We have all been there. You’ve killed fifteen Queens of the Land, chopped off enough tails to pave a highway, and yet your inventory is still empty. No shiny red gem. Just a mountain of scales and a very tired Palico. The Rathian Ruby in MH Wilds is officially the first major "wall" for players looking to transition into high-end weapon tiers, and honestly, the drop rates feel like they’re personally mocking you.
If you’re hunting for that one specific drop to finish your Sieglinde Great Sword or the Queen Rapier, you need to stop mindlessy swinging and start optimizing. Luck is a factor, sure, but in Monster Hunter Wilds, the way you interact with the new wound system and environment actually shifts your odds more than in previous games.
Where Does Rathian Hide in Wilds?
You won't even see a Rathian until you’ve pushed through the early story beats. Specifically, she starts appearing around Chapter 4, once you’ve officially unlocked High Rank content. You’ll usually find her prowling the Scarlet Forest or the Windward Plains, though she has a nasty habit of showing up in the Oilwell Basin too.
In the Scarlet Forest, keep an eye on the lake area (Area 12). That's her favorite spot to hang out before she retreats to the canopy nests. If you see a Rathalos nearby, be careful. The "Power Couple" dynamic is very real in Wilds, and they will absolutely team up to make your life miserable if you don't have Dung Pods ready.
The Math Behind the Rathian Ruby
Let's look at the cold, hard numbers. According to the latest data from hunters, the Rathian Ruby has a base drop rate that hovers around 3% to 5% depending on how you get it. It sounds abysmal because it kind of is.
- Body Carves: 5%
- Tail Carves: 7% (This is your best friend)
- Target Rewards: 3%
- Wound Destruction: 1% to 2%
- Shiny Drops: 1%
You’ll notice that carving the tail is actually your best mathematical bet. In Wilds, the tail is a "severable" part that requires cutting damage. If you're a Hammer or Hunting Horn main, you're going to need to rely on your Seikret's transition attacks or bring a friend who carries a blade.
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Why Wounds Matter Now
The new "Wound" mechanic in Wilds adds an extra layer. While the drop rate for a ruby from a destroyed wound is low (about 2%), you can create multiple wounds on a Rathian's head and back. Breaking the head twice is mandatory. If you don't see those scales chipped and the crown broken, you’re leaving money on the table.
The "Capture vs. Kill" Debate
This is the oldest argument in the canteen. In Monster Hunter Wilds, capturing is generally faster, but is it better for the Ruby?
Capturing gives you more "slots" in the reward screen. However, you cannot get "Carve" specific bonuses if you capture. Since the Rathian Ruby has a slightly higher percentage on a physical carve (5%) compared to the capture reward pool (3%), many veteran hunters are actually pivoting back to killing the beast.
Personally? I say kill it. The extra 2% might not seem like much, but when you’re on hunt number twenty, every decimal point feels like a lifeline. Plus, there is nothing more satisfying than that final carve.
High-Efficiency Farming Strategy
If you want to stop wasting time, follow this specific loop. Don't just go on expeditions; they’re inefficient for rare drops.
- Check for Investigations: Always prioritize investigations with Gold Rewards. A gold box has a significantly higher chance (rumored to be around 14-16%) to hold a gem or ruby compared to a standard quest reward.
- Eat for Luck: Hit the canteen. You are looking for the "Lucky Cat" or "Feline Carver" skills. Lucky Cat increases the number of rewards at the end, while Carver can sometimes give you an extra carve on the body.
- The Tail is Priority One: The moment the fight starts, ignore the head. Get behind her. Use the Seikret to stay mobile and focus all your damage on the tail until it pops. Carve it immediately. If it's a Ruby, congrats, you can even leave the quest if you’re a monster. If not, keep going.
- Break the Head and Back: Once the tail is gone, move to the front. Breaking the head is the only way to unlock the "Break Reward" slot for the Ruby.
- Use the Plunderblade: If you’re playing solo, make sure your Palico is equipped with the Plunderblade. They can literally steal a Ruby right off the monster while it’s still alive. It’s rare, but it happens.
What If It Just Won't Drop?
Sometimes the "Desire Sensor" is real and the game knows what you want. If you have hit a total wall and your sanity is fraying, check the Elder Melder.
In Wilds, you can eventually trade high-tier tickets (like the Gold Wyverian Print equivalent) for a Rathian Ruby. These tickets usually come from Limited Bounties or specific endgame milestones. It’s the "pity system" of Monster Hunter. Don't feel bad using it; that's what it's there for.
Actionable Next Steps
To get started on your farm right now:
- Filter your quest board for High Rank Rathian Investigations.
- Ensure your weapon has at least Blue Sharpness (otherwise you’ll bounce off her head and wings constantly).
- Stock up on Antidotes or Herbal Medicine; you can't farm efficiently if you're spending half the fight poisoned.
- Focus your first three hunts specifically on severing the tail and breaking the head before the monster hits the 50% HP mark.