Monster Hunter Wilds' latest update brings a far more powerful version of the Apex of the Sands. The Arch-Tempered Rey Dau is a brutal, demanding fight that will test your patience, even with the best meta armor and weapons equipped. It hits hard and boasts a larger health pool than any other monster in Wilds' current roster.
Here’s a guide on how to take down this Arch-Tempered Apex of the Sands and Lightning:
Equip the Best Armor & Weapons
Equipping the best armor is your first step to avoid getting one-shotted by its super-powered railgun attacks. If you've been playing Wilds since launch, you're already familiar with how Rey Dau works. It’s weak to Ice and Water, so weapons from Jin Dahaad (Ice) and Uth Duna (Water) are both solid choices.
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+ 4When it comes to armor, prioritize lightning resistance. Ideally, Rey Dau's armor works well here, but ultimately, it comes down to your preference. Resistance stats don’t matter as much in Wilds right now. Any armor set will do as long as it’s fully upgraded for maximum defense.
Stock Up on Nullberries
Arch-Tempered Rey Dau doesn’t bring game-breaking new moves, but it's faster now, and its lightning attacks leave behind a trail of lingering lightning bursts. You might think you're safe after dodging a railgun strike, only for it to explode a second and even a third time.
click to enlarge + 4Getting hit by any of its lightning-based moves causes Thunderblight, which increases your chance of getting stunned. Be sure to stock up on Nullberries and use them as soon as you're Blighted.
Learn Its Moves
The Arch-Tempered Rey Dau is resistant to wounds, meaning you won’t often get that satisfying red outline for a Focus Attack. However, as a Tempered monster, it still has specific body parts that can be wounded—it just takes more time. When you finally break through, landing a Focus Attack is incredibly satisfying.
click to enlarge + 4Its new moves are dangerous, but veteran Hunters should already be familiar with the timing needed to dodge or block. The most lethal addition is its enhanced lightning surge, which can almost guarantee a cart if you get caught.
Arch-Tempered Rey Dau - Rewards
Taking down the Arch-Tempered Rey Dau—whether by slaying or capturing—rewards you with the new Rey Dau Certificate γ, a key material for crafting the new Rey Dau γ Armor set. This upgraded armor comes with enhanced Latent Power and better defense stats compared to the original.
Your Palico also gets access to a new set of armor and weapons crafted from this monster’s parts.
The Rey Dau Certificate γ is also required to upgrade your Power Charm to Level 3 and Defense Charm to Level 5.
click to enlarge + 4And that’s how you take down Arch-Tempered Rey Dau. It's the first Apex monster to receive an Arch-Tempered version—and more are coming in future Title Updates, including the return of the iconic Lagiacrus.
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