How to beat Rey Dau in Monster Hunter Wilds: Location, weaknesses, and strategy

Taking down Rey Dau in Monster Hunter Wilds is no easy task, especially since the Apex Predator of the Windward Plains doesn’t hold back in battle. Found in the heart of this vast region, this monster is a Flying Wyvern infused with Thunder energy, capable of channeling its elemental power through its horns, wings, and tail. The fight becomes even trickier due to the lack of Decorations in Low Rank, making it crucial to understand its weaknesses and attack patterns.

But with the right strategy, knowledge of its weaknesses, and precise execution, victory is well within reach in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Rey Dau location and weakness in Monster Hunter Wilds

Rey Dau's weakness (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Capcom)

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Rey Dau is first encountered in the Low Rank story mission The Eye of the Storm, which is part of Chapter 2 of Monster Hunter Wilds. Once defeated, it becomes available as an Optional Hunt via Alma, allowing hunters to farm its parts.

After the initial encounter, this monster roams the Windward Plains, often found near the desert and grazing lands close to the Hunter’s Base. If it’s not in its usual spots, check for signs of monster activity in these areas.

Rey Dau weaknesses

This Thunder-infused wyvern has a clear set of elemental and status vulnerabilities that hunters can exploit in Monster Hunter Wilds:

Elemental weaknesses

Waterblight
Iceblight

Status weaknesses

Poison
Sleep
Blastblight
Exhaust
Paralysis (only effective when hitting wounds)

On the other hand, Fireblight, Thunderblight, and Dragonblight have no effect on the monster. If you’re running a heavy weapon like the Great Sword or Hammer, it’s better to focus on raw damage rather than elemental attacks.

Rey Dau weak points

To take down the monster efficiently in Monster Hunter Wilds, focus on its weak points:

Head: Breaking the horns reduces the power of its focused lightning attacks.
Wings: Destroying them lowers its mobility and keeps it grounded longer.
Tail: Severable and can be carved for extra materials.

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How to beat Rey Dau in Monster Hunter Wilds: Hunt strategy and tips & tricks

Use focus mode well while fighting Rey Dau (Image via Capcom)

Rey Dau is a fast and aggressive wyvern, so choosing the right weapons and items is key to surviving the hunt in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Rey Dau hunt strategy and items to carry

Best weapons for Rey Dau

Great Sword & Hammer: High burst damage and stagger potential.
Dual Blades & Charge Blade: Quick elemental damage and status procs.
Switch Axe & Gunlance: Good balance between damage and mobility.
Long Sword & Bow: Excellent counters and sustained pressure.

Items to carry

Mega Potions: Essential for survival.
Nulberry: Removes Thunderblight.
Energy Drink: Prevents Sleep from Turf Wars.
Armorskin & Might Seed: Boosts defense and attack.
Shock & Pitfall Traps: Useful for immobilization.
Tranq Bombs: Required if capturing the monster.

Hunt strategy

The Flying Wyvern (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Capcom)

At the beginning of the fight, Rey Dau is quite tame, using only standard tail slams, wing swipes, and stomps instead of its most powerful Lightning attacks. This is the time to target the head and wings with your attacks, trying to shatter its horns before it becomes powered up. Opening up wounds early will also make later elemental attacks more effective.

Focus Mode should be used strategically —whenever the monster shoots a bolt of lightning, its head becomes momentarily vulnerable, allowing for a well-placed wound attack.

Once the monster reaches its enraged state, its attack becomes less predictable. It now starts employing a three-hit concentrated lightning attack, which is hard to dodge but can be interrupted if its horns are already destroyed. This phase also involves the monster remaining in the air for longer, and it needs Flash Pods or ranged attacks to knock it down.

If you’re using Gunlance, this is the perfect time to go for Wide Shelling attacks on its wings, as it will be exposed while flying. Hunters using Seikret tracking can also chase it down if it moves to another area.

As its health declines, Rey Dau will withdraw back to its nest. This is your opportunity to recover, recharge on potions, and hone your weapon before dealing the finishing touch.

A strong charged attack landed on its unconscious form will strike for double damage, positioning you for a healthy beginning in this final stage. Equipping Thunder resistance armor and carrying Nulberries will help mitigate the effects of Thunderblight, which makes you more vulnerable to stuns.

Once awake, the monster instantly goes back into its enraged state. After this, it will remain hostile until you shatter its horns or kill it. The best tactic in this case is to wear it out by continuously attacking — after it slows, use a Pitfall Trap or Shock Trap to pin it down, so the final knockout is much easier.

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Tips and tricks to beat Rey Dau

Avoid the opening Lightning attack: At the start of the hunt, get behind the monster to dodge its charged strike and sneak in an early combo.
Use Seikret to mount: Jump onto the monster at the start to land heavy damage and create wounds. Follow up with a Focus Strike for a free stagger.
Initiate a Wall Bang: Once mounted, slam the monster into a wall to deal even more damage and knock it down.
Stay at medium range when enraged: Rey Dau’s lightning attacks become relentless when enraged. If you can time your blocks, a Power Clash during its wing-lightning strike can turn the tide of battle. Otherwise, wait for it to land before attacking.
Focus on the head: Unlike Rathalos, the monster takes more damage to the head than the legs. Break the horns early to limit its lightning attacks.
Use traps to control the fight: Both Pitfall and Shock Traps can immobilize the monster, making it easier to land heavy damage or capture it.