The Newer King on the Block

Quest giver: Hearty Hunter
Location: Kugane (X:9.7, Y:8.9)
Quest line: The Hunt For Rathalos
Level: 70
Required quest: Stormblood
Experience: 0
Gil: 500
Previous quest: The New King on the Block
Patch: 4.36
Links: GT

“

Judging by the hunter's jovial expression, the hunt is still on.

— In-game description

Rewards

Unlocks

The Great Hunt (Extreme)

Walkthrough

The North American and European datacenters primarily use Party Finder to challenge (Extreme) content. Using Duty Finder to match with random players is not recommended and will be more difficult than pre-forming a party. For an easy completion or loot farming, it is recommended that players use Party Finder and form an Unrestricted Party (i.e., with level sync disabled). Players who wish to complete this duty with level sync enabled should also form a pre-made party, which also enables the use of Minimum Item Level and Silence Echo settings for an additional challenge.

Steps

Speak with the hearty hunter.

Journal

Judging by the hunter's jovial expression, the hunt is still on.

Dialogue

Accepting the Quest

Hearty Hunter: The great hunter returns. You did well taking on that Rathalos.
Hearty Hunter: Though I must ask: was the battle grueling? Did the mountains sing with the sound of claws clashing with steel?

< What will you say? >
< I've had tougher battles. >
< It was admittedly more trouble than I expected. >

< I've had tougher battles. >
Hearty Hunter: Ah, but of course. Perhaps battle with a high ranking Rathalos would have put a bit of sweat on your brow.

< It was admittedly more trouble than I expected. >
Hearty Hunter: Truly? I shudder to think what would have happened had you encountered a high-ranking Rathalos, then.

(Both)
Hearty Hunter: Piqued your curiosity, have I? Well, I can only tell you what I've heard.
Hearty Hunter: They say there is a stronger brood of Rathalos that would make short work of your average hunter.
Hearty Hunter: Mayhap that kitten friend of yours knows something of it. He was, after all, the one who originally posted a bill for the beast.
Hearty Hunter: No need to worry over it now, though. I'd say you've earned a rest after your recent exertions in the Azim Steppe. When you're up for another hunt I'll be here, ready and waiting.

Speaking with the hearty hunter (Cutscene)

Hearty Hunter: The mighty hunter returns, and with [her/his] feline companion!

Felyne: Feline!? How rude! I am a Felyne you dullard!

Hearty Hunter: I... fail to see the difference... 
Ahem. But that is neither here nor there. I asked [Forename] to bring you here that we might learn the truth of these high-ranking Rathalos I recently caught wind of.

Felyne: High Rank Rathalos? They're an older, much more powerful brood of wyvern...
Felyne: Without sufficient protection, even the simplest of swipes is all it would take to rend a hunter in two.

Hearty Hunter: If I didn't know better, I'd say you were talking about an elite mark. Yes, a challenge no self-respecting hunter can ignore!
Hearty Hunter: It's settled, then. Are you ready, my friend?

Smithy: Aye! Let's get to it!

Felyne: Your enthusiasm is appreciated, but now isn't the time to be kitten around. To be purrrfectly plain, I'd rather not see another hunter charbroiled today.

System: You have unlocked the Great Hunt (Extreme). Test your mettle against High Rank Rathalos and reap rich rewards!
System: Please note you may only enter the Great Hunt (Extreme) with four players.