Many players struggle with the Jin Dahaad fight in Monster Hunter Wilds, and I often find myself frustrated watching them fail repeatedly. But am I just being an elitist, or is this fight really that difficult?
The Spectacle of Jin Dahaad
Jin Dahaad is an incredible monster—a massive ice dragon and the largest creature in Wilds so far. The low-rank version of this fight appears in the story, guiding players through the battle with clear NPC instructions. During this phase, the fight is more of a cinematic experience than a true test of skill, and it is relatively easy to clear.
The battlefield is designed to assist players, with interactable elements like collapsing ice walls and massive boulders that can be used against Jin Dahaad. The biggest danger comes from its wide-area explosion attack, which can be avoided by hiding behind these structures. The game clearly signals when this attack is coming, giving players ample time to react.
The High-Rank Challenge
Everything changes when you face Jin Dahaad in high-rank hunts. Unlike in the story-driven encounter, NPCs no longer call out instructions, leaving players to figure things out themselves. This is where things start to fall apart.
The monster retains all its previous attacks but deals significantly more damage. Yet, despite the clear telegraphs and generous time to react, many players still struggle with its most dangerous move—the AoE explosion. The entire screen glows orange, giving at least ten seconds to find cover, yet people still die to it. Even sword-and-shield users, who can block the attack, seem to get caught in it.
Another issue is Jin Dahaad’s ice breath attack from atop a hanging pillar. The animation clearly shows where it will strike, and simply moving away is enough to avoid it. However, many players still fail to react in time.
This applies to all of Jin Dahaad’s attacks—its claw swipes, ice breath, and tail swings are slow and highly telegraphed. So why do so many players continue to struggle?
A Simple Solution: Use a Bow
One potential solution for struggling players is to switch to a ranged weapon like the Bow. Fighting from a distance allows for better observation of attack patterns, making it easier to learn the fight. It also provides more time to react to Jin Dahaad’s abilities, particularly the AoE explosion.
If players still find the fight difficult even with a Bow, it might be time for them to re-evaluate their approach. Understanding attack cues and positioning is essential in Monster Hunter.
Am I Being Too Harsh?
Reflecting on my frustration, I wonder if I’m being too critical. Monster Hunter Wilds is the best-selling game in the series, attracting many new players. For some, this might be their first experience with Monster Hunter or even their first action game.
From their perspective, this fight could indeed feel overwhelming. Unlike experienced players, they haven’t yet developed the instinct to recognize attack patterns and positioning strategies.
The Reality of Multiplayer Frustration
Of course, multiplayer isn’t mandatory. But responding to SOS signals and assisting other players is a core part of the game’s fun. If it frustrates me, I could simply avoid multiplayer—but that’s easier said than done.
I still need Jin Dahaad materials for my gear. I also want the “Hunters United Forever” achievement, which requires completing 100 hunts with other players. So I have no choice but to engage in multiplayer hunts.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, while it’s easy to feel frustrated watching players fail, I must acknowledge that Monster Hunter Wilds is bringing in a fresh wave of new players. Instead of getting annoyed, it’s better to help them improve.
Monster Hunter is about cooperation and strategy. If everyone makes an effort to learn and adapt, we can all enjoy the hunt together.
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