Monster Hunter Stories 2: Getting Azure Rathalos

Alright gamers, let's talk about getting your hands on one of the coolest Monsties in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin – the Azure Rathalos! This majestic beast isn't just a visual treat; it's a powerhouse in battle with some seriously awesome skills. If you're wondering how to get Azure Rathalos, you've come to the right place, guys. We're going to break down exactly where and how you can add this fiery flyer to your team. It’s not exactly a walk in the park, but the rewards are totally worth the effort!

Finding Azure Rathalos Eggs: The Ultimate Goal

So, the main way you're going to snag an Azure Rathalos is by finding its egg and hatching it back at the stables. This means you'll be venturing into the dangerous monster dens, specifically those that are high-rank or rare. Now, finding any Rathalos egg can be a challenge, but the Azure variant is a special subspecies, making it a bit trickier. You can't just stumble upon it randomly in the early game. Patience, my friends, is key here. Think of it as a treasure hunt where the treasure is a flying dragon that breathes blue fire! Remember, different Monsties have different spawn locations and conditions, and Azure Rathalos is no exception. Keep your eyes peeled and your adventuring boots laced up, because the hunt is on!

High-Rank Monster Dens: Your Best Bet

To increase your chances of finding an Azure Rathalos egg, you'll need to be playing in the high-rank areas of the game. This typically means progressing pretty far into the story. Don't expect to find this rare egg when you're just starting out. High-rank monster dens are where the real prizes are hidden. These dens are usually visually distinct and often guarded by tougher monsters. When you enter a den, you'll want to look for the tell-tale signs of a rare egg: a different colored glow, a unique aura, or perhaps even a specific scent marker if you're using certain skills. The Azure Rathalos egg usually has a distinct blueish hue, so keep an eye out for that! Sometimes, you might find a normal Rathalos egg first, and while that's cool too, it's not the specific subspecies we're after. You'll need to keep exploring these high-rank dens until you find that glorious blue egg. It's all about persistence and knowing where to look. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries; that's part of the fun of Monster Hunter, right? The thrill of the chase!

Where to Look: Specific High-Rank Zones

Now, let's get specific about where you should be looking for these high-rank dens that might contain an Azure Rathalos. While spawn rates can be a bit random, some areas are definitely better than others. The Terga Volcano region, particularly its high-rank exploration areas, is a prime spot. You'll often find Rathalos and its subspecies nesting here. Another excellent location is the Loloska region during its high-rank exploration. Keep in mind that the game updates its available areas and monster rotations, so always check your map and available quests for the most up-to-date information. Sometimes, specific post-game quests or limited-time events might also feature higher chances of finding rare eggs. So, keep your eyes on the horizon and your Monstipedia updated, guys! Remember to be prepared for tough fights when you enter these zones; high-rank monsters hit hard!

The Den Crawl: Maximizing Your Chances

When you're on the hunt for that elusive Azure Rathalos egg, you want to be as efficient as possible. This means mastering the art of the den crawl. What's a den crawl, you ask? It's essentially exploring as many monster dens as you can in a given area, focusing on those that have the potential to spawn what you're looking for. For Azure Rathalos, this means prioritizing high-rank dens. You'll want to head into a target area, find a den, and check the egg inside. If it's not the Azure Rathalos egg, you can either leave the den and re-enter the area to reset the dens, or if you're really lucky, you might find another den nearby. Some players find it more efficient to use specific moves or items that can reveal den locations or increase the spawn rate of rare dens. Always be on the lookout for those shimmering, rare dens! The brighter the glow, the better your chances. Sometimes, you might need to fight the monster guarding the den to access the egg. Be prepared for a fight, and make sure your team is well-equipped. Winning the fight often gives you a better chance at a rarer egg, so don't hold back!

Pro Tip: Having a Monstie with a high Agility stat can help you get to dens faster, and skills that reveal hidden paths or items can also be super useful during your den crawls. Don't forget to save your game before entering a new area or a particularly promising den; this way, if you don't find what you're looking for, you can simply reload and try again without losing progress. It’s a bit of a grind, but that’s the Monster Hunter way, right? We're looking for that perfect egg!

Battling for the Egg: Fighting the Parent Monster

So, you've found a den, and you've spotted that beautiful blue egg! Awesome! But wait, there's a catch. Usually, the parent monster, in this case, a powerful Rathalos or potentially an Azure Rathalos itself, will be guarding its nest. You'll need to defeat this formidable foe to claim your prize. This is where your battle strategy really comes into play. Remember, Rathalos is a flying monster, so you'll want to focus on attacks that can ground it or target its wings. Speed attacks are often effective against it. Pay attention to its attack patterns – it has fiery breath attacks and can inflict burn status. Having monsters with Water or Dragon element attacks can be super effective against Rathalos. Don't forget to target specific parts! Breaking its wings can limit its aerial attacks, and breaking its head can yield better rewards. The fight can be tough, so make sure your entire party is at full health and that you've equipped your Monsties with the best gear you have. This isn't just about getting the egg; it's about proving you're a worthy rider!

