Boss Guides

Confronting the formidable monsters of Iceborne requires preparation and a deep understanding of their attack patterns and weaknesses. This section focuses on providing strategies for some of the most challenging boss encounters you'll face in the expansion, from the initial Master Rank threats to the apex predators of the endgame.

Velkhana: The Frosty Elder Dragon

Velkhana is the flagship Elder Dragon of Iceborne and serves as the primary antagonist of the main story. Its primary threat comes from its ice-based attacks, including sweeping ice beams, ice pillars that erupt from the ground, and a devastating ice breath attack.

• Weaknesses: Velkhana is weak to Fire element and Blast status. Its head and tail are generally the most vulnerable hit zones.
• Strategy: Utilize Fire-elemental weapons or weapons with Blast buildup. Keep your distance during its ice beam attacks and be ready to dodge its sweeping tail. When it rears up for its breath attack, get behind it or far away. Breaking its ice armor can temporarily stun it and expose weak points.
• Gear Recommendations: Armor with high Fire resistance and skills like Evade Window and Health Boost are highly recommended.

Tigrex: The Roaring Berserker

A returning fan-favorite, the Tigrex in Master Rank is an aggressive beast that relies on its powerful bites, charges, and sonic roars. Its attacks are highly telegraphed but hit incredibly hard.

• Weaknesses: Tigrex is weak to Thunder element and Blast status. Its head and wings are primary weak spots.
• Strategy: Patience is key. Wait for its attack combos to finish before going in for damage. Its roars can stun you, so Earplugs can be beneficial. When it charges, dodge to the side. Its enraged state makes it even more relentless.
• Gear Recommendations: Weapons with Thunder element or Blast. Armor with Attack Boost, Weakness Exploit, and potentially Earplugs.

Glavenus: The Blade-tailed Brute

Glavenus returns with its sature fiery tail, which it uses to devastating effect. It can swing its tail like a massive blade, perform explosive charges, and unleash fiery breath attacks.

• Weaknesses: Glavenus is weak to Water element and Paralysis status. Its head and tail are its main weak points.
• Strategy: Focus on severing its tail to reduce its most dangerous attacks. When its tail is heated, it deals fire damage, so be cautious. Its charges can be dodged by rolling towards it. Breaking its jaw can also stagger it.
• Gear Recommendations: Water-elemental weapons are highly effective. Skills like Handicraft (to maintain sharpness) and Evade Extender can be very useful.

Furious Rajang: The Primal Fury

The Furious Rajang is an even more aggressive and dangerous variant of the already formidable Rajang. It constantly stays in its powered-up golden fur state, making its attacks faster and more potent.

• Weaknesses: Furious Rajang is weak to Ice element and Blast status. Its head is a critical weak point, but extremely difficult to hit.
• Strategy: This is an endurance fight. Focus on dodging its relentless barrage of punches, charges, and lightning attacks. Its laser beam attack is particularly deadly. Look for small openings after its combos to land a few hits. Using the Clutch Claw to tenderize its head can be risky but rewarding.
• Gear Recommendations: Ice-elemental weapons are best. Skills like Health Boost, Divine Blessing, and Evade Window are crucial for survival. Consider weapons with high raw damage if elemental isn't an option.

The Guiding Lands: Tempered Monsters

The Guiding Lands introduce tempered versions of many monsters, which are significantly stronger and have new attack patterns. Strategies for these often involve applying the same principles as their regular counterparts but with heightened caution and better gear. Focus on breaking parts to gain advantages and utilize the environment to your benefit. Always ensure your armor is augmented for maximum defense.