mhw research help mysterious animal capture

Monster Hunter World Iceborne Rare Endemic Life Capture: Where to Find Rare Endemic Life for Trophies and Achievements

One of the key aspects to Monster Hunter: World's, err, world was how depending on the time of day or the weather each area could house entirely different small creatures, including some Rare Endemic Life that would only appear during very specific circumstances. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne continues this trend, and adds quite a few new Rare Endemic Life to both its new maps as well as already existing ones. If you're aiming to unlock all of the trophies or achievements in Iceborne, you're going to need to catch all of these - so we've taken the time to catalog where each and every one of these creatures can be found, and how to capture them.

Note: Both the Goldspring Macaque and the Sealord's Crest are also Bounties for the Endemic Life Researcher and the Piscine Researcher respectively. It's recommended that players accept those two bounties first before actively searching for these two trophies.

Felyne Zoomaster is Your Friend

First things first, however - gather all of the new Drink canteen ingredients before heading out on the hunt for some of these creatures. The Felyne Zoomaster Food Skill, which can only be activated by eating a meal filled with Trailblazer food items, makes Rare Endemic Life spawn more frequently, and is the key to making your life a whole lot easier. You'll want to forage Butterbur and Frozen Foliage gathering spots in the Hoarfrost Reach for Rare, Super Rare, and Upsurge-only drops - as well as complete all of the Canteen optional quests and deliveries. Do that, and you should have all the Canteen items to you need to eat a meal with the skill. Make sure to spend a voucher to ensure that the skill will activate before heading out! For "Upsurge-only" drops, check that the gathering point that you're targeting is either "Flourishing" or on an "Upsurge" on the World Map before heading out.

Golden Gleam - Goldspring Macaque

By far the easiest Rare Endemic Life to capture in Iceborne - especially if you check during the "Pearl Snatchers" Event Quest! Check Area 2 in the Hoarfrost Reach during the day, and if you're lucky enough to find one, it'll be hanging out on the rock platform in the middle of the hot spring. No Ghillie Mantle required - he's easy enough to just bag, as even when he starts running away, it's very slowly.

Friendly Pointer - Arrowhead Gekko

This one can be found in every map, apparently, but it's also seemingly a guaranteed - or near-guaranteed - spawn in the Event Quest, "The Lord of the Underworld Beckons". Drop down from the Central camp, head into Area 10, and hug the left wall with your Ghillie Mantle on. You'll spot the Gekko before it'll dash up a wall. Follow it, and you'll find it "pointing" at one of the objectives for the quest, an Underground Fruit gathering point. Nab it with your Capture Net. If the Event Quest isn't in rotation while you're searching for it, just repeat these steps a few times and hopefully you'll find it.

Sweet Melody - Blue Diva

This one will occasionally spawn at the very top of the Wildspire Waste, around Area 5, during the day and when the weather is Clear. If it's currently spawned, it'll sit at roost on a perch near a nest just below the hill's peak. Startle it and it'll begin flying around - you'll need to practice some dexterity to capture it in mid-air, but don't worry too much; it just continues to fly around in circles, so you should manage it eventually. If you need help discerning its location, we've made a short video showing the path to its location, embedded above. Apparently, it can also spawn in the Ancient Forest and the Coral Highlands, so if you've managed to find it there - please let us know in the comments!

Submerged Mystery - Sealord's Crest

Despite what the Piscine Researcher might lead you to believe, the best way to catch this fish is in Area 8 of the Hoarfrost Reach, during the night. If it spawns, it'll be in the lake. It should be obvious to spot - its fin will be sticking out of the water, with a very distinct shape. You should probably bring Baitbugs to lure it to you.

Celestial Illusion - Wintermoon Nettle

This one is probably the trickiest to find. Not only will it only spawn at the Hoarfrost Reach's summit - an area that many players are undoubtedly going to miss - but it also only spawns on clear nights when the swarms of Moon Slugs aren't hanging around the caves. Spawn into the Northeast Camp, and immediately look upwards toward's the peak - give it a few seconds, but it should be obvious if it's up there. If it is, make the trek up the mountain and capture it. It'll circle above the highest point of the summit with the three mining outcrops eventually. No Ghillie Mantle required - it doesn't even have eyes. Just throw your Capture Net at it. If you need help making it up to it in the first place, you can check out our guide on how to reach the summit.

Deft Digger & Creatures of the Earth - Moly & Rocky Moly

These two trophies require multiple steps, and quite a bit of work - you'll need to track down Moly in each of the four regions found in The Guiding Lands, and then capture a Rocky Moly. Check out our dedicated Moly guide to figure out where they'll spawn, and how to capture them.

...and that's it! Iceborne somehow managed to add even more Rare Endemic Life trophies than the basegame, and some of them are absolutely brutal to find in the first place. Hopefully this helps with your trophy/achievement collecting, and Happy Hunting!

