To get a tempered elder dragon investigation, collect tempered monster tracks in the field, then check the Resource Center and register any matching investigation under Manage Investigations. After registering it, select it from the quest board or Handler. This guide focuses on the tempered route because that is where the available location details are strongest; ordinary elder dragon investigations are not necessarily tempered. Iceborne is required for Master Rank event quests, but that does not mean every investigation mechanic requires the expansion.
How elder dragon investigations are unlocked
Investigations are special quests with conditions and additional rewards. They can become available randomly after discovering a monster, examining its tracks, breaking parts, or hunting it. Gathering tracks is a practical way to prompt new investigations, though finding tracks does not guarantee a particular target or quest.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tempered investigations are associated with tempered tracks. The GameWith tracking guide describes these tracks as blue; collect them and check the Resource Center for an investigation. The available sources do not establish a complete, current set of Iceborne-specific rank thresholds or unlock assignments for every elder dragon, so treat track gathering as a general route rather than a guaranteed progression formula.
Where to look for tempered elder dragon tracks
This chart comes from a High Rank-focused guide last updated August 21, 2022. The guide notes that its Iceborne information was still being updated, so use these areas as starting points for the listed cases, not as a complete current map for Master Rank.
#1 Best Overall
- Contains both Monster Hunter: World and the Iceborne expansion
- Explore sprawling locales teeming with undiscovered creatures and thriving ecosystems
- Battle fearsome monsters not only to craft new weapons & armor, but also to drive the story forward and uncover the mysteries of the New World and Hoarfrost Reach
- Extensive single-player campaign that also allows drop-in multiplayer; use the SOS Flare to summon other hunters for an assist!
- Use monster materials, as well as items found growing in the wild, to craft new items and gear
| Region | Target or track area | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Forest | Kushala Daora, Area 16 | Listed in the guide’s High Rank chart |
| Wildspire Waste | Teostra, Area 8 | Listed in the guide’s High Rank chart |
| Coral Highlands | Kirin, Area 12 | Listed in the guide’s High Rank chart |
| Rotten Vale | Vaal Hazak, Area 16 | Listed in the guide’s High Rank chart |
| Elder’s Recess | Random elder dragon, Area 4 | Listed in the guide’s High Rank chart |
The chart is not a definitive list of every elder dragon, tempered target, or Iceborne location. The guide also gives a High Rank progression involving story completion, Hunter Rank milestones, and assigned quests; because its Iceborne information is explicitly incomplete, do not apply those thresholds to Master Rank.
Register the investigation before launching it
- Collect tracks in the field. Gather tempered tracks while hunting or exploring. Track collection can generate investigations randomly; it does not promise a particular monster or reward.
- Visit the Resource Center. Speak to an NPC there and choose Manage Investigations to review and register available quests.
- Register the target you want to run. Only registered investigations appear in the available investigation list, according to GameWith. Its guide says the Resource Center can hold up to 250 investigations; that is the limit stated in that guide, not a claim about every later game update.
- Launch it from the quest board or Handler. Select the registered investigation from the available quests and check its conditions before departing.
Registering an investigation does not itself consume an attempt, according to GameWith. The investigation’s listed conditions govern the actual quest, so check them before launch rather than assuming all investigations allow the same number of attempts or time.
Rank #2
- Welcome to the new world: taking on the role of a Hunter, players are tasked with going on a research expedition to a newly discovered continent known only as “new world”.
- Living and breathing ecosystem: utilize the surrounding environment and wildlife to your advantage;Subgenre:Action role-playing game (RPG)
- Online drop-in multiplayer: when the battle is too daunting to take on single-handedly, hail up to three other hunters to assist during quests by sending up a sos flare to a worldwide server.
- Hunt to craft new Gear: defeat monsters and collect loot from fallen foes to craft equipment and weapons styled after the monsters that have been slain.
- SEAMLESS gameplay: players and monsters can move from One map area to another freely and without loading screens whilst gameplay also dynamically transitions between night and day.
What tempered investigations can reward
Investigation screens show reward categories such as bronze, silver, gold, and purple. GameWith associates purple bonus rewards with tempered investigations and notes that tempered investigations can yield feystones. These are chances, not guaranteed drops.
Kiranico’s database describes tempered investigation rewards that include feystones and streamstones. Feystones can be appraised into decorations, while streamstones are used for augmentation. Its listed Threat Level 3 roster includes Kirin, Teostra, Kushala Daora, Nergigante, and Vaal Hazak; this is useful reward and progression context, not a comprehensive current roster for every Iceborne rank.
Rank #3
- Introduces Kirin, a lightning-charged elder dragon mega boss that delivers one of the most demanding and strategic hunts in Monster Hunter World: The Board Game.
- Expands campaign depth with branching quests, rare loot rewards, and powerful crafting paths that reshape how hunters prepare for future encounters.
- Features escalating difficulty as Kirin grows more dangerous, forcing players to adapt tactics, optimize builds, and master risk-reward decisions.
- Includes a highly detailed Kirin miniature with commanding table presence, enhancing immersion and visual impact during epic boss battles.
- Designed for experienced tabletop players seeking intense cooperative gameplay, advanced strategy, and meaningful long-term progression.
How to interpret Threat Level 3 information
Capcom’s June 15, 2018 version 4.00 patch note says Teostra and Lunastra were added to the Threat Level 3 investigation pool. It also says Threat Level 3 investigations were adjusted to equal chances of increased special reward slots, matching the previous Vaal Hazak value. This is historical base-game patch information, not a new Iceborne change or a guarantee about the rewards in an individual investigation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.High Rank and Master Rank are not interchangeable
The location chart and progression details cited above are oriented toward High Rank, while Iceborne adds Master Rank content. Capcom’s stated Iceborne prerequisite applies specifically to Master Rank event quests. Do not infer from that requirement that base-game investigations require the expansion, or infer from a High Rank track chart that the same location and unlock condition applies to a Master Rank investigation.
Rank #4
- Welcome to the new world: taking on the role of a Hunter, players are tasked with going on a research expedition to a newly discovered continent known only as “new world”.
- Living and breathing ecosystem: utilize the surrounding environment and wildlife to your advantage;Subgenre:Action role-playing game (RPG)
- Online drop-in multiplayer: when the battle is too daunting to take on single-handedly, hail up to three other hunters to assist during quests by sending up a sos flare to a worldwide server.
- Hunt to craft new Gear: defeat monsters and collect loot from fallen foes to craft equipment and weapons styled after the monsters that have been slain.
- SEAMLESS gameplay: players and monsters can move from One map area to another freely and without loading screens whilst gameplay also dynamically transitions between night and day.
For a specific Master Rank elder dragon, check the player’s current rank and quest list, then verify that target’s tracks and available investigations in the game. The cited materials do not establish a complete current Master Rank unlock chart for every elder dragon.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
