Monster Hunter Wilds: Malzeno guide — weaknesses, phases, and best weapons
Malzeno — the vampire dragon that served as Monster Hunter Rise's final boss — arrives in MH Wilds through Title Update 2 with significantly reworked behaviour. The Afflicted Malzeno endgame version introduced alongside it is one of the most demanding hunts currently in the game.
Weaknesses
| Body part | Physical | Elemental (best) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | ★★★★★ | Thunder ★★★ | Primary target |
| Chest | ★★★★ | Thunder ★★★ | Easily reachable |
| Tail | ★★★ | ★★ | Severable for extra rewards |
| Wings | ★★ | ★★ | Difficult hitbox |
Malzeno is weak to Thunder and Dragon. Thunder provides the higher per-hit bonus on head and chest — prioritise it on weapon selection.
Phase 1: Base Malzeno (100–50% HP)
Malzeno uses fast aerial attacks in this phase: Dive Slam (overhead drop from above), Wing Slash (lateral wing strike), and Tail Whip (180° sweep). The pattern is predictable — position yourself at the side of the chest and attack after each attack animation completes.
Dangerous attack — Bloodblight Nova: Malzeno rises into the air and releases a cone-shaped Bloodblight wave. Roll to the side immediately and use Bloodblight Treatment or Dereliction Antidote. Do not roll backward — the cone has more depth than it appears.
Phase 2: Enraged Malzeno (50–20% HP)
Malzeno's movement speed increases noticeably at the phase transition. New attacks are added: Triple Dive (three consecutive dive slams, each offset) and Supreme Slash (a large aerial strike with a deliberate wind-up delay). Supreme Slash is telegraphed by raised wings — move behind Malzeno during the wind-up, not away from it.
Afflicted Malzeno: special rules
The endgame Afflicted version adds the Qurio Attack — an ability that applies Bloodblight in multiple stacks simultaneously. Carry Anti-Bloodblight and use it at two or more stacks without waiting. Your Palico should have the Healer specialisation to handle Bloodblight removal passively, reducing consumable pressure on the player.
Recommended weapons
- Greatsword — maximum burst per window on the head; True Charged Slash in Malzeno's post-attack windows is devastating
- Switch Axe — consistent sustained damage, good mobility for repositioning during aerial phases
- Long Sword — counter-attack mechanics sync well with Malzeno's predictable attack cadence; stable DPS across the fight
Skill build
- Critical Eye Lv 7 — mandatory
- Critical Boost Lv 3
- Attack Boost Lv 5+
- Bloodblight Resistance Lv 3 — mandatory for Afflicted Malzeno
- Weakness Exploit Lv 3