Azure Rathalos Guide: How to Hunt, Defeat, and Craft Gear

When you reach High Rank in Monster Hunter: World, you’ll start encountering subspecies—stronger, more aggressive versions of monsters you’ve already fought. One of these is the Azure Rathalos, a faster, more dangerous variant of Rathalos that spends more time in the air and attacks relentlessly with fire and poison.

This guide covers weaknesses, attack patterns, rewards, and strategies to help you take it down.

Azure Rathalos Overview

Azure Rathalos is a Flying Wyvern found in:

• Ancient Forest (High Rank only)
• Elder’s Recess (High Rank only)

It is faster and more aggressive than regular Rathalos, spending more time in the air and attacking relentlessly.

Weaknesses

• Dragon (★★★ – Most Effective)
• Ice (★★ – Moderately Effective)

Breakable and Severable Parts

• Head (Weak Point, Breakable)
• Wings (Weak Point, Breakable)
• Tail (Weak Point, Breakable, Severable)

Breaking these parts will reduce its mobility and damage output.

Azure Rathalos Rewards

Defeating Azure Rathalos can grant the following materials:

• Scale+, Carapace, Wings, Medulla, Rathalos Plate, Rathalos Ruby
• Monster Hardbone, Inferno Sac, Tail (if severed)

Rare drops like Rathalos Ruby have low drop rates, but breaking parts and capturing the monster increases your chances.

Azure Rathalos Fight Mechanics

Fireblight

• Caused by fire-based attacks.
• Slowly drains health over time.
• Cure with: Rolling 3 times, entering water, or using a Nulberry.

Poison

• Inflicted by Azure Rathalos’ claw swipes.
• Prevents natural health regeneration.
• Cure with: Antidote or Herbal Medicine.

Roar

• Causes a brief stun if not resisted.
• Counter with: Earplugs (Lv3 or higher) or rolling at the right moment.
• Azure Rathalos Attack Patterns
• Azure Rathalos is highly mobile, using aerial and ground attacks:
• Charge – Rushes forward quickly. Dodge sideways to avoid it.
• Tail Whip – Spins its tail in a wide arc when behind it. Roll through it or stay in front.
• Poison Claw Swipe – Aerial claw attack that inflicts Poison. Block or dodge.
• Fireball Barrage – Shoots three fireballs in a row. Stay mobile to avoid.
• Bite – A quick attack when close to its head. Keep mid-range distance.
• Dive Bomb – High-damage dive attack. Dodge toward the monster to minimize damage.

Azure Rathalos Attack Patterns

Azure Rathalos is highly mobile, using aerial and ground attacks:

• Charge – Rushes forward quickly. Dodge sideways to avoid it.
• Tail Whip – Spins its tail in a wide arc when behind it. Roll through it or stay in front.
• Poison Claw Swipe – Aerial claw attack that inflicts Poison. Block or dodge.
• Fireball Barrage – Shoots three fireballs in a row. Stay mobile to avoid.
• Bite – A quick attack when close to its head. Keep mid-range distance.
• Dive Bomb – High-damage dive attack. Dodge toward the monster to minimize damage.

How to Beat Azure Rathalos – Expert Tips

Before the Fight

• Eat a Meal at the Canteen – Choose one that boosts Fire Resistance or Attack Power.
• Stock Up on Healing Items – Bring Mega Potions, Max Potions, and Astera Jerky to counter Fireblight.
• Carry Flash Pods and Flashbugs – A well-timed Flash Pod will ground Azure Rathalos, making it vulnerable.
• Equip Fire-Resistant Armor – Reduces fire damage and Fireblight duration.
• Use Dragon or Ice Weapons – Dragon is the best choice, followed by Ice.

During the Fight

• Target the Wings and Head – Breaking these parts limits aerial movement and increases your damage.
• Use Flash Pods Wisely – Don’t waste them early. Use them when Azure Rathalos stays airborne for too long.
• Stay Mobile – Avoid standing still; Azure Rathalos is fast and aggressive.
• Dodge Toward the Dive Bomb – This reduces the impact damage.
• Roll Through Roars – If you lack Earplugs, roll just before the roar hits to avoid getting stunned.

If You’re Struggling

• Send an SOS Flare – Get help from the Monster Hunter community.
• Trap and Capture – A captured Azure Rathalos still provides rewards but ends the fight sooner.

Rath Soul α+β Set (Rarity 7)

Defeating Azure Rathalos allows you to craft the Rath Soul armor set, which enhances elemental damage and prevents attack deflections.

Set Bonuses

• 2 Pieces – Critical Element: Increases elemental damage on critical hits.
• 4 Pieces – Mind’s Eye/Ballistics: Prevents attacks from bouncing and improves ranged weapon efficiency.

This set is excellent for elemental weapon users, especially those wielding Dragon or Ice weapons.

Azure Rathalos is a fast, aggressive monster that keeps you on your toes with relentless aerial attacks and deadly fire and poison effects. With the right preparation—Flash Pods, Fire Resistance, and Dragon-element weapons—you can bring it down efficiently. Stay patient, focus on breaking its wings and head, and use Flash Pods strategically to ground it.

If you’re preparing for even tougher fights, check out our Kushala Daora guide for tips on handling this Elder Dragon’s powerful wind-based attacks. Stay sharp, hunter, and happy hunting!

Thoughts on our Azure Rathalos guide? Drop them in the comments below.