It’s been over three years now since the original release ofMonster Hunter: Worldand Capcom’s action-RPG title is still going strong.Monster Hunter: Worldwas the fifth mainline game in theMonster Hunterseries, and did a lot to modernize the franchise. New and powerful consoles enabled the game to show off its beautiful environments and terrifying monsters like never before.
One of the most fearsome of these titanic beasts is the Blackveil Vaal Hazak, an elite variant of theVaal Hazak Elder Dragon. Players first encounter the Blackveil in the story mission Under the Veil of Death, which requires a Master Rank of 19 to start. The Blackveil Vaal Hazak is a foul, spore-ridden creature that can easily outmatch a would-be hunter. Here’s our guide on how to avoid that fate, and take down this brutal Elder Dragon.
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Best Equipment for Fighting Blackveil Vaal Hazak
The first thing that every good monster hunter does before departing on a hunt is investigating the beast they’re hunting. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a monster is vital to choosing the correct equipment. The Blackveil Vaal Hazak isweak to both Dragon and Fire damage, as well as theBlast Ailment. Players equipped with Master Rank weapons imbued with these elements will have a much easier time, but having apowerfulMonster Hunterweaponwith no element can also work.
On the flip side, theBlackveil is strong against Thunder and Ice damage, and completelyimmune to Water. When facing anElder Dragon of this tier inMonster Hunter: World, bringing the wrong weapon can spell disaster. In addition, the Blackveil is also strong against all the other ailments, so players shouldn’t rely on them in their builds.
When it comes to Armor for facing the Blackveil, the most important thing is high Defense. This general attribute will help protect from the worst of the monster’s attacks. Finally, the Blackveil’s most insidious weapon is its unique Effluvial buildup. Through a constant aura and its foul breath, theMonster Hunter: WorldElder Dragonwill cause Effluvial buildup in players, reducing their health massively when it reaches max. To help avoid this, players shouldequip themselves with Effluvial Resistance Jewelsbefore the fight.
Strategy for Blackveil Vaal Hazak
Avoiding Effluvial buildup is one of the most challenging aspects of taking on Blackveil Vaal Hazak inMonster Hunter: World. Even with Resistance Jewels, players may still find themselves suffering its effects. For this reason, it’s a good idea to bring a stock of Nulberries to the fight, which can cleanse the condition. It’s also possible to dispel the Blackveil’s Effluvial Aura using one ofMonster Hunter: World’s Elderseal weapons.
Apart from the Effluvial Buildup, the Blackveil is still atough Elder Dragonwith some powerful melee attacks. Its weak points are its head, chest, and tail, all of which can be broken/severed, along with its forelegs. It’s best to stay on the monster’s flanks, dealing damage while avoiding its dangerous breath/beam attacks. Breaking the fungal patches on its body will weaken it, and if its face is exposed it becomes vulnerable to flash effects.
Players should be particularly wary when the Blackveil rears onto its hind legs. This means it’s either going to enter its Enraged mode, granting it huge bonuses, or it’s recovering lost Effluvium. Players can interrupt this action to prevent the monster from reactivating its aura. As long as players can keep the fungal growths down, avoid Effluvial buildup, and focus the weak areas, they should be able to slay the Blackveil Vaal Hazak without too much trouble.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborneis available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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