Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 1 brought along the ability to face Zoh Shia in an HR (High-Rank) environment. If you’re interested in challenging this beast of a monster outside the campaign, here’s how you can.

How to unlock the High Rank Zoh Shia quest in Monster Hunter Wilds

Unlocking Zoh Shia as an HR monster is easy, especially if you’ve been playing Monster Hunter Wilds since launch. You’re required to be HR 50 and to complete the new story quest, A First Cry.

This quest involves you speaking with your long-time handler, Alma, about a new development involved with the Dragontorch. You’ll get a bit of story info about HR Zoh Shia and a new cutscene showing it in action before facing it yourself.

Following the cutscene, you’ll be thrust into action, immediately spawning before HR Zoh Shia’s arena. The area is similar to the location you faced it during the campaign, and you’re going to need all that space to survive this encounter.

If you’re not ready to face it yet, you can return to town without worry. You can challenge HR Zoh Shia after watching his initial cutscene by starting the Germination quest. Once completed, however, you won’t be able to use this method again.

How strong is Zoh Shia in High Rank?

HR Zoh Shia is significantly stronger than any other foe in Monster Hunter Wilds, with a colossal health pool that only gets larger if you’re playing with others. This monster hits very hard, and if you’re not geared enough, it can easily kill you in a single attack. The fight is also rather long and requires much more effort than any other monsters currently.

If you’re playing online with other people, be warned: HR Zoh Shia is a breeding ground for carting. Unless you’re with a trusted group, I recommend facing it solo before jumping into random parties. Either way, bring your A-game, or you’ll be in for a world of hurt.