Gravios is one of Monster Hunter Wilds’ most intimidating monsters, sporting tough armor plating and a fiery temper. Hunting this massive wyvern requires careful planning, precise execution, and, most importantly, the right loadout. This guide will help you craft the best equipment and offer essential tips to defeat Gravios efficiently.

Understanding Gravios

Before assembling your loadout, it’s essential to understand what makes Gravios challenging. Gravios is a large, armored wyvern primarily found in Oilwell Basin and Ruins of Wyveria. It relies heavily on fire-based attacks, including explosive fireballs, laser-like heat rays, and emits dangerous gases. Gravios’ thick carapace initially resists most damage, but consistent attacks can expose vulnerable spots, offering opportunities for massive damage.

Gravios Weaknesses

• Primary Weaknesses: Water, Ice, Dragon
• Resistances: Fire
• Status Vulnerabilities: Moderate vulnerability to Poison, Paralysis, and Blastblight.

Recommended Weapons and Armor for Hunting Gravios

Below, we outline ideal gear choices and skills to maximize your effectiveness against this challenging foe.

Best Weapon Choices

Because Gravios sports heavy armor, you’ll want weapons capable of consistently delivering elemental damage or breaking through tough defenses.

Water Weapons (Top Choice)

Water-based weapons are your best bet due to Gravios’ strong elemental weakness.

• Arachnoscale II (Great Sword)
• Shell Hammer I (Hammer)
• Titan Launcher I (Heavy Bowgun)

These weapons provide significant water damage, helping break Gravios’ armor more rapidly.

Ice Weapons (Strong Alternative)

Ice weapons are effective and provide a solid alternative if your water arsenal isn’t ready.

• Veldian Gladius I (Sword & Shield)
• Veldian Arcum I (Bow)
• Windbrace Bow III (Bow)

These ice-infused weapons allow you to maintain pressure on Gravios, especially once its armor cracks.

Dragon Weapons (Versatile Pick)

Dragon weapons offer a reliable third option.

• True Dragon Perforator (Lance)
• Gravios Lance (Lance)

Dragon weapons deal consistent damage, useful if you prefer their movesets or playstyles.

Recommended Armor Sets

Your armor should boost your elemental attacks, protect you from Gravios’ fiery assaults, and improve your survivability.

Gravios Alpha/Beta Armor

Ironically, Gravios armor is excellent against Gravios itself. Crafted from materials obtained from earlier Gravios hunts, it provides solid fire resistance and defense.

• Set Bonuses: Fire Resistance, Defense Boost, Guard
• Recommended Armor Pieces:
  • Gravios Helm Alpha/Beta
  • Gravios Mail Alpha/Beta
  • Gravios Vambraces Alpha/Beta
  • Gravios Coil Alpha/Beta
  • Gravios Greaves Alpha/Beta

Rathalos Armor

A good alternative set for maximizing your attack potential and elemental damage.

• Set Bonuses: Attack Boost, Critical Element
• Recommended Armor Pieces:
  • Rathalos Vambraces Alpha/Beta
  • Guardian Rathalos Greaves Alpha/Beta

Recommended Skills to Prioritize

Skills play a significant role in dealing effectively with Gravios. Prioritize the following:

• Water/Ice Attack: Boosts elemental damage significantly.
• Critical Element: Improves elemental damage on critical hits.
• Partbreaker: Helps crack Gravios’ tough carapace quickly.
• Blight Resistance: Protects against Gravios’ Fireblight status.
• Guard/Guard Up: Essential for shield users, allowing safe blocking of Gravios’ fire attacks.
• Earplugs: Counters Gravios’ incapacitating roar.
• Tremor Resistance: Reduces downtime from Gravios’ heavy stomps.

Ideal Items & Consumables

Proper preparation includes bringing essential items:

• Mega Potions: Vital for quick health recovery.
• Antidotes and Herbal Medicine: Counteract Gravios’ poisonous gases.
• Nulberries: Quickly remove Fireblight.
• Cool Drinks: Offset environmental heat effects common in Gravios’ habitats.
• Flash Pods: Useful for stunning Gravios temporarily, creating attack windows.
• Shock/Pitfall Traps with Tranq Bombs: Facilitate capture for additional rewards.

Effective Hunting Strategies

Target Weak Spots

Initially, Gravios’ belly and chest are heavily armored, but continuous attacks reveal vulnerable areas. Use charged or focused attacks to exploit these opportunities. Utilize the game’s Focus Strikes mechanic to quickly break exposed weak points, staggering Gravios and giving you more openings.

Manage Distance and Positioning

Gravios’ size and weight limit its agility. Maintain mid-range distance to avoid its powerful body roll and headbutts. Watch for signs of its laser jet attacks—typically indicated by glowing mouth—to dodge or block accordingly.

Utilize Mounting and Environment

Take advantage of terrain elevation to mount Gravios easily, dealing substantial damage and toppling it for team follow-ups. Also, utilize environmental hazards like explosive barrels or water traps found in Oilwell Basin to inflict additional elemental damage.

Seikret Mobility

Your mount, the Seikret, allows quick repositioning and safe item usage during battles. Use it proactively when you need to sharpen your weapons, heal, or escape dangerous situations.

Multiplayer Coordination

Gravios hunts benefit greatly from teamwork. Coordinate your elemental attacks, status ailments, and traps with teammates or NPC allies to maximize your chances of success.

Example Loadout for Gravios

Here’s a versatile and effective loadout example for Gravios hunts:

• Weapon: Arachnoscale II (Great Sword, Water Element)
• Armor Set: Gravios Alpha Armor Set
• Skills: Water Attack, Critical Element, Partbreaker, Earplugs, Blight Resistance
• Items: Mega Potions, Nulberries, Antidotes, Cool Drinks, Flash Pods, Shock Trap, Tranq Bombs

This balanced approach gives you strong elemental offense, reliable defense, and the tools to handle Gravios’ most punishing moves.

Conclusion

Gravios is a formidable opponent, but the right elements, armor, and skill setup can significantly ease the battle. By properly preparing your loadout and employing smart strategies, you’ll soon turn this armored giant into another triumphant hunt. Happy hunting!