Rathalos is a flying wyvern that’s been around since Monster Hunter began; it’s perhaps one of the most famous monsters in the series. Known as the “King of the Skies”, you can fight Rathalos in the 5-star Village Quest “Rathalos Alert!”

Overview¶

Like its female counterpart, Rathian, Rathalos is a formidable foe–and it’s surely a terror for less experienced hunters.

It shares some moves with Rathian, but is far more aggressive and spends more time in the air. If you were able to defeat Rathian (and you remember to dodge), you should stand a fighting chance against Rathalos.

Weaknesses¶

Attack Patterns¶

Bite¶

There are two variants of this. While stationary, Rathalos will turn its body to the side, before sweeping its head towards the other side to try and bite its prey. Otherwise, it can bite after running forward a short distance.

Double Bite¶

A more dangerous version of the above. Rathalos will rear its head slightly to one side, then sweep its head to the other side to chomp its prey. It’ll immediately follow up with another bite, in the opposite direction. While using this move, Rathalos will move a fair distance forward. So if you’re in front of it, beware.

Double Tail Spin¶

This is the same move used by Rathian. Rathalos will turn its head to face its rear, then it’ll sweep its tail out 180 degrees. After that, it’ll do another 180 degree turn, returning to its original position. If you’re underneath Rathalos, you can avoid this move. Otherwise, stay clear until it’s finished.

Talon Stomp¶

Rathalos briefly flies up and then slams its talons down forward, returning to the ground. If you see Rathalos flying up, it’s generally a good idea to move away.

Butt Stomp¶

While on the ground, Rathalos quickly stands on one foot while growling and looking down. It’ll then stamp its foot down, jump up and quickly slam its body down. This move has a short range, but it can catch you by surprise if you’re hugging it.

Charge¶

Rathalos dashes forward in a straight line, trampling anyone in its way. Can be avoided by moving to the side. If Rathalos is tired, it may topple over, which is a great time to lay in some punches. Before using this move, Rathalos will turn its head in the direction it’s charging. However, it’s not very obvious if Rathalos is already facing you.

Fireball¶

A simple attack where Rathalos shoots a single fireball forward. If it’s on the ground, this move is preceded by Rathalos twirling its head upwards, while inhaling flames. When it’s tired, this move may fail. Otherwise, if Rathalos is flying, flames will appear from its mouth and it will pull up its head slightly.

Triple Fireball¶

Three guesses what this move does. While in the air, Rathalos may sharply inhale flames, then fly backwards. It’ll then shoot one fireball forwards, followed by a fireball towards the left and right. Between each fireball, there will be a pause, which can catch hunters off guard. While Rathalos is using this move, it’ll remain stationary, so you can get some hits in if you can reach it.

Talon Lunge¶

This is a commonly used and very hard-hitting attack, which can also inflict poison. Rathalos will pull up its wings slightly, while facing its prey, then fly straight ahead with its leg talons stretched out. It’ll frequently use this attack while flying. You can easily avoid it by moving to the side.

Sometimes, it can follow up a talon lunge with another one, so don’t think you’re safe after dodging the first time. Wait until Rathalos is back on the ground before relaxing somewhat. Also, it might be hard to always keep track of Rathalos in the air-if you lose sight of Rathalos, don’t hesitate to roll around until you see it again.

Tail Sweep¶

While in the air, Rathalos may curl its body to one side. It’ll then swing its tail forward. This move has a fairly wide range, so it’s harder to avoid compared to the talon lunge. Luckily, Rathalos doesn’t use it as often.

Leaping Fireball¶

Rathalos doesn’t seem to use this often, but it’s useful to know. While on the ground, Rathalos may start inhaling flames, then it’ll quickly fly backwards and shoot a fireball forward. From there, it can continue flying in the air.

Scouting Fireball¶

Sometimes, while Rathalos is flying, it’ll fly perpendicular to you and launch a fireball in your direction. If you’re watching Rathalos, it looks like it’s sizing its prey–which it is.

Retreating Fireball¶

Rathalos may appear to fly away, but it’ll twist around and shoot a fireball while in mid-air. Afterwards, it’ll usually follow-up with a talon lunge. So be prepared.

Sweeping Fire Breath¶

While Rathalos is flying, be wary when it sharply inhales and twirls its head upwards. It may breathe out fire in a wide arc in front of itself. If you’re near Rathalos, try going underneath it. Otherwise, stay back.

Line of Fire¶

This is Rathalos’s big move, preceded by an audible warning. While in the air, Rathalos will begin by breathing fire underneath it. Then it’ll flick its head upwards and create a line of fire directly in front of itself. This fire will also remain on the ground for a while.

Strategy¶

You’d be wise to bring equipment that confers fire resistance, in case you’re engulfed by Rathalos’s flames. Plus Nulberries to deal with fireblight. The Sinister armor from Magnamalo has good defense and fire resistance. Although if you’re worried about getting hit, you may want to unequip some parts to deactivate Hellfire Cloak Level 3.

Also, bring Flash Bombs (you’ll get a few EZ Flash Bombs in the Village Quest). Use these to stun Rathalos while it’s in mid-air, sending it plummeting to the ground. Note that Rathalos will gain resistance to Flash Bombs, reducing the time it stays stunned. But it’s always a good way to interrupt its attacks (even its strongest attack).

Besides that, patience and adequate dodging skills will be key for winning this fight. Rathalos likes to spend a lot of time in the air, which can make this fight drag out for close-ranged hunters. However, if you take your time and remember to dodge its talon lunge spam, plus throw a Flash Bomb here and there, you should do fine.

While Rathalos is on the ground, try staying near its legs–this allows you to avoid most of its attacks (you may get surprised by a butt stomp or charge). Plus if you keep whacking its legs, it may topple over. Unlike Rathian, Rathalos doesn’t rely on its tail much, so cutting it off is no longer a priority. That said, you’ll probably want to do it anyway for the additional carve.

Material Drops (Low Rank)¶

Target Rewards¶

Capture Rewards¶

Broken Part Reward¶

Carves¶

Dropped Materials¶

Material Drops (High Rank)¶

Coming Soon!