• Version History 1
• Voyage to the New World 3
• Jagras of the Ancient Forest 4
• Astera After the Jagras Investigation 5
• Fungal Flexin' in the Ancient Forest 6
• A Kestodon Kerfuffle 7
• Great Jagras - The Great Jagras Hunt 8
• Rebuild the Ancient Forest Camp 9
• Kulu-Ya-Ku - Bird-Brained Bandit 10
• Pukei-Pukei - Urgent: Pukei-Pukei Hunt 11
• The Best Kind of Quest 12
• Barroth - The Best Kind of Quest 13
• Snatch the Snatcher 14
• Landing the Landslide Wyvern 15
• Jyuratodus - Sinister Shadows in the Swamp 16
• The Pain from Gains 17
• Exterminator of the Waste 18
• Tobi-Kadachi - Flying Sparks: Tobi-Kadachi 19
• A Prickly Predicament 20
• Gettin' Yolked in the Waste 21
• Wildspire Waste Expedition 22
• Anjanath - The Encroaching Anjanath 23
• One for the History Books 24
• Rathian - Royal Relocation 25
• Gettin' Yolked in the Forest 26
• Great Ravine Expedition 27
• It's a Crying Shamos 28
• What a Bunch of Abalone 29
• Tzitzi-Ya-Ku - A Tzitzi for Science 30
• Paolumu - Ballooning Problems 31
• Another Coral Highlands Expedition 32
• Troubled Troopers 33
• White Monster for a White Coat 34
• Radobaan - Radobaan Roadblock 35
• Persistent Pests 36
• On Nightmare's Wings 37
• Great Girros - A Rotten Thing To Do 38
• Legiana - Legiana: Embodiment of Elegance 39
• Into the Bowels of the Vale 40
• Odogaron - Into the Bowels of the Vale 41
• Rotten Vale Expedition 42
• Man's Best Fiend 43
• The Meat of the Matter 44
• The First Wyverian Expedition 45
• Rathalos - A Fiery Throne Atop the Forest 46
• Diablos - Horned Tyrant Below the Sands 47
• Kirin - Gone in a Flash 48
• Redefining the "Power Couple" 49
• Zorah Magdaros - A Colossal Task 50
• Invader in the Waste 51
• Getting Started in High Rank 52
• High Rank Quests and Expeditions 53
• Chef Quest! Pumped to Deliver 54
• Tickled Pink 55
• Chef Quest! A Rotten Request 56
• Pink Rathian - Old World Monster in the New World 57
• Elder's Recess Expedition 58
• Optional Quests After the Elder's Recess 59
• Second Expedition to the Elder's Recess 60
• A Meow for Help 61
• A Scalding Scoop 62
• Chef Quest! Gajalaka Lockdown 63
• Dodogama - Dodogama Drama 64
• Azure Rathalos - Rathalos in Blue 65
• Black Diablos - Two-Horned Hostility 66
• Lavasioth - Lavasioth, Monster of Magma 67
• Uragaan - Ore-Eating Occupier 68
• Bazelgeuse - Bazelgeuse in the Field of Fire 69
• Talons of Ire and Ice 70
• The Red and Blue Crew 71
• A Fiery Convergence 72
• Nergigante - A Wound and a Thirst 73
• Elder Dragon Investigations 74
• Stuck in Their Ways 75
• A Sore Site 76
• RRRRRumble in the Waste 77
• Extremely Rare Endemic Life Investigations 78
• Lightning Strikes Twice 79
• Kushala Daora - Kushala Daora, Dragon of Steel 80
• A Portent of Disaster 81
• Teostra - Teostra the Infernal 82
• A Blaze on the Sand 83
• Vaal Hazak - Hellish Fiend Vaal Hazak 84
• Xeno'Jiiva - Land of Convergence 85
• The Post Game Begins 86
• Beyond the Blasting Scales 87
• Tempered Kirin - Thunderous Rumble in the Highlands 88
• Deviljho - The Food Chain Dominator 89
• Tempered Monsters 90
• Feystones 91
• Streamstones 92
• Augments 93
• Great Jagras 94
• Kulu-Ya-Ku 95
• Pukei-Pukei 96
• Jyuratodus 98
• Tobi-Kadachi 99
• Anjanath 100
• Rathian 101
• Tzitzi-Ya-Ku 102
• Paolumu 103
• Great Girros 104
• Radobaan 105
• Legiana 106
• Odogaron 107
• Rathalos 108
• Diablos 109
• Zorah Magdaros 111
• Dodogama 112
• Pink Rathian 113
• Bazelgeuse 114
• Deviljho 115
• Lavasioth 116
• Uragaan 117
• Azure Rathalos 118
• Black Diablos 119
• Nergigante 120
• Teostra 121
• Kushala Daora 122
• Vaal Hazak 123
• Xeno'Jiiva 124
• Conqueror of the New World 125
• Welcome to the New World 126
• Nothing Stops This Commission 127
• Defender of Astera 128
• Into the Deep 129
• Death Begets Life 130
• The Empress of the Highlands 131
• One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall 132
• The Sapphire Star 133
• The Hunter's Life for Me 134
• An Inquisitive Mind 135
• The Franchise Hunter 136
• Step into the Arena 137
• Nowhere to Go but Up 138
• New World Settler 139
• The Art of Camouflage 140
• Angling for a Bite 141
• Mmm, So Tasty! 142
• The Bigger They Are... 143
• A Living Fossil 144
• Snuggles for All 145
• Bristles for All 146
• Rainbow Bright 147
• Commissioned Work 148
• Bourgeois Hunter 149
• Impregnable Defense 150
• Power is Everything 151
• Movin' On Up 152
• First Friends 153
• Bosom Buddies 154
• Monster Ph.D. 155
• Temper Temper 156
• Indomitable 157
• Miniature Crown 158
• Miniature Crown Collector 159
• Miniature Crown Master 160
• Giant Crown 161
• Giant Crown Collector 162
• Giant Crown Master 163
• Capture Novice 164
• Capture Pro 165
• Elderslayer 166
• Monster Slayer 167
• Monster Hunter 168
• I Am the Reinforcements 170
• Hunters United 171
• Hunters United Forever 172
• Spreading the Word 173
• Established Hunter 174
• Apple Books
• Google Play

Monster Hunter World

Walkthrough elder dragons, extremely rare endemic life investigations.

