a full 360 circle, engulfing the ground in flames. Rathalos does this while in the air.
Dodge toward Rathalos or use aflash podto bring him to the ground.
Flame Beam
Rathalos lowers his head and shoots a beam of fire directly in front of him.
Dodge to the side and then rush into his head to attack.
Flying Tail Swipe
Rathalos takes flight and swings his tail directly in front of him twice.
Dodge to the side or use aFlash Podto bring him to the ground.
Ground Tail Swipe
Rathalos swipes his tail across the ground if he’s getting attacked from behind.
Dodge into this attack from an angle and then continue attacking.
As you can see in the grid above,half of Rathalos' attacks can be canceled with aFlash Pod.For attacks that can’t be canceled with aFlash Pod, a quick dodge to the side and then rushing in to punish him is the best option.
Remember tocreate wounds by attacking the same spot multiple timesand then use Focus Strike to deal significant damage. Also, whenever possible,mount Rathalos when he’s tiredso you may get some free, hard-hitting, attacks in.
Rathalos Rewards
Defeating Rathalos inMonster Hunter Wildswill earn the player useful rewards to craft new gear and weapons. We have them listed for you below.
Keep in mind that not all of these rewards are earned in one hunt. Sometimes, it takes multiple attempt.
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