How to Find and Capture the Tracktail Lizard in Monster Hunter Wilds

In the vast and shifting dunes of the Windward Plains, the ecosystem of Monster Hunter Wilds breathes with a life that extends far beyond the towering Apex predators. While the thrill of the hunt often centers on massive wyverns and aggressive beasts, seasoned hunters know that the true richness of the Forbidden Lands lies in its endemic life. Among these smaller inhabitants, the Tracktail Lizard stands out as one of the most intriguing and essential creatures for early-game progression and research.

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on locating, observing, and successfully capturing the Tracktail Lizard. Whether you are completing the "Dareel’s Research Report" side quest or aiming to complete your research logs, understanding the nuances of this skittish creature is key to mastering the environmental interactions in Monster Hunter Wilds.

The Role of Endemic Life in Monster Hunter Wilds

Endemic life in Monster Hunter Wilds represents the non-hostile fauna that populates the various biomes. Unlike the "Small Monsters" (like Balahara or Dalthydon) that may attack the hunter, endemic life typically exists in a state of neutral observation or flight. Capturing these creatures using the Capture Net provides Guild Points, research data, and sometimes rare crafting materials or consumables.

The Tracktail Lizard is a prime example of how Capcom has integrated creature behavior with environmental storytelling. These lizards are not mere static assets; they interact with the sand, react to the player's presence, and follow biological routines that reflect the harsh conditions of the Windward Plains.

Identifying the Tracktail Lizard: Behavior and Appearance

Before setting out, it is crucial to know exactly what you are looking for. The Tracktail Lizard is a small, ground-dwelling reptile characterized by its disproportionately long and muscular tail.

Distinctive Behaviors

The most striking behavior of the Tracktail Lizard is its "meerkat-like" stance. When the lizard feels relatively safe but cautious, it will prop itself up on its tail, standing vertically to scan the horizon for predators or changes in the wind. This posture serves two purposes:

1. Vigilance: It grants the lizard a higher vantage point in the flat desert terrain.
2. Thermoregulation: In the intense heat of the Windward Plains, standing upright reduces the surface area exposed to the hot sand and allows the lizard to use its tail as a makeshift sunshade.

Hunters should also look for "tail tracks" in the sand. These are distinctive spiral or linear marks left behind as the lizard moves or rests. If you see these marks, a Tracktail Lizard is likely nearby, even if it is currently obscured by a rock or a sand dune.

Physical Appearance

The lizard typically features a dark, charcoal-colored body with a brownish or tan tail. This coloration provides excellent camouflage against the dark volcanic rocks and the golden sands of the plains. They are often found in pairs, moving in synchronized bursts across the dunes.

Primary Locations: Where to Find the Tracktail Lizard

The Tracktail Lizard is endemic to the Windward Plains. While the desert is vast, these creatures congregate in specific sectors that provide either cover or proximity to water.

Area 13: The Oasis Perimeter

Area 13 is arguably the most reliable location for finding Tracktail Lizards. The presence of the oasis makes it a hub for various life forms.

• The Shoreline: Check the sandy banks where the water meets the desert. Lizards often gather here to drink.
• The Rock Transitions: Near the eastern edge of Area 13, where the terrain transitions toward Area 12, look for small clusters of rocks. Tracktail Lizards frequently bask on the flat stones in the morning.

Area 11: The Rocky Pillars

Area 11 is characterized by its verticality and rocky formations.

• The Pillar Bases: Search near the bases of the large stone pillars where Wedge Beetles are found. The lizards often hide in the shadows cast by these structures.
• The Balahara Arenas: Even in areas where larger monsters like Balahara roam, Tracktail Lizards can be found on the periphery, staying close to the rocky walls for a quick escape.

Area 12: The Open Dunes

Area 12 consists of rolling sand dunes. Finding lizards here requires more patience as there is less natural cover. Scan the crests of the dunes; you will often see a pair of lizards silhouetted against the sky as they stand on their tails to scan the area.

The Quest: Dareel’s Research Report

Most hunters encounter the Tracktail Lizard through the side quest "Dareel’s Research Report." This mission is a vital introduction to the research mechanics of the Expedition Command Tent.

Starting the Quest

To initiate the mission, head to the Windward Plains Base Camp. Look for an NPC named Dareel, a researcher located in the northeastern section of the camp, often found inside or near a tent where the squad information counter is situated. Dareel is tasked with documenting the unique fauna of the Forbidden Lands and requires a live specimen of a Tracktail Lizard to complete his report.

Quest Objectives

1. Locate a Tracktail Lizard: Head to the Windward Plains (Areas 11, 12, or 13).
2. Capture the Creature: Use the Capture Net (lethal weapons will not work).
3. Return to Dareel: Hand over the research data to finalize the report.

Rewards for Completion

Completing this quest is highly beneficial for early-game resource management:

• Honey x10: An essential ingredient for crafting Mega Potions.
• Guild Points (50): Used for various services at the base camp and research upgrades.
• Species Unlock: The Tracktail Lizard will be officially documented in your Expedition logs, allowing for more detailed tracking in the future.

Mastery Guide: How to Capture the Tracktail Lizard

Capturing endemic life is a test of stealth and precision rather than brute force. The Tracktail Lizard is particularly "flighty"—if it detects rapid movement or a loud noise, it will burrow into the sand and vanish instantly.

