Kirin is one of the most iconic Elder Dragons in Monster Hunter World, known for its majestic unicorn-like appearance and deadly lightning-based attacks. While players may encounter Kirin during specific questlines in the base game, many hunters wonder where to find Kirin in the Hoarfrost Reach area introduced in the Iceborne expansion. Tracking down this elusive monster is not a straightforward process, and it requires some preparation, understanding of monster spawns, and the right conditions. This guide explains everything you need to know about the Kirin location in Hoarfrost Reach and how to trigger its appearance effectively.
Understanding Kirin’s Role in Iceborne
Although Kirin is not a newly introduced monster in the Iceborne expansion, it is still present in the Master Rank content and can be found in the Hoarfrost Reach under the right conditions. This Elder Dragon is classified as a Tempered Threat in many quests and offers materials needed for crafting powerful thunder-resistant gear. Finding Kirin in the wild requires patience and a good grasp of the game’s Guiding Lands and Region Level systems.
Why Hunt Kirin in Hoarfrost Reach?
- Master Rank Materials: Kirin’s MR drops are essential for crafting and upgrading high-level thunder resistance gear and decorations.
- Challenge: Despite its small size, Kirin is a tough opponent with fast attacks and area control abilities.
- Limited Availability: Since it does not appear as frequently as other monsters, encountering Kirin is an achievement on its own.
Where to Find Kirin in Hoarfrost Reach
Kirin does not appear in the Hoarfrost Reach during standard expedition missions or optional hunts. Instead, players can find it under specific scenarios, mainly in the Guiding Lands or during special assigned quests and investigations. The Hoarfrost Reach region must be leveled up within the Guiding Lands to increase the chances of Kirin appearing there.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Kirin
1. Unlock the Guiding Lands
After completing the main story of Iceborne, you will gain access to the Guiding Lands, a unique endgame zone that combines environments from across the game into one seamless area. Hoarfrost Reach becomes part of this zone once you’ve progressed far enough in the story and upgraded the region tiers.
2. Raise Hoarfrost Region Level
To get Kirin to spawn, you need to raise the level of the Hoarfrost region in the Guiding Lands. This is done by hunting monsters, gathering tracks, breaking parts, and completing investigations within that region.
- Target Region: Hoarfrost Reach area within the Guiding Lands
- Required Level: Level 5+ (Level 7 for Tempered Kirin)
- Method: Repeatedly hunt monsters like Barioth, Beotodus, and Shrieking Legiana in the Hoarfrost area to gain experience for the region
3. Check Monster List
Once your Hoarfrost Reach level reaches 5 or higher, check your monster list at the camp or handler. Kirin may appear randomly as a roaming monster in the region. If it’s not there, leave and re-enter to refresh the monster list. Keep an eye on the icons next to each region to see potential spawns.
4. Use Lures and Bait
To force Kirin to appear, you can also use special lures obtained through hunting and analyzing monster tracks. If you have a Kirin lure, go to the Hoarfrost Reach section of the Guiding Lands, speak to the Handler at camp, and select the option to lure Kirin.
- How to Get Lures: Break monster parts and gather tracks during expeditions in the Guiding Lands
- Use at Camp: Speak to the Handler to summon specific monsters into a region if the level is high enough
Kirin Spawn Locations Within Hoarfrost Reach
When Kirin spawns, it will typically appear in certain zones in the Hoarfrost Reach area of the Guiding Lands. These include snowy trails, open glacial fields, and cliff paths. Kirin’s small size and quiet behavior can make it easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
Common Zones Where Kirin Appears
- Area 11: One of Kirin’s primary spawn and roaming areas. Look for electric sparks and hoofprints.
- Area 89: Frequently used paths when Kirin moves between resting or attack zones.
- Area 12: Occasionally used as a sleeping or resting zone.
Use your scoutflies and search for Elder Dragon footprints to help locate Kirin once it has spawned. Bringing a friend with a Tracking Whisp buff can also speed up the discovery.
Tips for Hunting Kirin in Hoarfrost Reach
Due to Kirin’s mobility and attack patterns, the snowy terrain of Hoarfrost Reach can make this hunt even more challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed:
Prepare for Thunder Resistance
- Equip armor with high Thunder Resistance to reduce damage from lightning strikes.
- Use Thunderproof Mantle to absorb or negate thunder-based damage.
Use Mobility and Status Ailments
- Weapons with Paralysis or Sleep can interrupt Kirin’s charging behavior.
- Flash Pods are ineffective, but traps won’t work either Kirin is an Elder Dragon.
- Stick to hit-and-run tactics; stay mobile and wait for openings after Kirin’s lightning bursts.
Weapons That Work Best
- Hammer: Great for stagger damage and breaking the horn, though risky in close range.
- Bow: Allows for safe ranged damage; combine with elemental coatings.
- Long Sword: High reach and mobility makes it a balanced choice for dodging and dealing damage.
What You Get From Defeating Kirin
Defeating Kirin in Hoarfrost Reach yields high-rank and Master Rank materials required to craft specific armor sets and decorations. The gear made from Kirin materials often includes thunder resistance and elemental boosts, making them useful for fighting monsters like Zinogre or Namielle.
Notable Drops
- Kirin Hide+
- Kirin Thunderhorn
- Kirin Tail
- Purecrystal (rare)
- Kirin Azure Horn (Master Rank exclusive)
Finding Kirin in Hoarfrost Reach in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne requires patience, preparation, and persistence. Whether you’re grinding for rare materials or aiming to complete your monster research logs, unlocking this majestic Elder Dragon’s spawn in the Guiding Lands is a rewarding process. Raise your Hoarfrost Reach region level, keep an eye out for clues, and bring your best thunder-resistant gear. Once found, the battle against Kirin will test your precision and strategy in the frozen lands of Hoarfrost Reach.