Some monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds are significantly tougher than your average beast, and Monster Hunter Wilds Rathalos is no exception. This winged menace has a fresh moveset that gives hunters more chances to attack from the ground, but don’t let that fool you—this fight is anything but easy. To beat Rathalos, you’ll need to dodge its brutal fire and poison attacks while aiming for its weak spots. This guide covers Rathalos MH Wilds locations, weaknesses, attacks, and strategies to take it down.

MH Wilds Rathalos Locations

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You can find MH Wilds Rathalos in three of the five major regions:

• Scarlet Forest
• Oilwell Basin
• Ruins of Wyveria However, you might have to adjust the time of day to get it to spawn. Many hunters report a higher spawn rate at night, though this isn’t confirmed. Be careful—sometimes a Rathian joins the battle, especially when Rathalos retreats to its nest. Before heading out, check the world map for Rathalos in any of these regions. If it’s listed, fast-travel to the base camp, stock up on supplies, set a Waypoint, and mount your Seikret to get there quickly.

How to Beat Rathalos

Rathalos Weaknesses & Weak Spots

Despite being the self-proclaimed "King of the Skies," Monster Hunter Wilds Rathalos has some notable weaknesses. It takes extra damage from Dragon and Thunder attacks, and all status effects work against it. The only thing it's completely resistant to is Fire, and its legs shrug off Water and Ice damage. Here’s a breakdown of Rathalos' weak spots and resistances:

The best spots to target are its head, tail, and wings. Avoid its torso, as it’s heavily armored and takes minimal damage. Be especially careful when you see fire in its mouth—it’s about to unleash a devastating attack.

Rathalos Attacks to Watch Out For

In the game, the Monster Hunter Wilds Rathalos fight has changed. While it still flies, it stays closer to the ground for most of the battle, making its hard-hitting attacks more difficult to dodge.

How to Avoid Rathalos’ Attacks

• Stay under Rathalos. Dodging underneath helps you avoid most attacks, especially fireballs.
• Be cautious of close-range hits. If it's about to swipe, chomp, or do a tail flip, dodge away instead of under.
• Watch out for poison claws. Getting hit will deal heavy damage and apply Poison.
• Bring items for Fireblight and Poison. The best way to handle these status effects is to cure them immediately.
• Use Offset Attacks wisely. You can counter some melee moves, but fire attacks are too fast to counter.

Rathalos' Deadliest Moves

• Fireball Barrage – Rathalos fires off two or three explosive projectiles in quick succession.
• Aerial Dive Bomb – It hovers in the air before crashing down with a powerful impact.
• Tail Flip – A deadly backflip attack that can apply Poison if hit.
• Charging Dash – Can be performed both on the ground and in mid-air. When Rathalos takes flight, the battle gets more chaotic. Stay underneath when possible, but dodge out when it rears back for a slam or tail attack.

Rathalos Strategies

• Use Flash Pods. Since Rathalos is highly agile, Flash Pods are perfect for stopping its attacks and bringing it to the ground.

• Lay Traps. Both Shock Traps and Pitfall Traps create opportunities to land heavy hits.

• Watch out for Rathian. If it shows up, use Large Dung Pods to force it away.

• Equip Earplugs. Rathalos roars frequently before big attacks, so this skill will keep you attacking instead of flinching.

• Counter with Offset Attacks. If you stand in front of its head, Rathalos may try a lunging bite, which is an easier attack to counter.

• Dodge its charge moves. If Rathalos dashes toward you, evade twice to the side to avoid the trampling damage.

• Ranged hunters, stay alert. Keep your distance, aim for weak spots, and avoid long-range fireballs. If Rathalos charges a large AoE breath attack, sprint away or mount your Seikret to escape in time.

MH Wilds Rathalos Drops & Other Rewards

Hunting a Rathalos Monster Hunter Wilds will earn you monster materials that can be used for crafting. However, these drops are not guaranteed, so you may need to hunt multiple Rathalos to get what you need.

Rathalos Materials & Drop Rate

All Rathalos Titles in MH Wilds

Slaying multiple Rathalos MH Wilds will unlock special Hunter Titles:

• Hunt 20x Rathalos: Rathalos
• Hunt 30x Rathalos: Sky
• Hunt 40x Rathalos: Prince
• Hunt 50x Rathalos: King

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Wrapping Up

Monster Hunter Wilds Rathalos is a powerful adversary, but with the right preparations, you can take it down efficiently. Stay under it to avoid most attacks, target its weak spots, and use traps and Flash Pods to control the fight. Don’t forget to prepare for fire and poison, and if Rathian shows up, make sure to send it packing!

FAQs

What is the best weapon against Rathalos in Monster Hunter Wilds?

Weapons with Dragon or Thunder elements work best, especially when targeting its head, tail, and wings.

How do you counter Rathalos' fire attacks?

Stay underneath it to avoid fireballs, bring Fireblight cures, and dodge when you see its mouth glowing with fire.

Can Rathalos be captured?

Yes, like other monsters, you can trap and capture Rathalos instead of killing it, which may give different monster materials as rewards.