Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Countdown to GTA 6
  • Game of the Week
  • New Games 2026
  • G+RLS Podcast
  • Best gaming tech
  • Join our RPG Club
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Action Rpg
  3. Monster Hunter
  4. Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Nightshade Paolumu - tips and tricks for defeating it

Guides
By James Busby
Published 21 January 2020

How to dodge the sleep powder and tackle the monster puff ball

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Monster Hunter World Iceborne Nightshade Paolumu
(Image credit: Capcom)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

The Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Nightshade Paolumu is a happy-looking bat creature that is a variant of the Paolumu from World. This uses an incredibly potent sleeping gas to immobilise its prey and any predators, and it can be a huge pain to take care of if you’re not prepared for this flying Wyvern’s tricks. 

While Nightshade Paolumu may not look as intimidating as the rest of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne's toothy terrors, it can still destroy those who dare to underestimate its power – in fact, Nightshade Paolumu can quickly decimate even the most experienced hunters if they happen to get caught napping. If you wish to avoid falling prey to this deadly sleep-inducing subspecies, then make sure you follow our monster guide below to discover the tips and tricks you need to defeat this ferocious Flying Wyvern. 

Monster Hunter World Iceborne tips | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Acidic Glavenus guide | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Anjanath guide | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Barioth guide | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Brachydios guide | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Coral Pukei-Pukei guide | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Ebony Odogaron guide | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Glavenus guide | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Velkhana guide | Monster Hunter World Iceborne Viper Tobi-Kadachi

Nightshade Paolumu behaviour and traits

Nightshade Paolumu behaviour and traits

(Image credit: Capcom)

The Nightshade Paolumu relies on its sleep spores to incapacitate its victims before moving in for the kill. When enraged, Nightshade Paolumu’s aerial attack will become more frequent and erratic in nature. Meanwhile, the dark colouring and garish patterns on its puffy thrill are used to intimidate its foes, giving it a more sinister vibe that distinguishes it from its cheerfully pink cousin.

Nightshade Paolumu strategy and tips 

Nightshade Paolumu favours aerial attacks over regular ground-based moves, so make sure you bring plenty of flashbugs and convert them into flash pods. After all, keeping Nightshade Paolumu on the ground will make it a lot easier to hit, especially if you’re using weapons with relatively low reach.  If you prefer to change your weapon instead, then the Insect Glaive or any of the long-range weapons are your best bet. If you do manage to down it, be sure to avoid knocking it into any nearby sleep particles as you won’t be able to hit it without succumbing to an unwanted slumber. It’s also important to remember that once Nightshade Paolumu has unleashed its sleep-inducing spores, it can move the gas around with its tail and wings, and even by inhaling while hovering above the ground. You’ll need to be aware of every pocket of sleep spores on the battlefield, otherwise you can be taken out by one as it's passing by. As a result, packing energy drinks is essential as you really don’t want to be caught dozing off when this beast comes flying towards you. The easiest thing to do here is to pack your equipment with sleep resisting decorations, as if you do so this fight will be significantly easier.

You may like
  • Palworld Palworld guide to help you become a master Pal trainer
  • Rangifer in Beast of Reincarnation How to beat the Rangifer boss in Beast of Reincarnation
  • Kushala Doara in Monster Hunter Wilds Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance expansion brings back hated elder dragon Kushala Daora, to fans' dismay

Just like regular Paolumu, the Nightshade subspecies can be toppled over if you apply enough damage to its legs, giving you plenty of opportunities to KO it once its been knocked down. Be wary of Nightshade Paolumu’s aerial dive bomb attacks as these deal a tremendous amount of damage and can leave you stunned, making you incredibly vulnerable to subsequent attacks. As well as making sure you’re using the right weapon for the job, bring along Fire or Water weapons to deal out the most damage. If you’re using a fiery Insect Glaive and have sleep resisting armour on then this fight will be a doddle.

Looking for more help with the new DLC monsters? Then check out our complete Monster Hunter World Iceborne monsters guide, or pick up some general tips from our video below:

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
PC Gaming Xbox One PS4 Platforms Xbox PlayStation
James Busby
Freelance writer

James Busby is an experienced journalist who has written for sites like GamesRadar+, Kotaku, Red Bull Gaming, and many more. James has a BA (Hons) in Journalism, and can usually be found writing news, reviews, and guides over at Dexerto. 

Read more
Palworld
Action Games Palworld guide to help you become a master Pal trainer
 
 
Rangifer in Beast of Reincarnation
Action RPGs How to beat the Rangifer boss in Beast of Reincarnation
 
 
Kushala Doara in Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance expansion brings back hated elder dragon Kushala Daora, to fans' dismay
 
 
Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance captain with short hair
Monster Hunter Capcom reveals Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, the "massive expansion" fans have been waiting for
 
 
mistfall hunter greataxe berserker
Action RPGs Mistfall Hunter Greataxe Berserker location and tips
 
 
A player rides a Helzephyr, one of the Palworld Flying Mounts.
Action Games Palworld Flying Mounts tier list and Speeds
 
 
Latest in Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Capcom is sticking with Monster Hunter Wilds until it closes the 20 million sales gap to MH World
 
 
Monster Hunter Wilds tamer smiles at sunlight
Monster Hunter Capcom is selling Monster Hunter Wilds with the energy of a man paddling up a waterfall
 
 
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Monster Hunter Wilds is getting a "permanent price reduction" and new DLC bundles from Capcom
 
 
Monster fantasy screenshot showing an armored character
Monster Hunter Game that looks a lot like Monster Hunter addresses claims that it looks a lot like Monster Hunter
 
 
Monster Hunter Wilds
PC Gaming Capcom made twice as much money on Steam compared to PlayStation in the last year as PC gaming continues to grow
 
 
Kushala Doara in Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance expansion brings back hated elder dragon Kushala Daora, to fans' dismay
 
 
Latest in Guides
A field of wheat and beans grows in Pokopia, offering a variety of flavors.
Pokemon Pokopia flavor guide
 
 
A press shot for +1 Speed Monkey Escape codes showing a monkey jumping over a lava pit as another falls in behind them
Simulation Games +1 Speed Monkey Escape codes (August 2026) and how to redeem them for potions, free spins, and more
 
 
mistfall hunter withered knight build
Action RPGs Mistfall Hunter Withered Knight build guide
 
 
Ditto holds a green Pokopia paint balloon and stands in front of a painted green house.
Pokemon How to get all Pokopia paint colors
 
 
Manaphy smiles in Pokemon Pokopia.
Pokemon How to get Manaphy in Pokemon Pokopia
 
 
The Pokopia Ocean Pals Rug, featuring the likes of Luvdisc, Frillish, and more.
Pokemon How to get the Pokopia Ocean Pals rug
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. An Alice: Madness Returns Emily the Plushie doll against a gray background
    1
    Alice: Madness Returns creator joins forces with '90s goth icon for limited edition plush that's as soft and timeless as a black dress
  2. 2
    Baldur's Gate 3 star didn't believe she was in Space Marine 2 until the fan messages
  3. 3
    Take-Two CEO says rising console costs are no good, but won't hurt the company as GTA 6 approaches
  4. 4
    Doom developer slams Xbox: "They fundamentally don't understand art. They don't understand games"
  5. 5
    Soulslike prince Lies of P added difficulty settings after its own developers struggled to beat it

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...