If you’re a trophy/achievement hunter, you may have noticed some hidden trophies on your list, which, if you peek, charges you with capturing rare endemic life… and one fish. Some of these appear as delivery requests, while others can be done free-form, but they’ll all be covered here. Who doesn’t love trophies, after all? Plus, it does involve a bit of running about on expeditions, which is exactly what you need to be doing to further your ongoing Elder Dragon investigations. Two birds, right? Speaking of two birds…

Research Help: Phantom Bird ¶

Look out for the Endemic Life Researcher in the Ancient Forest, and when you find her there, travel to the Ancient Forest. You’ll find her in her usual spot along the western end of AREA 5, near the Northeast Camp. Talk to her and she’ll tell you that the fruits of your labors - and her research - has led to her finding a new critter for you to hunt. To this end, she’ll give you the delivery request Research Help: Phantom Bird , charging you with finding this aforementioned critter, which she provides little information about.

That’s what guides are for though, no? This “Phantom Bird” she’s after just so happens to be a Downy Crake, a fluffy bird whose location isn’t best answered with a “where”, but with an “on what”. The Downy Crake isn’t found on its own, as it’s a symbiote that travels on the backs of other, larger monsters. In this case, you can find them hitching rides on Apceros in the Wildspire Waste. Your best bet for finding them is to simply travel to the Southwest Camp in the Wildspire Waste and check the backs of the three Apceros that spawn there. They’re gray little puff balls of birdy cuteness that line up on the backs of their Apceros host.

Unfortunately, there’s a further complication, as for critters that roost on the backs of loud, lurking armor dinosaurs that often end up as prey for other, larger dinosaurs, they’re rather flighty. Sneaking may not be sufficient cover - to bag these birdies, you’re going to want to make use of your Ghillie Mantle. If that’s not annoying enough, the Downy Crake won’t show up every time you enter the area, so you’ll likely need to travel between areas (traveling between camps on the same map is not sufficient).

So… equip a Ghillie Mantle, travel to the Southwest Camp in the Wildspire Waste, head out into the AREA 1, use your Ghillie Mantle, then search the backs of the Apceros there for your birds. If you see them, get close and catch them with capture net. When you return to the Endemic Life Researcher she’ll give you a Gold Wyverian Print.

Snuggles for All

Capture a fluffy, snuggly creature.

Bagging a Bristly Crake ¶

If you’ve still got a mind to go after more birds, there’s another rare critter out there. There’s no quest and fanfare this time, but there are many similarities. This bird - the Bristly Crake - rides on the back of another symbiotic animal, this time a Mosswine, and only those in the Rotten Vale. It’s also very flighty, so you’ll again need to make use of your Ghillie Mantle.

In the Rotten Vale there are two locations you can find a Mosswine, and hence, the Bristle Crake. From the Southeast Camp, jump off the cliff and turn west to reach the wider platform in AREA 3. After reaching this larger area, immediately turn south to find a hole you can crawl through, beyond which (in AREA 5) you can find a Mosswine.

From the Central Camp, leap off two cliffs to the northwest and northeast, then continue north and turn west and climb up a ledge to reach the chamber (AREA 10) adjacent to the Odogaron’s lair (AREA 13). Head to the southern end of this area to find a hole you can crawl through to reach the Grimalkyne cave (AREA 14), then turn west to reach the chamber the Grimalkyne actually occupy. Once inside, turn south and climb up a ledge to reach the walkway overlooking the fishing pond, on which a Mosswine lurks. Travel between areas, as the Bristly Crake may not appear in the Rotten Vale every time, check both Mosswine locations, and repeat as necessary.

Bristles for All

Capture a stiff, bristly creature.

Poaching a Prism Hercudrome ¶

This next creature can be easier or more difficult to catch, depending on your luck. You don’t need a Ghillie Mantle, and you don’t need to look for another creature, this target’s location is static. Unfortunately, your target’s schedule is erratic, and it’ll only appear during the dawn and the dusk.

First, the location. Travel to the Northeast Camp in the Coral Highlands, crawl out through the hole to the west, turn north and drop off a cliff to the north, then drop off another cliff to the west, and finally jump off a third cliff to the south. On the lowest part of AREA 10, turn west and crawl through a hole, then follow the linear path ahead until you reach a waterfall-fed pond. At this water, turn north and follow the stream northwest until it converges with another stream before finally running off a cliff. Where the stream you followed unites with another, turn northeast and head up a ramp and follow the path as it winds around some large mushroom-like plants. On the northern end of larger mushroom you may find your target - a Prism Hercudrome. If your insect isn’t there, you’ll have to return after some time has passed - traveling between maps should do the trick.

Rainbow Bright

Capture a creature that glitters like a rainbow.

Research Help: Capture the Ancient ¶

If you’ve completed all the other delivery requests for the Piscine Researcher and you see him again in the Rotten Vale, go pay him a visit. You’ll find him along the eastern end of AREA 9, and when you talk to him he’ll ask you to catch one final fish, starting the delivery request Research Help: Capture the Ancient .

You won’t find this creature in the Rotten Vale, but amusingly enough, you can find one where you may have caught the last fish (the Platinumfish). Travel to the Eastern Camp (AREA 8) in the Elder’s Recess and check out the fish-filled pool to the east, where, along the northern end of the pool, you may find the fish you’re looking for. You’ll know it if it’s there, as it’s rather large and has bright blue spots on it, although it can be somewhat far out to the north, possibly obscured by crystals. Catch this prehistoric fish, this Petricanths, and talk to the Piscine Researcher afterwards to obtain another Gold Wyverian Print.

A Living Fossil

Capture a fish known as "the living fossil."

