Introduction
Ever stumble upon something small in a game that completely changes the way you look at its world? That’s exactly what happened when I found the Tracktail Lizard MHW (Monster Hunter Wilds.)
I wasn’t even looking for it. I was off exploring, half-distracted by the desert horizon, when I spotted this tiny, upright blue lizard casting a ridiculously confident shadow across the sand. I thought, “Surely that’s just another piece of scenery.” Oh, how wrong I was. What I found that day was one of the game’s best-kept secrets—an encounter so oddly satisfying that I had to write about it.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer still getting sand in your boots, this little creature offers a surprising depth of mystery and charm. So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets behind this unassuming yet unforgettable lizard.
What Is the Tracktail Lizard?
Endemic Life That’s More Than Just Background Detail
In Monster Hunter Wilds, not everything you see is meant to be slashed, hunted, or looted. Some creatures, known as endemic life, simply exist to enrich the world—and sometimes, reward your curiosity. The Tracktail Lizard falls into this category.
You’ll usually find them roaming around in pairs, tails held high like antennas, basking in the sun or leaving tiny prints across the dunes. They’re easy to miss, and that’s the beauty of it—they’re the kind of detail that rewards players who take the time to slow down and look closer.
Why It Feels Like a Secret Treasure
Let’s be honest—it’s easy to brush off smaller creatures when you’re busy chasing down wyverns. But once you actually find one of these little lizards, everything about them feels deliberate. The way they blend into the sand, the way they freeze when you approach—it’s all oddly immersive.
There’s something almost meditative about the hunt for one. No combat, no timers—just you, your net, and the dunes. And when you finally manage to catch one? It’s strangely rewarding, like you’ve earned a secret badge for being observant.
Where to Find the Tracktail Lizard
Exploring the Windward Plains
If you’re hoping to track one down, head to the Windward Plains—this is their natural home. Specifically, keep an eye out in areas 11, 12, and 13, which have proven to be reliable spawn spots.
- Area 11 & 12: Look near rock ridges and sandy slopes.
- Area 13 (Oasis): This is a classic tracktail lizard location—check near the water’s edge and shaded dunes.
- Area 16 border: Sometimes, pairs roam between here and Area 13, especially near rocky paths.
These lizards aren’t bound by time or weather, so don’t worry about waiting for dawn or dusk. The only real challenge is spotting them before they see you.
Reading the Signs
Here’s a fun little clue: Tracktail Lizards leave behind odd, spiral-like tail imprints in the sand. If you spot one of those, it means you’re close. Think of it as nature’s breadcrumb trail.
Follow the prints carefully, crouch low, and you might just catch sight of one basking in the sunlight, tail flicking like a flag in the breeze.
How to Capture a Tracktail Lizard
Get Your Gear Ready
You don’t need anything fancy, but there are a few essentials:
- Capture Net: Your main tool for snagging endemic life.
- Ghillie Mantle: Optional, but incredibly useful—it keeps you hidden while you approach.
- Patience: Seriously. You’ll need plenty of it.
The Ghillie Mantle, in particular, is a lifesaver. The lizard is skittish—if it spots you moving too fast, it’ll burrow and vanish before you can blink.
Step-by-Step Capture Guide
- Find one in the locations mentioned above.
- Approach slowly—crouch or walk carefully until your targeting reticle turns orange or yellow.
- Fire the Capture Net once it’s in range.
- Celebrate quietly (because they scare easily, and you might find another nearby).
If it disappears, don’t worry—it’s not gone forever. Just move to another area, fast travel, or rest at a camp to refresh the spawns.
When Things Go Wrong
Oh, and trust me—they will go wrong sometimes. You’ll miss. You’ll trip over a rock. You’ll sneeze and scare it off. When that happens, take a breath. It’s not a boss fight—it’s a nature walk with a twist. Reset and try again.
Spawn and Capture Comparison Table
Here’s a simple table to make your life a bit easier while exploring:
| Factor | Best Zone(s) | Challenge Level | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spawn Frequency | Area 13 (Oasis), Area 11 | Moderate | Set a fast travel camp near Oasis |
| Visibility | Oasis shoreline | Medium | Scan edges between sand and water |
| Escape Risk | Open dunes, rock ridges | High | Use Ghillie Mantle to stay hidden |
| Respawn Ease | Adjacent zones | Easy | Fast travel or zone hop for resets |
| Dual Capture Chance | Border of Areas 13–16 | Low | Time your net for both if possible |
Tips and Little Secrets
Patience Is Everything
It sounds cliché, but patience really is your biggest weapon here. These lizards move in short bursts and pause often—if you’re hasty, they’ll vanish before you even draw your net.
Use the Environment
Use rocks and dunes as cover. Move with intent, like a hunter stalking a shy animal. It’s strangely satisfying once you get the rhythm down—almost zen-like.
Look for Pairs
If you find one, keep your eyes open for a second nearby. They often wander together, and catching both feels like a little victory dance between you and nature.
Don’t Sweat the Misses
Everyone misses. Even the best players. The trick is not to turn it into frustration. Laugh it off, fast travel, grab a snack, and try again. You’ll get it eventually.
Also read: Don’t Try Blorpetzim Until You Read This Warning
Why This Tiny Creature Matters
One of my favorite gaming moments came when I helped a friend find their first Tracktail Lizard. They were new to the series and utterly obsessed with the big hunts—so when their side quest required catching one, they were clueless.
We wandered together through the dunes, whispering “I think I see one!” and missing our nets again and again. Finally, they caught one, and the look on their face was pure joy. That’s the beauty of it—small triumphs that remind you why you fell in love with Monster Hunter in the first place.
The Tracktail Lizard isn’t about loot or stats. It’s about immersion. It’s about slowing down and noticing the quiet details. It’s the game rewarding you for curiosity, not combat. And that’s what makes it special.
Conclusion
At first glance, the Tracktail Lizard might seem like a throwaway creature—something you’d walk past without a second thought. But take a moment, look closer, and you’ll see it’s one of Monster Hunter Wilds’ most charming touches.
The chase is quiet, the discovery is personal, and the reward is all yours. Next time you’re trekking through the Windward Plains, slow down. Watch the sand. Listen to the wind. And when you see that tiny tail flicker under the sun, smile—you’ve found one of the desert’s best-kept secrets.
So go ahead, grab your net, and step lightly. The dunes are waiting.
FAQs
1. What is the Tracktail Lizard in Monster Hunter Wilds?
It’s a small, non-aggressive creature classified as endemic life. It doesn’t drop materials but is part of a side quest and adds to the world’s detail.
2. Where to find tracktail lizard?
Mostly in the Windward Plains—look in Areas 11, 12, and especially 13 near the Oasis.
3. Can I capture more than one?
Yes, sometimes two appear together. It’s possible (though tricky) to catch both at once.
4. Do they only appear at certain times?
No, they can appear at any time of day or weather condition, though visibility might change.
5. What if it disappears before I catch it?
No worries! Fast travel, rest at a camp, or change zones—it’ll respawn soon after.
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