How to Find and Beat Rathalos in Monster Hunter Wilds

Join the adventure in Monster Hunter Wilds! Discover strategies to find and defeat the fearsome Rathalos. Unleash your hunting skills today!

When Rathian becomes available in Monster Hunter Wilds, Rathalos does too, forming the quintessential power couple. Although you won't receive a direct quest to find Rathalos, exploring specific locations after progressing to a certain chapter will likely lead you to encounter this formidable monster.

Monster Hunter Wilds: Find and Beat Rathalos

Locating Rathalos in Monster Hunter Wilds

Rathalos has claimed three areas as his domain: the Forest, Basin, and Wyveria, appearing after the events of Chapter 3 and into Chapter 4. Unlike Rathian, Rathalos avoids the Plains, but Wyveria is a suitable habitat as it also hosts Guardian Rathalos.

Rathalos is generally less aggressive than Rathian, allowing for easier navigation around him. One of the best places to find Rathalos is the Forest, particularly in Area 11 at nighttime, where he can often be found sleeping in his nest.

Defeating Rathalos unlocks an Optional Quest at the Quest Counter. Additionally, Rathalos may appear in Wounded Hollow, a common location for endgame encounters. For an added challenge, seek out a Tempered Rathalos after completing Chapter 4.

Strategies for Defeating Rathalos

Rathalos, unlike Guardian Rathalos from the campaign, is not to be underestimated. He employs a Weak Roar to disrupt attack patterns and Minor Wind Pressure through wing beats. Rathalos can inflict Poison and Fireblight with his AOE fiery attacks, which have a larger spread than Rathian's.

Rathalos frequently takes to the air, executing dive-bombs and tail slashes. Targeting his tail can lead to severing it, reducing its threat. Breaking both wings can limit his aerial assaults. Begin by dealing with his tail, followed by the wings.

All weapon types—slash, blunt, and ranged—are effective against Rathalos. Blunt weapons, such as Hammers, may be more effective against his neck. Weapons with Dragon or Thunder elements are advantageous, while Fire-based attacks are ineffective.

Sonic Bombs do not affect Rathalos, and Poison is the least effective status ailment. Flash Pods, Shock Traps, and Dung Pods are recommended. Dung Pods are particularly useful if encountering Rathalos in areas shared with Rathian.

Rathalos Drops

Breaking Rathalos' wings yields numerous Rathalos Wings, and severing his tail guarantees a Rathalos Tail. The cut tail may also provide rare drops like Rathalos Ruby and Rath Medulla. Rathalos Scale+ and Carapace are common, and Inferno Sacs can be obtained by targeting his head. Defeating Rathalos grants a Rathalos Certificate and potentially Monster Keenbones.

Creating Rathalos High Rank equipment requires additional resources. For instance, the Rathalos Mail requires six scales, six carapaces, two tails, and a Dragonbone Relic. Wingdrake Hide+ is needed for the Rathalos Greaves, obtainable by targeting wingdrakes in the sky or on the ground.