No Comments

Guide Information

• Publisher Capcom
• Platforms, PS4, XB One
• Genre Action RPG
• Guide Release 13 February 2018
• Last Updated 7 December 2020
• Guide Author Nathan Garvin

Share this free guide:

This guide features a full, beginning-to-end walkthrough written in an “ideal chronological order of events” format. Main quests are interspersed with side quests in the order in which they unlock, although some side quests and arena challenges may only be referenced instead of fully explained. These are typically quests that have you facing a monster you’ve already fought under similar circumstances that offer no unique reward for completion. For example, after completing most main quests you won’t be able to attempt that quest again, but you’ll usually unlock an identical side quest allowing you to hunt the same monster in the same area with the same success/failure conditions.

Monster strategies will be discussed in detail as you encounter them throughout the walkthrough, featuring elemental and status information and drop lists. The guide also features a fully detailed bestiary for those who just want information about specific monsters unaccompanied by a walkthrough. Trophy/achievement information can also be found in a separate trophy/achievement guide, although be warned: many trophies/achievements in Monster Hunter World are easier said than done.

Other features of this guide include:

• Information on crafting/harvesting.
• Side quests that unlock mantles, ingredients and other useful features.
• Field Researcher quests including where to catch rare fish, how to capture small monsters, and where to locate Grimalkynes/Gajalaka.
• Grimalkyne/Gajalaka quests.
• How to upgrade the Ancient Tree/Harvest Box and how to unlock various fertilizers.
• How the Elder Melder works, melding different items and decorations.
• Where to find the Powertalon and Armortalon, and how to upgrade them into the Powercharm and Armorcharm.
• Detailed information on how to unlock Tempered Monsters, the difference between Threat Level 1, 2 and 3 Tempered Monsters.
• Information on Feystones, including drop rates, the differences between the types (Mysterious, Gleaming, Worn and Warped).
• How to get Warrior’s Streamstones and Hero’s Streamstones.

Get a Gamer Guides Premium account:

• Custom Favorites
• Support the authors
• And many more special features coming soon...

This is for Premium users only

Why not join us today? Remove ads and unlock special features

• Endemic Life Researcher Secret Missions

View guide index

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne – Guide & Walkthrough

• Learning the Clutch
• Baptism by Ice (★)
• Banbaro Blockade (★)
• Ready to Strike (★★)
• Play Both Ends (★★)
• No Time for Naps (★★)
• Blizzard Blitz (★★★)
• Ever-Present Shadow (★★★)
• The Scorching Blade (★★★)
• A Smashing Cross Counter (★★★)
• Absolute Power (★★★)
• A Tale of Ice and Fire (★★★)
• When the Mist Taketh You (★★★★)
• The Thunderous Troublemaker! (★★★★)
• Bad Friends, Great Enemies (★★★★)
• The Disintegrating Blade (★★★★)
• The Defense of Seliana (★★★★)
• The Iceborne Wyvern (★★★★★)
• Piscine Researcher Secret Missions
• Cultural Exchange: Hoarfrost Reach
• Deep Snow Dive
• Taking Charge
• Call of the Wild
• Greetings from the Tundra
• The Great Jagras Returns!
• Literary Thief
• New World Problems
• Beating Around The Bush
• Trapping The Tree Trasher
• Wildspire Treasure Hunt
• Taster's Tour
• Dragged Through the Mud
• Jyura In My Way
• All The Wrong Signals
• Grinding My Girros
• Can't Bring Yourself To It
• This Here's Big Horn Country!
• Special Arena: MR Pukei-Pukei
• Special Arena: MR Barroth
• Special Arena: MR Tobi-Kadachi
• Special Arena: MR Banbaro
• Analysis Creates Paralysis
• Poison and Paralysis Pinch
• Boaboa Constrictor
• By Our Powers Combined
• You Scratch Our Backs...
• Anjanath Antics
• Fool's Mate
• Nighty Night Nightshade
• Stick Your Nose Somewhere Else
• A Queen At Heart
• A Face Nightmares Are Made Of
• Pink Power Grab
• The Plight of Paolumu
• Put That Red Cup Away
• No Laughing Matter
• Bugger Off Bugs!
• Looking For That Glimmer
• Feisty Girl Talk
• Special Arena: MR Anjanath
• Special Arena: MR Rathian
• Special Arena: MR Paolumu
• Special Arena: MR Pink Rathian
• Special Arena: MR Radobaan
• Special Arena: MR Viper Tobi-Kadachi
• Special Arena: MR Coral Pukei-Pukei
• Special Arena: MR Nightshade Paolumu
• The Purr-fect Room: Stone
• Swoop to a New Low
• The Secret to a Good Slice
• Red and Black Aces
• A Line in the Sand
• Legiana Left Behind
• The Black Wind
• Don't be a Jerk with the Jerky
• Runnin', Rollin', and Weepin'
• Festival of Explosions!
• Begone Uragaan
• Nargacuga, Should, Woulda
• Remember That One Time?
• A Flash of the Blade
• Everyone's a Critic
• Secret of the Ooze
• Blast Warning In Effect!
• Special Arena: MR Uragaan
• Special Arena: MR Barioth
• Special Arena: MR Nargacuga
• Special Arena: MR Glavenus
• Special Arena: MR Brachydios
• Special Arena: MR Diablos
• Special Arena: MR Legiana
• Special Arena: MR Odogaron
• Special Arena: MR Rathalos
• Duet of Rime
• Treasure in the Steam
• These Azure Eyes See All
• Misfortune in the Forest
• Blue Rathalos Blues
• Trap the Thunder Jaw
• Noblefrost Hunter
• Tundra Troublemaker
• A Shadowy Offender
• This Corroded Blade
• Special Arena: MR Fulgur Anjanath
• Special Arena: MR Azure Rathalos
• Special Arena: MR Acidic Glavenus
• Special Arena: MR Ebony Odogaron
• The Camps of the Hoarfrost Reach

To get this mission, open your map and put your cursor over the “Hoarfrost Reach” region. In the “Field Researchers” section, on the right, you will either see the Endemic Life Researcher or the Piscine Researcher ( picture1 ). If the Endemic Life Researcher is accessible, go to the Hoarfrost Reach in Expedition Mode and go north of the Area 2, at the intersection of the Areas 5 and 4 ( picture2 ).

