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FFXIV Monster Hunter Crossover: Rewards & Extreme Trial Guide

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

Final Fantasy XIV Warrior of Light riding the Rathalos mount, flying over a landscape, with a Palico minion following.

One of the most celebrated crossover events in Final Fantasy XIV’s history, the collaboration with Capcom’s Monster Hunter: World remains a benchmark for how to brilliantly merge two distinct gaming universes. Originally launched in 2018 during the Stormblood expansion (Patch 4.36), this event is no longer a limited-time affair but a permanent fixture in Eorzea. It offers players a chance to face the legendary "King of the Skies," Rathalos, in a uniquely challenging trial, and earn a host of iconic rewards, from a coveted mount to faithful recreations of Palico and Poogie.

This guide serves as an authoritative resource on everything the Final Fantasy XIV x Monster Hunter: World collaboration offers, from the rewards you can earn to the secrets of conquering its formidable Extreme version.

The Enduring Legacy of a Landmark Crossover

Final Fantasy XIV has a rich history of collaborations, from events with Yokai Watch and GARO to deep narrative crossovers with NieR: Automata and Final Fantasy XV. However, the Monster Hunter event stands out for its profound integration of the guest franchise's core mechanics. It wasn't just a simple FATE (Full Active Time Event) or a cosmetic tie-in; it was a bespoke trial that fundamentally changed FFXIV's combat rules to mirror the Monster Hunter experience.

The event’s success created a powerful bridge between two massive, dedicated communities, drawing players from both sides to experience the other's world. Its permanence in the game ensures that this content continues to be a thrilling discovery for new adventurers and a nostalgic challenge for veterans, cementing its status as one of FFXIV's most ambitious and well-executed collaborations.

A Hunter's Arsenal: All Crossover Rewards and How to Get Them

The primary way to earn the event's exclusive rewards is by repeatedly challenging Rathalos in "The Great Hunt" trial, which is unlocked via the quest "The New King on the Block" in Kugane. The trial offers both a Normal and an Extreme version, with different rewards tied to each.

  • Rathalos Armor Set (iLvl 360): This stunning glamour set, a faithful recreation of the Rathalos gear from Monster Hunter: World, is the main prize. It is not a direct drop. Instead, you must defeat Rathalos to earn "Rathalos Scale+" materials. These scales are then used to craft the full armor set (Helm, Mail, Vambraces, Coil, and Greaves). The recipes are available for all crafting classes, ensuring everyone can create their own set.
  • Rathalos Mount: The ultimate prize, the magnificent Rathalos, is available as a mount. This is a rare drop exclusively from "The Great Hunt (Extreme)." Additionally, players can obtain the mount by trading 50 Rathalos Scale+ materials at the Smithy in Kugane, providing a guaranteed path for those with poor drop luck.
  • Poogie and Palico Minions: Two adorable minions are available to accompany you. The Poogie minion (wearing its "Memorial Stripes" outfit) is a reward for completing the questline. The Palico minion is purchased from the Smithy for Rathalos Scale+ materials.
  • BBQ Spit Outdoor Furnishing: Recreate the iconic Monster Hunter cooking experience in your own yard. This animated outdoor furnishing, complete with the classic jingle, can be crafted using materials earned from the trial.

Conquering The Great Hunt (Extreme)

The true heart of the collaboration lies in "The Great Hunt (Extreme)." This version of the trial is a radical departure from standard FFXIV encounters and is essential for anyone wanting the Rathalos mount. It pays homage to its source material with several unique mechanics:

  • Role Restrictions Removed: The trial is designed for a party of four Light Party members, but the standard Tank, Healer, and DPS trinity does not apply. All players are treated as DPS, and there is no enmity table.
  • Monster Hunter Potions: Standard healing magic is ineffective. Instead, all players are given 10 "Mega Potions" with a shared party-wide cooldown. Coordinating their use is critical to survival.
  • Limited Respawns: The party can only withstand three total player deaths (or "carts," in Monster Hunter terminology). A fourth death results in an instant wipe and failure.
  • Dynamic Phases: The fight features mechanics taken directly from Monster Hunter: World. Rathalos will fly, charge, breathe fire, and poison players. A crucial phase sees a Garula appear, which must be handled before Rathalos performs a devastating dive-bomb attack. Learning his attack patterns and "tells" is key, just as it is in a real monster hunt.

Mastering this trial demands coordination, situational awareness, and an understanding of mechanics that are wholly unique within FFXIV. It is this dedication to authenticity that makes conquering The Great Hunt (Extreme) and finally earning the Rathalos mount such a memorable and prestigious achievement for any Warrior of Light.