Kushala Daora Guide: How to Hunt, Defeat, and Craft Gear

After you defeat Nergigante in Monster Hunter World, you’ll encounter three Elder Dragons terrorizing the New World. One of these is Kushala Daora, a fearsome Elder Dragon that uses powerful wind-based attacks. To defeat Kushala Daora, you’ll need to venture into the Ancient Forest and Elder’s Recess to uncover clues and unlock this difficult fight. This guide will walk you through strategies to tackle Kushala Daora and come out victorious.
Kushala Daora Information
Difficulty: 8⭐
Location: Ancient Forest, Elder’s Recess
Size: Large
Species: Elder Dragon
Weaknesses:
- Thunder (3⭐)
- Dragon (2⭐)
Breakable/Severable Weak Points:
- Head
- Front Legs
- Tail
- Wings
Materials (Carves + High Rank Rewards):
- Scale+ (5⭐)
- Carapace (4⭐)
- Claw+ (3⭐)
- Webbing (3⭐)
- Horn+ (2⭐)
- Gem (1⭐)
- ED Bone (3⭐)
- ED Blood (3⭐)
Reward Money:
- 18,000 z
Hunting Quest:
Kushala Daora, Dragon of Steel
“The elder dragon tracks in the forest? Kushala Daora. We know it’s in the Elder’s Recess. For the safety of Astera, we’re counting on you!”
Characteristics:
Kushala Daora is an Elder Dragon with metallic scales and a powerful wind shield that protects it from incoming attacks. This wind shield can be strengthened, making it harder to deal damage, but it can be weakened by staggering the dragon, particularly using Elderseal weapons.
Kushala Daora Fight Guide
Main Fight Mechanic: Wind Pressure
Wind Pressure is a recurring mechanic during the fight. This force can knock you over or leave you unresponsive for a few seconds. To counter this, ensure you have the Nullify Wind Pressure skill or avoid areas where the wind is most intense.
Attacks:
- Twister: Kushala Daora will lift into the air, creating a twister around itself, preventing you from getting close enough to attack.
- Bite: Daora may bite at you if you get too close to its face.
- Short Air Blast: A ground-based attack that shoots a quick air blast straight ahead or in an arc.
- Long Charged Air Blast: Daora will suck in air and unleash a large, long-range air blast similar to Val Hazak’s poison breath.
- Dive: Kushala Daora can dive at you from the air.
- Flying Air Blast: While flying, Daora will shoot air blasts at you.
Fight Tips
Kushala Daora may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it is one of the easier Elder Dragons to defeat. The key is its tendency to remain airborne for much of the fight. By using Flashpods, you can knock it down to the ground, allowing you to deal significant damage while it is stunned.
Tips for Success:
- Eat up: Always eat a meal from the Canteen to boost your stats.
- Bring Flashpods & Flashbugs: These will knock Daora from the air. Keep Flashpods handy when it starts flying.
- Drop the Boulder: In the Elder’s Recess, use the large stalactite found in the area where Dodogama resides to drop on Daora for extra damage.
- Avoid the Wind: Stay clear of the tornadoes Daora summons. Make it come to you instead of charging into the wind.
- SOS: If you’re struggling, consider sending out an SOS to call for help from other hunters.
Kushala Daora Armor
Kushala α+β Set (Rarity 8)


- Set Bonus (3 pieces): Kushala Daora Flight – Negates Wind Pressure.
Armor Requirements
- Glare: 4x Scale+, 4x Carapace, 2x Webbing, 4x Elder Dragon Bone
- Cista: 5x Carapace, 3x Horn+, 2x Claw+, 1x Gem
- Grip: 5x Carapace, 2x Horn+, 2x Tail, 1x Legian Plate
- Cocoon: 4x Scale+, 4x Carapace, 2x Horn+, 5x Carbalite Ore
- Crus: 5x Carapace, 4x Scale+, 3x Webbing, 3x Elder Dragon Blood
Palico
- Wand: 1x Claw+
- Snarl: 1x Scale+
- Vise: 1x Carapace
Now that you’ve conquered Kushala Daora, you’re well-prepared for the next Elder Dragon challenge. If you’re ready for another fiery battle, be sure to check out our Teostra guide to take on the “Emperor of Flame” and add another victory to your hunting accomplishments!
Thoughts on our Kushala Daora guide? Drop them in the comments below.