Rathalos

Learn how to defeat the Rathalos in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate! Discover its weaknesses, attack patterns, and the best strategies to hunt this flying wyvern.

Alright, let's talk about the Rathalos in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. Think of it as the male Rathian – it's got that fiery breath and poisonous talons, but this guy's way more comfortable showing off in the air. He'll be spending a lot more time airborne than his lady counterpart, so be ready for some aerial acrobatics!

Where to Find It:

• Deserted Island: You'll find Rathalos in areas 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8. These are good spots for both when it spawns and when it's resting.
• Volcano: Check out areas 1, 2, and 3 for its spawn points, and areas 4 and 6 for rest spots. It can also be found in area 8.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weak Spots: The Head is a key weak spot.
• Susceptible To: Fatigue.
• Strong Against: Fire.
• Weak Against: Dragon, Thunder.

Part Durability & Breakable Parts:

• Head & Body: Medium durability. Hitting these will cause it to 'Lurch'. Breaking the Head gives extra rewards.
• Neck: Very Low durability. Causes a 'Lurch'.
• Wings (x2): Low durability. Hitting these causes a 'Large Lurch' and can yield extra rewards (once per wing).
• Legs (x2): Medium durability. Hitting these will cause it to 'Knockdown'.
• Tail: Low durability. You need to use Cut Weapons to damage it, and breaking it allows for an extra carve.

Rage Effects:

• Attack: Increases by 150%.
• Defence: No change.
• Speed: Increases by 120%.

Key Attacks:

• Fireball: Rathalos will pull its head back, and then either shoot a single fireball straight at you or a volley of three (one forward, two at 45-degree angles). It can do this on the ground or in the air.
• Fireball Launch: It blasts a fireball forward and then launches itself upwards into the air. Watch out, this is often a prelude to an aerial assault!
• Venom Claw: When airborne, Rathalos might try to 'scratch' you with its claws. Look for the tell-tale sign of it lowering its claws and flying slightly higher before diving in.
• Air Charge: While flying, it'll 'slither' towards you. It's a quick, direct aerial attack.
• Charge: A straightforward charge attack where its whole body becomes a weapon.
• Swoop: It flies high, almost disappearing, then circles back to swoop down for an attack.

Recommended Strategy:

• Stick close to the Rathalos's legs, but try not to be directly underneath its body. This is similar to fighting a Rathian.
• Be prepared for it to take to the skies more often. When it's flying, give yourself some space to react to its aerial attacks. Keep moving constantly to make yourself a harder target.