The Kirin is an Elder Dragon that many players consider to be the most annoying enemy in Monster Hunter World. It's got a number of things going for it that make it difficult to fight, but thankfully, there are also several ways to counter this lightning-imbued horse's strengths.
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Figuring out the Kirin's weaknesses in Monster Hunter World is the key to beating it. Simply hacking away it won't be enough — you'll need a plan and good reflexes if you want to start taking this Elder Dragon down quickly. Here's a guide covering exactly that.
MHW Kirin Weaknesses and Strategies
There are three things players need to take note of when fighting a Kirin: its erratic movement, paralyzing lightning blasts, and rock-solid body. Hitting it is going to be a hassle for both ranged and melee players, especially since the Kirin's head is the only real target you have. Any hits to the body will deal very low damage and possibly send your melee weapon bouncing off.
The best way to deal with a Kirin is to put it to sleep. Use an appropriate, sleep-inducing weapon or ammo, then keep hitting it until it dozes off. Once the Kirin is asleep, place as many Barrel Bombs as you can right in front of its face — the bigger the bombs, the better. After that, detonate the bombs with the hardest-hitting attack you have to deal massive damage. Kirins are also weak to fire damage.
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Fast-hitting weapons like the Sword and Shield and Dual Blades are great for applying status effects. Their mobility also makes it easier to catch up to the Kirin as it hops and trots around. Hammers are also exceptionally strong against Kirins outside of the sleep strategy. You can use one to stun and knock the Kirin down before piling on even more hits onto its head as it flails around.
If you don't have any Sleep-infused weapons, try checking the Supply Box for some Sleep Knives or Throwing Knives. The latter can be converted into the former by combining them with Sleep Herbs.
As far as defense goes, make sure to wear something resistant to lightning damage. This will keep you from getting stunned or carted in one shot by the Kirin's thunderbolts. Additionally, bring some Paralysis Resistance so the monster doesn't lock you in place. Stay close to its head so it doesn't spam its longer-ranged attacks, and keep an eye on the ground for the blue marks that indicate where lightning is going to strike.
Monster Hunter World
- Franchise
- Monster Hunter
- Released
- January 26, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Metascore
- 90
