There are many side quests offered to hunters in Monster Hunter: World but one of the most annoying and time-consuming quests is finding the Phantom Bird, or the Downy Crake. These creatures are difficult to find, hard to catch, or a combination of the two for hunters.
Because the game barely gives players any instructions or tips on how to find the Phantom Bird, here are the top ten tips on how to locate the Phantom Bird in Monster Hunter: World.
10 Head to Ancient Forest or Wildspire Wastes
One of the most useful tips is knowing where exactly to find the Phantom Bird. The Phantom Bird clusters on the backs of the Apceros and the Aptonoth so, first and foremost, it is best to start your search by going to the Ancient Forest or the Wildfire Wastes.
They live in symbiosis with these beasts, so when in doubt, think Ancient Forest or Wildspire Wastes. The Coral Highlands is another viable option.
9 Look for the Endemic Life Researcher
Another way to help locate the Phantom Bird is to look for the endemic life researcher. The researcher tends to be around where the Phantom Bird is, so it doesn’t hurt to make sure if the researcher is there first. She will give you some information on the Phantom Bird but it is mostly the hunter’s job to locate and capture it.
Finding the endemic life researcher first may be another helpful tactic if you are tired of jumping from the Ancient Forest to Wildspire Wastes and back again, or if you are not sure where to begin or go next.
8 Ready Your Weapon
In order to capture these birds, it is best to ready your weapon. The weapon worth using is a capture net since they can capture as many creatures as you can under one giant net.
When using the net, it is best if you aim for the middle since you only have one shot and have a better chance of getting one if they all cluster in the middle. Also, make sure your shot aims true since all the birds fly away afterward!
7 Put on a Ghillie Mantle
Once you locate the Phantom Bird, put on a ghillie mantle. A ghillie mantle is a type of specialized tool in Monster Hunter: World that’s somewhat reminiscent of Bigfoot. The ghillie mantle helps you disguise yourself from enemies. It’s also much like hiding in the bushes in Fortnite.
Having this on will increase your chance of sneaking up on the monsters that hold the birds.
6 Sneak Up Slowly
Once you have on the ghillie mantle, approach the birds slowly. Like most animals, they run away once startled so its best to be quiet and quick.
Like the old adage says, “Slow and steady wins the race.”
5 Position Appropriately
If you still cannot capture the Phantom Bird or you are having trouble in general, it is best to think about positioning. One way that works is facing the hunter’s back to the pack of the symbiotic beasts with the camera at the back.
Another way is to face the sun then quickly turn around and the cluster of birds should appear. These suggestions are just an example of what could be done that has worked before for other hunters. The hardest part is finding a way to approach and attack, so trying out different positions should help.
4 Check the Weather
Now this one may be a stretch, but try to aim to find the Phantom Bird while it is sunny outside. The bird may not spawn in inclement weather or at night, so it is best to play it safe and stick to searching for the bird while the sun is out.
Not only that, but it is easier to search for these birds during the day. It is better to start your search earlier in the day rather than wait until nightfall.
3 Reload, Reload, Reload
Another tip to finding the Phantom Bird is to continually reload Ancient Forest or Wildspire Wastes.
By constantly reloading worlds, you’ll have a better chance reloading the ability to find the bird rather than searching for hours without reloading. This provides a faster way to locate the birds.
2 Teleport to Sector 1
Teleporting to Sector 1 is another useful tip in finding the Phantom Bird. It works similarly to reloading. To do this, simply teleport to Sector 1 and try and find the Phantom Bird on the monsters’ backs.
If they are not there, teleport to Sector 1 of another area and look there, and if they still aren’t there, just keep teleporting.
1 After Capturing the Phantom Bird
Last but not least is what to do after you finally capture the bird. After the Phantom Bird is captured, go back to the endemic life researcher and claim the Gold Wyverian Print.
These prints can improve gameplay and equipment out on the field. The best part is that The Gold Wyverian Print can get you any gem in the game and this can be done at the Melting Pot.
NEXT: Monster Hunter World: Everything You Need To Know About Poison Sacs
