How to Capture and Beat Xu Wu in Monster Hunter Wilds

Exploring Wyveria in Monster Hunter Wilds introduces you to a variety of challenging monsters, including Xu Wu. While not as formidable as Nu Udra, Xu Wu's speed and unpredictable movements make it a dangerous opponent.

Known Habitats: Wyveria
Breakable Parts: Head, Mouth, and Arms
Recommended Elemental Attack: Ice
Effective Status Effects: Poison (3x), Sleep (1x), Paralysis (2x), Blastblight (2x), Stun (2x), Exhaust (2x)
Effective Items: Pitfall Trap, Shock Trap

Keep Your Guard Up

Xu Wu's agility is a significant challenge in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its dark coloration and unusual form make predicting its movements difficult. Adding to the difficulty, Xu Wu utilizes its multiple arms and can momentarily disappear into walls, often reappearing from the ceiling to ambush you. This tactic is limited to its nest, however, so be extra cautious in that area.

Utilize Ice Attacks

Xu Wu exhibits a significant weakness to Ice attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds. Ice ammo is a viable option, but melee weapon users should equip gear that inflicts elemental damage. Consider adding a Frost Jewel decoration for the Ice Attack skill boost. Frost Pods provide a handy supplementary source of Ice damage.

Evade the Grab Attack

In addition to its tentacle attacks and evasive maneuvers, Xu Wu employs a powerful grab attack. Being caught leaves you vulnerable and unable to use your weapons. Fortunately, you have roughly two seconds to escape. Use your slinger immediately; Frost Pods are particularly effective at breaking free.

Target Xu Wu's Mouth

Xu Wu's mouth is its most vulnerable point, but its location beneath its body makes it a challenging target, primarily visible only during its diving attacks. Landing a powerful hit during this moment inflicts significant damage and potentially breaks the mouth, yielding Xu Wu's fang as a reward. If the mouth is inaccessible, the head is a solid alternative, boasting a 4-star weakness to blunt and cut damage, and a 3-star weakness to ammo damage.

Exploit Poison Weakness

Xu Wu has a 3-star weakness to Poison. Bows, with their Poison Coating option, are particularly effective at inflicting this status ailment. While other status effects can be considered, Sleep is largely ineffective against this monster.

Related: Monster Hunter Wilds Weapon Tier List (Best Weapons to Use)

Capturing Xu Wu

Once Xu Wu's health drops to 20%, you have an opportunity to set a trap. Pitfall or Shock Traps are recommended. Lure Xu Wu into the trap using meat or even yourself as bait. Quickly fire a tranquilizer to secure the capture—failure to act swiftly will result in its escape.

Mastering the hunt and capture of Xu Wu requires awareness of its agility and strategic use of its weaknesses. Keep a close eye on your stamina, and you'll be well-prepared for this challenging encounter.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.