Arkveld Guide - Weakness, Drops, and How to Unlock

Exploit Two Guaranteed Knockdowns

In its empowered form, dealing enough damage to both chains will cause a knockdown. Additionally, after its large explosion attack, landing a Focus Strike on its chains also guarantees a knockdown.

Create Opptunity by Destroying Wound or Offset Attacks

Arkveld has a variety of attacks with small opportunity in between, making it a tough monster to deal damage. Create Attack Boost opportunities by making full use of Wounds destruction, Offset Attacks, and Power Clash.

Capture Instead of Hunting

Once Arkveld is weakened, it is recommended to capture it with Traps. Tempered Monsters in particular have a lot of health even after being weakened, so Capture to shorten the hunt.

Utilise Eviromental Trap on Each Map

Arkveld will appear on all maps after completing Chapter 6-1. Therefore, you can gain an advantage by using the environmental traps that appear on each map, so it is recommended that you check them before challenging the quest.

Use Flash When its Flying

Arkveld moves very fast so it may be difficult, but using a flash against Arkveld while it is flying will cause it to fall and stay knocked down for about 5-6 seconds. Great way to create a chance to attack especially when playing with multiple hunters.

Red Lightning Appears When Enraged

As in the video clip above, the appearance of red lightning signifies that Arkveld is enraged. While enraged, its attacks are accompanied by large explosions, so make sure to dodge further than usual. Another easy way to tell when it is enraged is by looking at its chain-like appendages and checking whether or not they are glowing white.

Watch the Chains to Predict Attacks

An enraged Arkveld's chain attacks can be predicted by watching for which side starts to glow more intensely. Watch its chains and prepare a dodge or a counter attack.

Avoid the Large, Explosive Attack

When both chains emit an intense glow like in the video, it is a sign that Arkveld is preparing to use a large, long-reaching, explosve attack. Quickly move horizontally to get out of range.

Dodge Towards Arkveld When Close

If you are standing directly in front of Arkveld when it uses this attack, it is easier to avoid the attack by rolling under Arkveld and getting behind it.

Chains Become Weakpoints

After Arkveld uses its explosive attack, its chains become weakpoints which are susceptible to Focus Strikes, similar to wounds. Prepare to use a focus strike to attack its chains after each explosive attack.

Telegraph the 2-Stage Attack

When Arkveld jumps up after both chains glow, it is about to perform a sweeping attack and then a chain strike immediately after. If you can manage to avoid both attacks, you can punish Arkveld by attacking its elongated chains.

Alternate Chain Attack

Note that there is an alternate version of the 2-Stage attack that switches up the chain strike with ground explosions. Make sure to avoid this attack instead of punishing Arkveld.

Be Wary of Tail Strike

Standing behind Arkveld usually causes it to use one of its tail strikes. Watch for when Arkveld turns its head to look behind it and prepare for either a tail thrust or a tail sweep.

Dodge the Double Chain Slam

When enraged, Arkveld's second chain slam comes with a slight time delay, so be careful while using your evades or counters. Remember that it is easier to dodge each attack in the opposite direction of the swinging arm.

Escape Pins with the Slinger or Knife

After twisting its body, Arkveld will perform what is known as a pinning attack, where it will grab the Hunter. Once pinned, you can escape by shooting Arkveld with your Slinger. Either Stones or Flash Pods are fine, but Dung Pods are not recommended since they will force Arkveld to move. You can also escape by repeatedly pressing (△) to stab Arkveld with your knife.

Beware the Triple Chain Combo

Beware the highly damaging triple chain combo because if you get hit even once, you'll take the full damage of the entire attack. If Arkveld uses this attack while you are standing behind it, there will be some slight tracking. Just remember to avoid this attack at all costs.