In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, while many achievements focus on conquering the game's most formidable beasts, one unique challenge involves capturing the smallest creature, the Sandstar. This guide will walk you through unlocking the 'I Caught a Shooting Star!' trophy/achievement, a hidden gem that's both simple in concept and elusive in practice.
How to Unlock the 'I Caught a Shooting Star!' Trophy/Achievement in Monster Hunter Wilds
Screenshot by The Escapist
To unlock this achievement, you need to capture the **Sandstar**, a tiny endemic life form resembling a desert mouse with glimmering fur. It can only be found at night in the **Windward Plains**. Since the game often has you exploring this area during the day, you'll need to manipulate the in-game time to reach nightfall. Here are two methods to achieve this:
- Fast Travel: Available early in the game, once you unlock multiple fast travel points in the Windward Plains. Use the interactive map's fast travel menu to zip between points, progressing time until nightfall.
- Rest: After completing Chapter 3 and unlocking high-rank content, you can rest at a base or pop-up camp. Use your Guild Points to rest and choose 'Nighttime' to set the time.
How to Catch Sandstar in Monster Hunter Wilds
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Sandstar is not only small but also incredibly fast, even when you're sprinting on your Seikret. To improve your chances of catching it, gather **Screamer Pods** from **Baunos**, small red-winged scavengers found in groups around **Area 11** and **Area 13** of the Windward Plains. These pods are not mandatory but will make the capture much easier.
Once it's night in the Windward Plains, head to the midpoint between Area 11 and Area 13. Keep an eye out for the Sandstar. When you spot it, chase it at full speed and, if you have them, prepare your Screamer Pods. When you're close enough, shoot a Screamer Pod to stun the Sandstar. Quickly switch to your **Capture Net** (used for fishing as well) and throw it at the stunned Sandstar to capture it. Upon successful capture, the 'I Caught a Shooting Star!' trophy/achievement will unlock, and you'll also receive the **Ribbon Dream: Amber** nameplate for your Hunter Profile.
That's how you can secure the 'I Caught a Shooting Star!' trophy/achievement in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, don't forget to explore our other content, including how to skip cutscenes in the game.
