Monster Hunter World: Iceborne - Rathalos Monster Guide

Rathalos

Rathalos, known as the “King of the Skies,” is an aerial predator normally found in the Ancient Forest. It hunts its prey by swooping in from the air and grabbing them with its powerful legs. It can attack foes from a distance by shooting fireballs while soaring through the air. Its talons are extremely poisonous and are used to weaken its target.

Stats

Materials

Strategy

Fire Resistance

Rathalos frequently shoots out fireballs both up close and from a distance. One of its most notable attack patterns is to launch a fireball at close range immediately after roaring. You are guaranteed to get hit if you are not wearing earplugs since the roar stuns you. Wearing armor that has good fire resistance like the Anja or Kulu sets helps minimize damage from this.

Use Flashpods

Rathalos spends a good amount of time in the air during battle, especially when enraged. Flashpods cause it to come crashing down, giving you some time to attack it. It will, however, develop resistance to the tool the more you use it.

Use Shock Traps

Using shock traps immobilizes Rathalos long enough for you to deal significant damage to it. Rathalos will develop resistance to shock traps with frequent use, as with flashpods. Keep this in mind if you intend to capture Rathalos, as you might need to resort to pitfall traps instead.

Bring Antidotes

Rathalos’ aerial talon attack instantly inflicts poison. Stock up on antidotes before heading out. You can gather antidote herbs around the map, especially in the Ancient Forest, to make more if you run out.

Cut off Rathalos’ Tail

Severing Rathlos’ tail significantly reduces the range of its tail whip attack. This makes it a bit safer to engage it up close.
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