| “ | An elder dragon that soars at very high altitudes far from human habitation. Its flaming red wings are often the only visible sign of it, giving rise to its nickname, the Argent Comet. Those wings aren't just for flying, though, and are easily used to stab, rend and blow away its enemies. Occasionally, one can find the scorched shells it has left behind. | „ | |
| - MHGU Description | |||
Valstrax are Elder Dragons introduced in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate.
Physiology
Valstrax is a slender Elder Dragon covered in gleaming silver scales. Its most notable feature is its wings, which have fused into a trident-like structure, each segment ending in an opening designed to expel dragon energy in the form of reddish flames. Its back is lined with fin-like projections. Its head is avian in shape and has a small crest, and its eyes have red irises and blue sclera. Its chest has three horizontal gaps that are used to take in and pressurize air like a jet engine.
Abilities
Valstrax flies at high speed by taking in air using its chest vent, before combining it with Dragon Element energy and expelling it from its wings as rocket-like propellant. It can manipulate the alignment and shape of its wings to vary the attacks it uses, as well as freely move in the air by hovering in any direction. Its wings are extremely flexible and can extend in a spear-like formation for thrusting attacks, fold into a blade-like structure for swings, or adopt an open-palm shape to swat down a target. By using its exhaust-like wingtips, it can also use the propulsion to make its attacks faster, ignite its physical blows with Dragon element, fire barrages of draconic blasts, or emit large directed explosions. Valstrax is highly durable and athletic, with it being extremely maneuverable even on the ground and able to freely reshape its wings almost instantly, as well as survive collisions when flying at top speed.
Its strongest attack is called “Around the World.” Valstrax opens its chest intake to the fullest, sucking in as much air as possible before hopping up with a small blast and then rocketing off into the horizon. Here it will become enveloped with crimson dragon energy, adopting a form resembling a blazing red comet. After circling behind the hunter (or where the hunter’s back was originally facing during take off), Valstrax will do a loop in the air as it breaks the sound barrier before hurtling itself down as a fiery ball of deadly draconic energy. Afterwards, it will be tuckered out for a short period of time, allowing for retaliation.
Behavior
Valstrax is a reclusive monster that spends most of its time at high altitudes, only descending to hunt prey. Although it isn't particularly aggressive, it has a tendency to unintentionally collide with and destroy anything in its airspace, such as airships. Although it mostly stays away from hunters and monsters alike, it will fight back ferociously if it is attacked or its territory is threatened.
Habitat
Valstrax is a largely nomadic monster and can be found in a wide range of environments. It is most commonly associated with the Ruined Pinnacle.
Other Non-Subspecies Forms
Crimson Glow Valstrax
Main Article: Crimson Glow Valstrax
A Variant of Valstrax first appearing in Monster Hunter Rise, an excessively high amount of Dragon Element energy has turned this monster even more aggressive.
Game Appearances
Main Series
- Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Introduced)
Spin-offs
Crossovers
- Puzzle & Dragons
- Gyuakuten Othellonia
- TEPPEN
In-Game Description
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Gallery
For more images, see Valstrax Photo Gallery
Notes
General Notes
- Valstrax's front claws, back, chest, head, and wings can be broken. Its tail can also be cut off.
- Valstrax's Japanese name, Barufaruku (バルファルク), is a combination between baroru (バロル) which is "valor" translated to Japanese, and farukon (ファルコン), meaning "falcon" in Japanese.
- Valstrax is one of the two flagship monsters of Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, the other being Bloodbath Diablos.
- While in Rage Mode, Valstrax will begin venting excessive amounts of its exhaust from its wings, head, and chest, causing those parts to take no elemental damage. It will also use attacks that inflict Dragonblight more aggressively.
- Valstrax's attacks with its wings vary depending on the state its wings are in. While facing forward, it can attack using incredibly fast charges, 'punches' (with a long range that also extends further whilst in Rage Mode), and even, occasionally, a unique attack where it rockets off into the sky, flying around to find an angle behind a hunter, and then crashes into its target. Conversely, while facing backward, Valstrax attacks using slams, charged blasts, and missiles from a long range. It should be noted, however, that Valstrax can switch between these 'wing modes' at will, and will attempt to combo certain attacks from these modes.
- During Rage Mode, many of Valstrax's attacks with its wings will inflict Dragonblight due to the excessive amounts of exhaust being vented from its wings, making its wing slams and slashes more dangerous due to this.
- Like the Stygian Zinogre, a number of Valstrax's attacks can consistently inflict Dragonblight, especially during Rage Mode. In such a similar situation, it'd be wise to pack Nulberries, Blight Resistance, or, despite its Elemental weaknesses, use a Raw weapon to subvert the high consistency of Dragonblight affliction.
- The Valstrax Blademaster weapons have unusual Sharpness gauges that consist of only white and red levels.
- Valstrax's roar requires HG Earplugs to block.
- If Valstrax's chest is attacked enough while it is taking in air, the Dragon energy inside will detonate, knocking it over and dropping a shiny.
- Valstrax does not have to be fought at all in its first fightable encounter.
- Strangely, Valstrax's theme does not play in this sequence, only the regular Marshlands theme.
- Valstrax was voted 4th place in the Hunters' Choice for Top Monster during Monster Hunter's 20th Anniversary.[1]
