Forum:Royal Ludroth Guide by Bonaparrte (Switch Axe)

Basic Info
Guide made by: Bonaparrte

Guide for: R. Ludroth

Game: MH3

Rank: Village ★★★☆☆

Weapon Type
Switch Axe (Bone Axe)

Armor
Rhenoplos Armor. It is not ideal due to the lowered water resistance, but it makes up for it in physical defense. I personally don't believe that the Piscine Armor is worth the bonuses, but for some it may make things easier.

Additional Items

 * Supply Items (provided)
 * Mega Potions
 * Whetstones
 * Well-Cooked Steaks
 * Paintballs

Preparation

 * Before engaging the R. Ludroth, max out your stamina. You'll be doing a lot of running and dodging, and you don't want to find yourself exhausted in the wrong spot.
 * Whenever the R. Ludroth changes areas, take the time to top up your health, stamina, and sharpen your weapon.
 * The R. Ludroth moves around a lot. Be prepared to do quite a lot of chasing.

Defense

 * The R. Ludroth behaves differently on land than in water. On land he will do a lot more frontal charges, and in water he will prefer to zig-zag around.
 * The type of attacks that the R. Ludroth performs depend on your distance from it.
 * Don't stand too close to the R. Ludroth. It thrashes a lot, and you will get knocked off your feet.
 * Don't stray too far from the R. Ludroth on land. It will likely do a charge throwing water-balls to either side. You can avoid them fairly easily, but you will not be anywhere the monster and won't be able to counter-attack.
 * In water, try to stay at a level below the R. Ludroth. Eventually you will be hugging the bottom - That's ok. This will keep you safe from most attacks from the R. Ludroth, and it will keep you at the same level as the oxygen-replenishing bubbles from the sea bottom.
 * Don't stand next to the R. Ludroth on land. It will roll and knock you off your feet.
 * Do stand behind and to the side of the R. Ludroth. Don't let the thrashing tail throw you off - You will be dealing with it soon.

Offense

 * Your first priority will be to cut off the R. Ludroth's tail. The purpose of this is two-fold. First, you will have an extra carve for materials. Second, and more practically, a shorter tail will allow you to stand closer to the R. Ludroth's hind legs, which will be your primary attack area.
 * You will be alternating between the rising slash in axe mode and the elemental discharge in sword mode.
 * The rising slash is to be used when you need a quick jab at the R. Ludroth's belly.
 * The rising slash also has a lower chance of bouncing, so you will stagger less and be better prepared to dodge.
 * Use the elemental discharge primarily when the R. Ludroth is prone.
 * You may also use the elemental discharge as a counterattack on land. You have a brief window after the monster's charges and jumps where it will not move.
 * Another good time to use the elemental discharge is when the R. Ludroth rears and spews mucus balls. By rearing it will expose its belly and give you ample time to do a full discharge.

Other

 * If the R. Ludroth is in an area with lesser Ludroths take the time to kill them off. If you don't they will throw water balls at you (causing water blight) and jump at you knocking off your feet. The same counts to a lesser degree for Felyne and catfish. They aren't as bothersome, but if the begin attacking you it is better to remove them.