Enter the cave and go down to the very bottom of the area to chat with the Endemic Life Researcher ( picture3 ). The lady will ask you to capture three Duffel Penguins ( picture4 ). Advice: equip yourself with the Ghillie Mantle so that you are not spotted by the animals you will have to capture. After you have obtained your secret mission, go to the Area 7 of the Hoarfrost Reach.

Endemic Life Researcher’s 1st Mission in Hoarfrost Reach:

Many Duffel Penguins will be found near the edge of the cliff ( picture5 ). Take out your net and throw it several times on the animals to catch them. If you ever run out of penguins, leave the area and come back a few minutes later to make them reappear. After capturing three of them, return to the HQ and talk with the Resource Center to validate your mission and obtain a Sublime First Wyverian Print ( picture6 ).

Endemic Life Researcher’s 2nd Mission in Hoarfrost Reach:

Go back to the Endemic Life Researcher, talk for the second time with her, and she’ll ask you to bring her a Golden Crown Duffel Penguin. Go to Hoarfrost Reach at night, when there is a blizzard. Then go to one of the many areas where there are Duffel Penguins, such as north of the Camp 12 ( picture7 ). As a reward, you will get an Angler Fish Lamp ( picture8 ).

Endemic Life Researcher’s 3rd Mission in Hoarfrost Reach:

Finally, the Endemic Life Researcher will ask you to capture the rarest terrestrial animal in the Hoarfrost Reach. Teleport to Camp n°1, and then head west to the hot spring in the Area 2 ( picture9 ). If you do not see a Goldspring Macaque in the center of the spring, leave the area and come back a few minutes later. You will have a small chance to see a Goldspring Macaque appear ( picture10 ). When this is the case, equip yourself with your Ghillie Mantle so that you won’t be noticed and capture it.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the…

Hauntii Guide & Walkthrough

Immortals of Aveum Guide &…

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door…

• PlayStation 3
• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series
• More Systems
• How do you unlock the Critical Bounty called Research Help: Capture the Ancient?
• Monster Hunter: World

PlayStation 4 PC Xbox One

• Topic Archived

More Topics from this Board

• Online FORCED? 8 posts, 6/25 1:04PM
• Is it hard to get to the meta Fatalis gear sets? 6 posts, 6/20 7:32PM
• Is this a good game? 28 posts, 6/19 2:08PM
• Forgot how unbearbly awful tremors, wind and roars are here. 9 posts, 6/19 12:05PM
• The mystery of Update 15.22 6 posts, 6/6 12:16PM

GameFAQs Q&A

• Investigate the Rotten Vale? Side Quest 3 Answers
• How to trigger Troubled Troopers Quest? Side Quest 2 Answers
• How do I capture Kulu Ya Ku? Side Quest 3 Answers
• How to unlock master rank? Main Quest 5 Answers
• New to MHW, do I need Iceborne? Main Quest 8 Answers

• GameSkinny Staff
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy

Monster Hunter World Iceborne: How to Find Rare Endemic Life

You find amazing new life everywhere you look in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne . However, five creatures rise above the rest, so much so that once caught, each of them comes with an achievement on PC and Xbox One (trophy if on PS4). These creatures make up Iceborne ‘s  rare endemic life . 

Below, we break down how to find each one so you can nab some of the rarest, best-looking pets in the game.

Golden Gleam: Where to Find the Goldspring Macaque 

One of the easier pets to find, the Goldspring Macaque lives in the Hoarfrost Reach , bathing in a hot spring just west of the southernmost camp. To reach this endemic life, travel to the camp, then turn left and hug the left side of the path. You’ll shortly arrive at the hot spring.

The Macaque seems to have a higher spawn rate on the Pearl Snatchers event quest,  so if it’s currently on rotation, be sure to check the hot spring once you’ve launched the quest.   (Hint: a picture of the Macaque in the hot spring is at the top of this article)

Friendly Pointer: Where to Find the Arrowhead Gecko

You’ll find this friendly neighborhood blue boy in either the Rotten Vale or the Wildspire Waste . He’s easier to find in the Vale, but I had the best luck finding him in the Waste, so that’s where I’ll lead you. 

Arrowhead Gecko: Wildspire Waste

Start at the southern camp and turn left as you leave, taking the path up toward the caves .

You’ll pass a pond and waterfall on your way there. Stick to the right, and you’ll end up in the caves — head towards the light . You’ll pass several Tough Skinned Fruit on your way through.

Once you head out of the caves, turn right until you reach climbable vines . Take these up.

If you were lucky enough to get the little Gecko to spawn, he’ll be slithering around as you climb up . Follow him to the top and add his shiny blue endemic skin to your collection.

The next pet on our list lives very close to the Gecko in the Waste, so if you’re super lucky, you’ll find it, too.

Sweet Melody: Where to Find the Blue Diva

Looking for a beautiful birdsong? Grab yourself a Blue Diva, who lives in both the Ancient Forest and the Wildspire Waste . For the latter, take the same path to the Gecko. 

Blue Diva: Ancient Forest

Ancient Forest is a much better farming choice, however. Head to the Northeast Camp and head just outside to the area with branches and two vines. 

