In the immersive world of Monster Hunter Wilds, the Dragon element stands out as a unique force. Unlike more straightforward elements like Fire or Ice, where you simply deal damage or defend against it, Dragon is an element that demands a bit more strategic thinking. It isn’t as simple as just saying "this weapon deals Dragon damage" because its application and impact are quite distinct.
This guide aims to demystify the Dragon element for you. We’ll cover what Dragon damage truly entails, identify which creatures provide Dragon materials, and highlight the monsters against whom you’ll wield your Dragon-enhanced gear most effectively.
Understanding Dragon Damage in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Dragon element operates similarly to familiar elements like Fire, Ice, or Lightning, yet its role is more specialized. Dragon damage is particularly effective against other dragons, diverging from the typical rock-paper-scissors elemental dynamics. Creatures branded as dragons suffer significantly more from Dragon weapons, a rarity given most creatures’ resistance to their own element type. However, they retaliate with a debuff called Dragonblight. This debuff is exclusive to monsters, meaning they can apply it to you, but you won’t be dishing it out to them.
When you’re afflicted with Dragonblight, the Dragon element on your weapon temporarily loses its power. For weapons heavily reliant on elemental prowess, this can dramatically lessen your impact in battle. To counter this, it’s crucial to be vigilant when facing dragons or any foes wielding Dragon damage. Keep an eye out for Dragonblight and have a Nulberry on hand to cleanse it if you get hit.
Dragon armor, on the other hand, presents its own challenges. While wearing Dragon armor, you’ll be more vulnerable to attacks from enemies using Dragon, Lightning, or Ice elements.
Crafting Dragon Weapons: Where to Begin?
At the game’s release, Monster Hunter Wilds features a limited number of true Dragon enemies. This means opportunities to craft Dragon weapons aren’t abundant. Still, if you aspire to tackle the game’s formidable endgame monsters, focusing on crafting a Dragon weapon could be crucial. Seek out specific powerful foes, like those in the Dragon class, to gather materials for your arsenal.
(Note: Not every weapon class can be crafted using materials from the Guardian Ebony Odogaron.)
Targets for Dragon-Crafted Weapons
While Dragon weapons might be somewhat rare, you’ll find no shortage of adversaries weak to them. Besides the few dragons available, a slew of Guardian-type monsters, as well as the classic series monsters Rathalos and Rathian, are vulnerable to Dragon damage.
For your convenience, here’s a rundown of monsters that you should prioritize when wielding a Dragon weapon:
With this information in your hands, you’re better equipped to tackle the challenges in Monster Hunter Wilds. Use your Dragon weapons strategically, and you’ll find them to be indispensable assets in your monster-hunting journey.
