Lunagaron is a new, wolf-like beast in Monster Hunter Rise that players encounter while exploring the Elgado Citadel. Although it appears to be a wolf, Lunagaron is a Fanged Wyvern that mirrors other similar creatures in the Monster Hunter universe like Odogaron and Tobi-Kadachi. Historically, Wyverns are a type of dragon that has two legs and are smaller and more animalistic than their dragon counterparts. In Monster Hunter, wyverns can drop gems, making them a fan-favorite beast. Lunagaron joins the ranks of Wyverns in the Monster Hunter series with his addition to the new DLC, Sunbreak.
Lunagaron in Monster Hunter Rise is a massive beast that towers over the player. Its body is covered in cobalt-and-white scales that glow in the moonlight, and it has ridges that trail down its back. Although a Wyvern, it is meant to mirror a wolf in its location, fighting style, and temperament. Players can encounter Lunagaron in the Shrine Ruins of Kamura, but its home is in the ice caverns of Elgado's Citadel. Lunagaron attacks players with ice, and can affect the player with Iceblight and stun attacks. Alongside Garangolm and the Elder Dragon Malzano in Monster Hunter, Lunagaron is one of the Three Lords of Elgado.
As players fight Lunagaron, they should use mitigating tactics to cure themselves of Iceblight, avoid its powerful attacks with dodges, and choose weapons like a Longsword to fight. Lunagaron howls at players, and sits on its haunches before the player attacks and begins the fight. Lunagaron has a large arena, and makes full of it by running around, charging players, and pouncing.
Tips, Tactics, and Strategies for Fighting Lunagaron in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Since Lunagaron in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak uses Iceblight, players should carry a Nulberry with them to cure any ill effects. While Iceblight is active, players will consume stamina at 5x the normal speed for a minute. Considering Lunagaron is a fast, formidable Monster Hunter beast that makes full use of its arena, and players will need to constantly dodge and use stamina to survive, the Iceblight effect is especially dangerous. The only other way to cure Iceblight is to use a Hot Spring, but this won't be available during battle.
In addition to carrying Nulberrys, players should make sure they have the best armor and weapons equipped. One weapon players should consider is the Longsword. Although its controls are a bit complicated, it can deal an impressive amount of damage and also allows players to counter attacks. By completing combos and dealing attacks like Foresight Slash, players can use this powerful weapon in Monster Hunter to effectively deal with Lunagaron and other beasts.
Lunagaron has several attacks: Pounce, Body Slam, Ice Attacks, and Bipedal Attacks. This last attack has interesting connotations for players, since Lunagaron can seemingly transform into a Werewolf mid-battle and attack from a standing position. Coupled with an Icy Breath and Icy Mist attack, Lunagaron is a dangerous foe up-close and from a distance. To successfully fight Lunagaron in Monster Hunter, players need to master dodging and diving. For the Switch, dodge with B and move in the desired direction. To dive, first sheath any weapons, then sprint with R and hit B to dive in the direction players are running. Monster Hunter Rise is available on PC as well; to dodge, press space. To dive, sheath the weapon by pressing shift, hold down shift to run, then hit space to dive in the direction players are running. Evading attacks is a crucial part to any Monster Hunter Rise fight, and it's one of the best strategies for surviving an encounter with Lunagaron.
Monster Hunter Rise is available on PC and Nintendo Switch.