Just to the right of the exit will be a platform. If the Blue Diva’s spawned, she’ll be sitting there singing.

Submerged Mystery: How to Find the Sealord’s Crestfish

One of the most majestic fish in all of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne , this unit of a fish lives in the murky depths of a hidden Hoarfrost Reach hot spring . And yes, you’ll need to use the fishing rod to catch him.

To start, travel to the Shipwreck Camp and jump down into the chamber beneath the camp. From there, make a left and head into the brown, nasty areas that look kind of like the Rotten Vale . 

Keep to the right as you make your way down until you reach a fetid pond . Use your fishing rod in the pond and catch this piece of endemic life. 

Celestial Illusion: How to Find the Wintermoon Nettle

Here’s the big one, the Iceborne endemic life you’ll go crazy trying to get your hands on. 

The Wintermoon Nettle lives at the top of the Hoarfrost Reach mountain and only comes out at night when conditions are Clear . Making your way up the mountain is no small feat, so here’s a detailed rundown of how to get there.

Begin by making your way to the cave in the north of Area 13 . You’ll know it by the many Wedge Beetles dotting the ceiling.

Grapple across the gap and look up. You’ll need to chain subsequent grapples to the highest beetle, then swing up and over the ledge nearby.

Next, follow the path until you reach a cliff. Don’t jump down. Instead, look to your left to see a vertical channel leading up. You’ll need to do some limited parkour up one side, jump across, then make a sideways jump to the climbable section of ice.

From there, you’ve got another section to jump up. Just scramble up one side, jump to the other, then jump a third time to clamber onto the next ledge.

Once you’re done there, you’ll probably be doing a little waiting, as you need a steam vent to launch you onto the next ledge. Also, make sure you’re facing said ledge, or you’ll need to do more waiting.

Beyond the vent launch, you’ll climb toward one last Wedge Beetle swing, after which you’ll take a path to your left. 

At the end of the path is a climbable ice wall . Don your Ghillie Mantle and head up. If you’re lucky enough to spawn the Wintermoon Nettle, it will be slowly floating about the summit and its three Mining Outcrops. Wait for it to come within range of your Capture Net (it won’t immediately run if you miss) and grab it.

Deft Digger and Creatures of the Earth: How to Find Moly in the Guiding Lands

Once you reach the end-game zone known as the Guiding Lands, the last two achievements become available. You’ll be hunting creatures called Moly , and they’re scattered across all four currently available zones (more are to come with additional content updates). 

Two sets of Moly exist in two different locations, and though you’ll want to collect them all,  you only need one of them for the Deft Digger achievement . It’s the Creatures of the Earth achievement that’s a little trickier.

First, you must level up each zone to Level 5 to spawn the zone’s special Moly. As of writing, I haven’t reached that level yet, but the locations presented below are applicable for the rarer special Moly, also noted below.

Moly do not require you to reload the Guiding Lands to spawn them. Rather, they will spawn when you aren’t around. Visit the various spawn points periodically, but be sure to give the creatures time to show up.

Lastly, you’ll always want to be wearing your Ghillie Mantle , as these are some skittish little buggers, and you don’t want to spook them.

Ancient Forest Area Locations

You’ll find one group of forest Moly all the way in the upper-left corner of the map in Area 7 . You will need to crawl through a crevice past a honey gathering point . If the Moly are there, they’ll be sitting in the middle of the fork in the path. 

Another set of forest moly live near a herb plant on the righthand side of Area 6 , nestled against a small rise in the ground.

The rare forest area version is called the Mossy Moly , and have green tufts for hair. 

Wildspire Area Moly Locations

For the Wildspire area of the Guiding Lands, you’ll be looking for the Rocky Moly , so known for the rocks they wear on their heads.

Your first visit should be to the bottom left corner of Area 8 to the Might Seed that grows there. That’s where you’ll find one set of Wildspire Moly.

Your second group of Moly will spawn near a large cactus patch and a herb plant on the lower level , close to the area’s middle. 

Rotten Vale Area Moly Locations

In this area, you’ll eventually be hunting for the Spiny Moly , which is, well, spiny. You’ll know it by the sharp red color of the spines.

One set of Moly will spawn in the northernmost portion of Area 2 near an ivy plant. You’ll know the one because it sits closes to a connecting tunnel.

Another set of Moly live with the Girros in Area 13 . They’ll appear atop the large bone pile in the area’s left side near the Devil’s Blight mushroom growing from the bones.

Coral Highlands Moly Locations

In this part of the Guiding Lands, you’ll be hunting the rare Fluffy Moly , which doesn’t so much look like a mole as it does a rotund pink ball of fluff .

The first spawn point is in the northeast corner near some honey . Usually, there are Palicos or Gajalakas there, and you’ll know you’re in the right area because of the fishing pond nestled in the at the path’s end.

The second Moly group is near another herb plant on top of the cliff in Area 11 . It’s the large circular chamber with two levels. Head up to the top and if they’re around, you’ll see the Moly lined up near the plant.

Helpful Tips

If you’re having trouble getting your hands on these beautiful creatures, here are a few tips for making your life easier.

• Glacial Vodka and Toasting Tequila : The Nighty Night Nightshade quest (2nd in the Grammeowster Chef questline).
• Simmering Spirit : Simmer and Slice quest (4th and final quest in the Grammeowster Chef questline)
• Crystal Quaff : Deliver Petalcryst rare plantlife (only available in Hoarfrost Reach during flourishing Frozen Foliage)
• Snowmelt Snifter : Deliver Moonlight Icebloom (from Frozen Foliage)
• Frostpeak Fizz : Deliver Snowpeak Icebloom (from Frozen Foliage)
• Wear the Ghillie Mantle . You don’t want your new pets scaring themselves away.
• Make a loop of it . If the endemic life you’re looking for isn’t tied to time or conditions, check one area, and if the pet isn’t there, immediately fast travel to a new place to look for another bit of life. Repeat as necessary.

