After you’ve completed the “??? Rathian” investigation, return to Astera and talk to the Chief Ecologist, who will tell that this creature - whatever it is - can be found in the Coral Highlands. After that, talk to the Commander and he’ll say little of interest, but it allows you to advance the assignment. Speaking of which, go to a Quest Board and accept the assignment Old World Monster in the New World, eat a hearty meal, then travel to the Coral Highlands. Watch a scene where you’ll have a close encounter of the fireball variety, after which you’ll be in a fight with a new foe…

Hunt - Pink Rathian¶

The color may be different, but a Rathian’s still a Rathian. Okay, that’s not entirely fair, but most of the attacks are the same as those employed by a normal Rathian, albeit at much, much higher damage. The Pink Rathian can inflict poison damage with its tail, as well as spit fire, as could the original Rathian. Being resistant to fire and immune to poison will eliminate some nuisances, especially since the Pink Rathian love spamming its tail attack.

In fact, if there’s a tangible difference between the Pink Rathian and the normal Rathian, it’s how much the Pink Rathian will use its tail, including its incredibly painful spinning tail lash attacks, which it’ll spam with no sense of decency whatsoever. Otherwise, expect to see many of the same attacks the Rathian used - the triple fireball, the “pace-back-and-forth-which-somehow-counts-as-an-attack” and various bites, tail sweeps and claw attacks. The Pink Rathian is also far more aggressive than the normal Rathian, so expect it to fly about and attack more frequently. Positioning and patience are key - be content with a few, safe, small attacks when there’s an opening.

The Pink Rathian’s head, wings and tail are all breakable, with the latter also being severable. Its head is the most receptive to damage, with the other two aforementioned parts being somewhat less so, but still better targets than the arms, legs and body. It’s weak to Dragon element attacks, strong versus Fire, and susceptible to the Stun ailment.

Capture the Pink Rathian, or kill it and carve it, after which you’ll be back in Astera, where a crowd has gathered to admire the proof of your prowess. You’re shortly interrupted, however, by the return of the Admiral, who comes bearing tales of a strange region in the New World… and more importantly, he brings proof in the form of strange, energy-filled crystals. He intends to investigate further, and the Commander volunteers you and The Handler to accompany the Admiral.

The Empress of the Highlands

Earn the right to take on seven-star assignments.

15

While the choice to go on this expedition to the new region may not be optional, you do have control over when you leave, which is a good thing, as there are a few things to see and do in Astera before you depart. Most importantly, you can now upgrade your armor even further, which may help a bit with the challenges that lie ahead. Oh, and there are new delivery requests and quests you can pick up, so let’s exhaust some exclamation points before heading out on an expedition.

Ancient But Fresh!¶

Talk to the good folks at the Resource Center and they’ll tell you that the most dire of travesties is taking place; the Canteen is almost out of grub! How this is possible with all the work you’ve done may be worth questioning in a game with more continuity, but never mind that - this is merely a set up for them to make a delivery request! Said delivery request Ancient But Fresh! tasks you with obtaining a Grand Gajau Whisker and 800 Research Points. You can get Grand Gajau Whiskers from Gajau, of course, but they’re somewhat rare drops. If you have an investigation to hunt Gajau, it may speed up the task, but you can always just take an expedition to the Wildspire Waste and kill them.

Your Storage Solution¶

Talk to the Laid-back Botanist near the Botanical Research station and it’ll ask you for a favor… after tempting you by promising to make the Harvest Box bigger. Naturally, they need materials delivered, starting the delivery request Your Storage Solution. This tasks you with finding a Torrent Sac and 1,000 Research Points. The Torrent Sac is an uncommon reward you can get from hunting the Jyuratodus.

Finally, talk to the man standing atop the Provisions Stockpile and he’ll tell you about near items that are for sale. And by new items, he means two new items, the Cool Drink and Gunpowder Level 3. The latter may delight bowgun wielders with too much Zenny who also can’t be bothered to cultivate Blazenuts, while the former may help with exploring the new region you just unlocked… but there’s no reason you can’t craft them during the expedition.

When you’re done in Astera, go get yourself a meal, then exit via any gate and select the new region at the top of the map as your destination. Adventure awaits!