Understanding Rathalos' Weaknesses

To really nail that fight and maximize your chances of getting the egg, you need to know Rathalos' weaknesses. This fiery wyvern is generally weak to Water and Dragon element attacks. So, equip your Monsties with gear and use skills that exploit these elements. Speed attacks are often your best bet, as Rathalos tends to be faster and can be knocked down with well-timed Speed attacks. Conversely, avoid using Thunder attacks, as Rathalos often resists them. Pay attention to its head and wings – breaking these parts can not only stagger it, giving you more turns, but also increase the chances of getting rare monster parts and potentially a higher quality egg. A critical hit to the head or wings can make a huge difference in the fight. Remember, the goal is to defeat it efficiently to ensure you get the best possible outcome from the nest. Don't be afraid to use your Kinship skills when you're in a tight spot or need to deal a massive blow.

What to Do After the Fight

Once you've successfully defeated the parent monster, congratulations! You've earned it. Now comes the moment of truth: claiming the Azure Rathalos egg. Head over to the nest and interact with it. You'll have a chance to pick up the egg. If you get it, great! You can then proceed to explore the rest of the den for any other goodies or leave the area. If, for some reason, you don't get the egg (which is rare after defeating the parent, but possible if you picked up a different egg earlier or if RNG is not on your side), don't despair. You can simply leave the area and re-enter to reset the dens, or reload your save file if you saved before entering. The key is not to give up. You might also get monster parts from the defeated Rathalos, which are useful for crafting gear. So, even if the egg hunt isn't immediately successful, you're still progressing!

Hatching the Azure Rathalos Egg

So, you've braved the dens, defeated the mighty Rathalos, and emerged victorious with a precious Azure Rathalos egg. The next step is getting it back to your stables and hatching it. This is where the magic happens, guys! Once you have the egg in your inventory, head back to Kamuna Village or any other stable location. Interact with the stable master, and you'll see the option to view your collected eggs. Select the Azure Rathalos egg from your inventory. The hatching process itself doesn't require any special items or rituals. Simply select the egg, and after a short animation, your new Azure Rathalos companion will be born! It’s an exciting moment, seeing your new Monstie come to life. Now, this Monstie will have its own set of genes, which will determine its skills and stats. You might get lucky with a fantastic gene set right off the bat, or you might want to focus on gene editing later to customize it further.

The Gene System: Customizing Your Monstie

Once your Azure Rathalos hatches, it comes with a random set of genes. This is where the gene system in Monster Hunter Stories 2 really shines. The genes determine the Monstie's abilities, attack types, and resistances. You can view the gene pattern of your new Azure Rathalos to see what skills it currently possesses. Some genes are more powerful or rarer than others. You can replace and upgrade these genes using the Rite of Channelling at the stables. This allows you to transfer genes from one Monstie to another, effectively customizing your team. Want your Azure Rathalos to have a specific powerful attack or a better resistance? You can achieve that by finding other Monsties with the desired genes and channeling them onto your Azure Rathalos. This system adds a huge layer of depth and replayability to the game, allowing you to create truly unique and powerful companions. So, experiment, guys! Don't be afraid to mix and match genes to create the ultimate Azure Rathalos for your playstyle.

Building Your Azure Rathalos

When building your Azure Rathalos, consider its strengths and weaknesses. It's a Flying-type Monstie, often excelling in Speed attacks and having good Dragon and Fire elemental capabilities. Think about what roles you need in your team. Do you need a heavy hitter? A status inflictor? A support Monstie? Your Azure Rathalos can potentially fill many roles depending on the genes you give it. Look for genes that complement its natural abilities. For example, powerful Dragon or Fire element attacks, or skills that boost its Speed or Attack stats. You can also look for genes that provide coverage for its weaknesses, such as resistances to Ice or Thunder. The possibilities are vast! Don't forget to consider the gene slot layouts. Some genes fit better into certain slots than others, and unlocking more slots through leveling up is crucial. Remember, the journey to get the perfect Azure Rathalos is part of the adventure. Enjoy the process of training and customizing your fiery friend!

Alternative Methods: Using Scents

While hunting in high-rank dens is the most reliable way to get an Azure Rathalos egg, there's another method you can employ, especially if you're having trouble finding a rare den: using Scents. Scents are special items that can influence the type of Monstie that appears in a monster den. There are different types of scents, and some are more specific than others. For hunting a Rathalos subspecies, you'd ideally want a scent that increases the chances of encountering Flying-type monsters or, even better, specific Elder Dragon-type monsters if such a scent exists. However, even a general