When complete, your custom order should look like this:

Five rare specimens of Iceborne endemic life, five achievements now gracing your account. We’ll cover the Moly endemic life, son. We’ve got more Iceborne content coming your way, so stay tuned.

Check out our current Iceborne fare while you’re here: 

• Monster Hunter: World Iceborne Not Loading on PC Fix
• Best Monster Hunter World Iceborne Greatsword Builds
• Monster Hunter World: Iceborne — How to Get Monster Essence
• Monster Hunter: World Iceborne Save Overwrite Fixes
• Monster Hunter: World Iceborne Monster Toughbone Farming Guide
• As always, keep watch on our Iceborne guide hub for even more. 

Search Results

Nekker | monster hunter world wiki.

• Create new page
• Recent Changes
• Permissions
• Edit Open Graph
• Clear page cache
• Clear comments cache
• File Manager
• Page Manager
• Wiki Templates
• Comments Approval
• Wiki Settings
• Wiki Manager

Nekker is an Endemic Life creature in Monster Hunter World (MHW) . The Nekker was added with patch 6.0 as part of the collaboration with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt .

I wonder if what the Witcher said was true... Do Nekkers really grow vicious when in a swarm? I think there's a place where we can test this...

Nekker Location

You can find Nekker in:

• Ancient Forest : Only available at NIGHTIME, comes to feed off a Great Jagras near its nest.
• You must have completed Contract: Trouble in the Ancient Forest , and you must talk to the Resource Center to obtain a Critical bounty (Research Help: Creature Capture)

How to Capture the Nekker

Firstly, check your hunter’s notebook under unclassified life to find the Nekker entry. It will imply that the Nekker is not hunting and instead is foraging in Ancient Forest after dark. The best way to get all the right conditions is by undertaking the Optional Quest: Hard to Swallow . Taking this quest will check off the 3 conditions we need:

• Quest/Expedition in the Ancient Forest
• A Great Jagras

Proceed taking quests and leaving from them until you get a dusk time (sunset). Start a Hard to Swallow then go back to Astera until it hits night time. Leave your Palico behind for precaution and make sure you bring your Ghillie Mantle . Select Camp 1 and start the quest. Head to Quadrant 1 and wait for the Great Jagras to come to the area. Leave him be allowing him to eat and grow fat.

Stalk the Great Jagras from a distance as he head back to his nest. Put on your Ghillie mantle and stay near the entrance of the nest and gaze upon the Great Jagras puking up some meat for the Jagras. The Nekker should also spawn in and rush over to the wet meat greedily eating. Capture him with the Capture Net and complete the quest.

Nekker Capturing Rewards

You can capture Nekker by using the infinite item "capture net" then aiming for the creature with the control's trigger and pressing Square on your controller when the outline of the frame turns orange.

• House placing : Carpet, Floor, Hearth, Garden
• Other rewards : 800 Research Points, Nekker Card (Weapon) x1, Nekker Card (Armor) x1

Nekker Notes

• Check out The Witcher 3 Nekker version.
• "A creature from another world. A lone nekker is harmless, but five are dangerous... Or so they say."
• Sizes: 156.89 (Fix Size)

 Video Guide

• Nekker Location Guide

A low rank expedition during night when there's a great jagras on the map will guarantee a spawn

BTW if you have exhausted the zoologists dialogue, the woman by the dead anjoranth and defeated the leshen and the nekkar still doesn't appear. Go talk to your researcher first, especially if you're already in Seliana, go to the researcher in Seliana it should show a ! in your map for the bounty. Then a nekkar should appear if you try again, and to make sure check hunters notes > endemic life > unclassified. nekker wasn't there for me until I got the bounty, hopefully this helps someone!

When it was night and raining in ancient forest,I was doing the quest "hard to swallow" then when the great jagras gave food to the jagras there was no nekker around.

instead of a nekker it spawns in a metiorite

If anyone still has issues getting the nekker to spawn even after following the instructions like i did, run past the great jagras as he leaves the nest and kill all the smaller jagras in the nest. The nekker should spawn as said when the great one comes back and pukes up some meat.

for those who dont know how to get the critical bounty, you have to speak to the female researcher which is studying the dead apthonoth there is optional dialog in which she refers to a small nekker being sited in the vicinity which she says she will refer to the hunter. after reading that dialogue make sure you complete the quest and once you are in Astera the critical bounty should appear at the resource center! sorry for the long winded answer.

Ok I have the bounty and follow all the instructions so why doesn't the Nekker even turn up?

Placing down 2 or more nekkers in your room will make them more aggressive and swarm you

There's no bounty, for me.

For some reason the critical bounty isn't showing up for me :/

similar to the one before me, but I've done the quest and one subquest for the witcher hunt, captured a Nekker, but never had the critical bounty bit. Is Xbox Glitched or something?

anyone knows how to obtain ng critical bounty Research Help: Creature Capture? I've completed the witcher quest with all the side quests but the bounty doesn't show up at all.

I wonder where you can go to test the swarming vicious nekker comment in the Researcher's Notes. Seems like either a hint about the Event Quest next week or something else that was added and not really found yet

You dont need all side quests for contract

• Hunters Online
• Recent Changes +
• File Manager +
• Page Manager +
• Create Wiki +
• ⇈ Back to top ⇈

GameWith uses cookies and IP addresses. By using our site you agree to our privacy policy .

