Mizutsune is one of the most challenging monsters introduced in the first title update for Monster Hunter Wilds. Known for its fluid agility and dangerous bubble-based attacks, this creature stands out as a truly formidable foe. Whether you’re facing the standard version or the significantly tougher Tempered variant, preparation and strategy are key to your success. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where to Locate Mizutsune
Your first encounter with Mizutsune will take place during the “Spirit in the Moonlight” side quest. To access this mission, players need to have completed the “Fishing: Life, In Microcosm” task and reached at least Hunter Rank 21. Once the monster is initially hunted, it can start appearing in the Scarlet Forest and the Ruins of Wyveria.
As for the Tempered version, it becomes available after progressing to at least chapter six of the main campaign. It appears in the same zones, more frequently during seasonal changes such as Fallow or Inclemency. Players can also influence its appearance by using the Rest mechanic a few times.
Understanding the Bubble Mechanic
Mizutsune’s main combat feature is its use of bubbles, which can inflict a range of status effects. Most notably, they apply Bubbleblight, which has two forms:
- Minor Bubbleblight – Improves evasion.
- Major Bubbleblight – Causes slipping and increases knockback from attacks.
To recover from Bubbleblight, Cleanser items are your best option. Mizutsune armor can also help, thanks to its Bubbly Dance skill, which negates the major form of the ailment. Without these, the condition will naturally wear off after 30 seconds.
There are also coloured bubbles that each come with additional effects:
- Clear – Damages and applies Bubbleblight.
- Green – Heals but still applies Bubbleblight.
- Red – Boosts attack temporarily while inflicting Bubbleblight.
- Fiery Blue – Damages and causes Fireblight.
Dodging every bubble isn’t always practical, so it’s smart to use your weapon or Slinger ammo to burst them. Fast weapons or ranged options like the Light Bowgun work best here.
Mizutsune’s Weak Points and Vulnerabilities
To make your hunt more efficient, it helps to focus on the monster’s known weaknesses:
- Elemental Weaknesses – Thunder and Dragon.
- Weapon Effectiveness – Both cutting and blunt weapons are viable.
- Breakable Parts – Head, Claws, Tail (can be severed), and Dorsal Fin.
- Main Weak Spot – The Mouth.
- Effective Ailments – Sleep, Paralysis, Poison, Stun, Exhaust, and Blastblight.
Combat Tips for Taking Mizutsune Down
While technically available from Hunter Rank 21, it’s wise to wait until chapter five has been completed before engaging. At that point, players can farm Gore Magala for weapons and armor that provide excellent Dragon damage and Water resistance—both ideal for this fight.
Due to Mizutsune’s erratic movement and bubble barrages, quicker weapons like Dual Blades or Sword and Shield are recommended. These let you apply consistent elemental damage and react faster during the battle. If accuracy is an issue, consider traps or status-inflicting items to slow it down.
Watch out for its signature water jet attacks, which come in horizontal and vertical sweeps. These moves are easy to anticipate and offer good windows to strike afterward. Additionally, Mizutsune’s tail attacks are particularly deadly. It can slam its tail forward, backward, or twist mid-air to hit a wide area, making evasion crucial.
When enraged, Mizutsune transforms into a more dangerous form that resembles Soulseer Mizutsune. Blue flames burst from its left eye, and its aggression ramps up considerably. Breaking the head triggers this mode but also speeds up its exhaustion rate—providing a later window for heavy damage.
Tips for Tempered Mizutsune
The Tempered version offers an even greater challenge, with faster attacks and less room for error. The same strategies still apply, but sharper reflexes and stronger gear are essential. Learning to read its animations and attack cues will make a huge difference in surviving these high-stakes encounters.
Don’t hesitate to bring buffs like Armorcharm and Powercharm, and ensure your gear has appropriate resistances and enhancements for the job.
Mizutsune Loot and Materials
Surviving the battle rewards players with valuable crafting materials. Here’s a breakdown of what Mizutsune can drop, arranged by likelihood:
- Mizutsune Fin+ – Guaranteed from breaking the Head or Dorsal Fin.
- Mizutsune Claw+ – Guaranteed from either Claw.
- Mizutsune Purplefur+ – Guaranteed from breaking the Tail.
- Mizutsune Tail
- Mizutsune Scale+
- Bubblefoam+
- Mizutsune Certificate S
- Mizutsune Water Orb
Each part can contribute to high-tier gear, making the effort worthwhile. With even tougher monsters like Arch-Tempered variants on the horizon, mastering this fight will give you an edge in future hunts.