Step 1: Preparing Your Loadout

Before leaving camp, ensure your Capture Net is assigned to your Item Hotkey or easily accessible in your Item Bar. While not strictly required, the Ghillie Mantle is the most effective tool for this task. It renders you nearly invisible to small animals, allowing you to walk right up to the lizard without spooking it.

Step 2: The Stealthy Approach

If you do not have the Ghillie Mantle available, you must rely on traditional stealth:

• Crouch Walking: Press the crouch button and move slowly. This reduces the noise you make and lowers your profile.
• Line of Sight: Use large rocks or the curve of a sand dune to break the lizard's line of sight as you approach.
• Observe the Stance: If the lizard stands up on its tail, it is alert. Stop moving immediately and wait for it to settle back down before continuing your approach.

Step 3: Aiming the Capture Net

Once you are within range (roughly 5-10 virtual meters), hold the aim button (LT/L2).

• The Indicator: Look at the reticle of the Capture Net. When the border of the aiming box turns orange, it confirms the target is within the effective range of the net.
• The Shot: Fire the net (RT/R2). The net travels in a slight arc, so if the lizard is at the edge of your range, aim slightly higher than its head.

Step 4: Double Captures

Tracktail Lizards often travel in pairs. If you are quick, you can capture one and immediately reload the net to catch its partner. This maximizes your Guild Point gain and research progress for a single encounter.

Troubleshooting: What to Do if the Lizard Despawns

It is common for a Tracktail Lizard to escape, especially if a large monster enters the area or if you miss your initial net shot. If the lizard burrows into the sand, it is gone from that specific spot for a short duration.

Resetting the Spawns

Endemic life spawns are not 100% guaranteed and can be reset by refreshing the map state.

• Fast Travel: Open your map and fast travel to a different base camp or a different region (like the Scarlet Forest) and then return to the Windward Plains.
• Time Progression: Resting at a tent or a portable BBQ grill to advance time (e.g., from morning to evening) will often reset the endemic life in the area.
• Weather Effects: Some endemic life is sensitive to the "Plenty" and "Inclemency" cycles. The Tracktail Lizard is most active during the "Plenty" period, often basking in the bright morning sun.

Ecological Trivia and Deep Lore

The inclusion of the Tracktail Lizard highlights the "Wilds" aspect of the game's title. In previous Monster Hunter titles, endemic life was often static or had very limited interaction. In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Tracktail Lizard's tail is a biological marvel:

• Footprint Mimicry: Some researchers in the game suggest that the marks left by the lizard's tail are intended to mimic the footprints of larger, more dangerous predators. This "deceptive tracking" might discourage smaller predators from approaching the lizard's territory.
• Hydration Strategy: The lizard's scales are evolved to channel morning dew from its back toward its mouth, allowing it to survive in the arid dunes of Area 12 where standing water is scarce.

The Importance of Research Progression

Capturing a Tracktail Lizard is more than just a quest requirement; it contributes to your overall Research Level. As your Research Level for the Windward Plains increases, you unlock several benefits:

1. Enhanced Scoutfly Tracking: Your Scoutflies will more easily highlight endemic life and rare gathering nodes.
2. Detailed Map Info: The map will start to display spawn timers and specific conditions for rare creatures.
3. Expedition Command Tent Upgrades: Unlocking new species allows the researchers to provide better support during long expeditions, including improved supply drops.

Summary of Capture Logistics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I kill the Tracktail Lizard?

You cannot "kill" most endemic life in the traditional sense like you do with monsters. Attacking them with a weapon will simply cause them to flee and disappear. To interact with them and gain rewards, you must use the Capture Net.

Can I place the Tracktail Lizard in my room?

In the tradition of the Monster Hunter series, captured endemic life can typically be released into your living quarters or camp area. In Monster Hunter Wilds, you can observe your captured Tracktail Lizards at the Base Camp or within the Expedition Command Tent area, where they will exhibit their natural standing behavior.

Does the weather affect the Tracktail Lizard?

Yes. During sandstorms or intense heatwaves (Inclemency), the Tracktail Lizard is much harder to find. They prefer the calmer "Plenty" periods. During a sandstorm, they usually stay underground to protect their delicate respiratory systems from the abrasive sand.

I am at Area 13 but I don't see any lizards. Why?

Endemic life has a chance-based spawn rate. If they aren't there, try moving to Area 11 and checking the rocky pillars. If they are absent there as well, use the fast travel method to refresh the instance.

Are there different "rarities" of Tracktail Lizards?

While the standard Tracktail Lizard is common, some hunters have reported "Great" versions of certain endemic life in the series. Keep an eye out for lizards that appear slightly larger or have a more vibrant sheen on their scales, as these provide significantly more Guild Points.

Conclusion

The Tracktail Lizard is a small but vital piece of the Monster Hunter Wilds puzzle. It rewards the observant hunter who takes the time to stop, crouch, and watch the environment. By mastering the use of the Capture Net and understanding the lizard’s preference for the sandy borders of the Windward Plains, you can easily complete Dareel’s research tasks and deepen your understanding of the Forbidden Lands. Next time you find yourself trekking through the dunes of Area 13, keep your eyes peeled for that tiny, upright silhouette—it’s your ticket to becoming a true master of the wilds.