• Iceborne News
• Best Weapons
• Monster List
• Guiding Lands
• Layered Armor
• All Material
• Weapon Tweak
• Skill Tweak

MHW: ICEBORNE | Critical Bounties List & How to Complete

Read this Monster Hunter World: Iceborne guide to learn more about the critical bounties in the game! Use this list as a reference for critical bounties and how to complete them!!!

Critical Bounties Per Area

• Ancient Forest
• Wildspire Waste
• Coral Highlands
• Rotten Vale
• Elder's Recess
• Other Areas

Bounty Information

• What is a Bounty?

Currently Updating ICEBORNE Info!

List of Critical Bounties Per Area

Ancient forest critical bounties list.

Wildspire Waste Critical Bounties List

Coral Highlands Critical Bounties List

Rotten Vale Critical Bounties List

Elder's Recess Critical Bounties List

Other Areas Critical Bounties List

What Are Bounties?

Side quest system in the game.

Bounties are simple side quests that you can receive from Field Researchers when out exploring the new world. There are three types of bounties: registered, critical, and limited.

Registered Bounties Reward Armor Spheres

Clearing registration bounties will reward you with items that are related to the type of Bounty you've completed. They also reward you with armor spheres that you can use to upgrade armor equipment.

Unlock Ingredients & Facilities with Critical Bounties

Completing critical bounties will unlock new facilities in Astera for you to use. Some of the critical bounties will also unlock new ingredients in the canteen for you. Complete critical bounties to enhance meal effects!

Get Rare Items From Limited Bounties

Limited Bounties are updated every week and award you with different tickets once you complete them. You can use these tickets to upgrade your equipment into stronger versions!

• vote voted votes

Your feedbacks will be checked by our staffs and will be attended to accordingly. Please be advised that we may not reply to every individual feedbacks.

By clicking Submit you are agreeing to the Terms of Use. *Offensive, insulting or inappropriate use of forum may lead to ban/restriction. To avoid griefing, you will not be able to post or report for the first %d hours upon visiting this forum for the first time.

Looks like nobody posted here yet...

• Genshin | Furina Build & Weapons
• Genshin | Sigewinne Build & Weapons
• Wuthering Waves | Best Character Tier List
• Wuthering Waves | Reroll Tier List
• Wuthering Waves | Yinlin Best Build and Teams

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. 2018, 2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Its licensors have not otherwise endorsed and are not responsible for the operation of or content on this site. MONSTER HUNTER WORLD: ICEBORNE Official Website

• Iceborne News & Updates
• 4th Free Title Update
• Update 14.00 Patch Notes
• Alatreon Gear
• Best Builds Against Alatreon
• Frostfang Barioth
• Frostfang Barioth Gear
• Sizzling Spice Fest
• Update 13.5 Patch Notes
• Master Rank Kulve Taroth
• Arch-tempered Namielle
• Tips On Master Rank
• Iceborne Assigned Quests
• Iceborne Optional Quests
• Master Rank Event Quests
• Greetings from the Tundra
• All Unlockable Monsters
• Shrieking Legiana
• Fulgur Anjanath
• Ebony Odogaron
• Acidic Glavenus
• Viper Tobi-Kadachi
• Coral Pukei-Pukei
• Nightshade Paolumu
• Seething Bazelgeuse
• Yian-Garuga
• Shara Ishvalda
• Savage Deviljho
• Gold Rathian
• Silver Rathalos
• Best Melee Weapon Builds
• Best Ranged Weapon Builds
• Best Low Rank Armor
• Best High Rank Armor
• All Weapon Types
• Melee Weapon Features
• Ranged Weapon Features
• Sword & Shield
• Dual Blades
• Great Sword
• Hunting Horn
• Charge Blade
• Insect Glaive
• Light Bowgun
• Heavy Bowgun
• How To Farm Bathycite Ores
• How To Farm Purecrystals
• Dragonbone Artifact Farming
• How To Farm Eltalite Ores
• Dragonvein Crystals Farming
• Large Wyvern Gem Farming
• Large Elder Dragon Bone
• Large Elder Dragon Gem
• Purecrystal Farming
• Celestial Wyvern Prints
• Guiding Lands Farming
• Master Rank Farm Guide
• Augment Master Rank Gear
• Iceborne Weapon Changes
• Iceborne Skill Changes
• About Clutch Claw
• About Raider Rides
• Seliana Base Guide
• Surveyor Quest Guide
• Steamworks Guide
• Recommended Beginner's Weapon
• MHW Main Quest List
• Essential Beginner Guides
• Best Palico Gadgets
• All Item List
• Critical Bounties List
• How to Use Scoutflies
• How To Track A Monster
• How To Hunt A Monster
• How To Capture A Monster
• How To Mount A Monster
• Hunter Helper Feature
• End-Game Guide
• Best Endgame Loadout
• Get To High Rank Fast
• Raising Hunter Rank
• Money Farming Guide
• Research Point Farming
• How To Collect Tracks
• Farming Streamstones
• Farming Monster Slogbone
• Farming Thick Bone
• Farming Tough Claw
• Farming Prized Pelt
• Farming Conflagrant Sac
• Farming Shara Tenderplate
• How To Use Elder Melder
• How To Augment
• Alpha Vs Beta Armor
• Tracking Tempered Monsters
• Kulve Taroth Relic Weapons
• PC System Requirements
• PS4 Control Map
• Best Settings
• Best Peripherals
• All Trophy List
• All Layered Armor List
• All Poogie Costume List
• All Collab Events
• All Monster List
• Monster Difficulty Ranked
• Hoarfrost Reach
• Monster Hunter Rise Guide

• Help Center
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• GameWith(日本語)