The Desertwing Hunter is a fierce, avian-inspired automaton that embodies the untamed spirit of Zereth Mortis. With its sharp, aerodynamic crest and predatory gaze, it looks less like a constructed prototype and more like a creature perfectly adapted for the skies. The flavour text hints at its nature: "The First Ones designed many creatures for many purposes, but few look as eager to hunt as this one." For collectors who appreciate the more aggressive, dynamic designs of the Protoform Synthesis system, the Desertwing Hunter is an excellent mount to add to your collection.
Introduced in patch 9.2.0 "Eternity's End", the Desertwing Hunter is crafted at the Protoform Repository. While the core crafting process requires the usual unlocking of the Cypher Console, obtaining the specific components for this mount sends you hunting for a well-hidden schematic on a precarious platform and farming a rare drop from Avian mobs. For players who enjoy a crafting journey that involves a bit of vertical exploration and open-world combat, this mount is a worthy target.
The Desertwing Hunter mount is crafted via the Protoform Synthesis system in Zereth Mortis. To craft it, you will need to combine the following materials:
However, before you can craft the mount, you must complete several prerequisites: unlock the Protoform Synthesis system, obtain the schematic, and gather all the required materials. This is a 100% guaranteed acquisition once you have everything — there is no RNG involved in the crafting itself, only in the drop chance for the schematic and the materials.
Before you can begin your journey to obtain the Desertwing Hunter, you must first gain access to Zereth Mortis. To get there, you must have completed Chapter 2 in the 9.1 (Korthia) campaign. The last quest required is Charge of the Covenants. After it is completed, you should get a popup to start the Zereth Mortis (9.2) campaign. You get a portal to Zereth Mortis on the top floor of Oribos after completing the quest This Old Waystone, which is part of the campaign.
If you leave Zereth Mortis before completing that quest, you can speak to Tal-Inara in Oribos to return.
To unlock Protoform Synthesis, you must complete up to the end of Chapter 3 in the 9.2 campaign. You will receive the quest Cyphers of the First Ones, which unlocks the Cypher Console. The Cypher Console is powered by Cyphers of the First Ones, a currency earned from various activities in Zereth Mortis.
How to earn Cyphers of the First Ones:
To unlock the Protoform Repository, you must progress through the Cypher Console research tree. The total cost and time investment is significant, so plan accordingly:
The Protoform Repository is located at the following coordinates:
Protoform Repository
Protoform Repository
To unlock the crafting recipe for this mount, you must acquire the Schematic: Desertwing Hunter. It is located in the Plains of Actualization, north of Pilgrim’s Grace, perched high up on a hexagonal platform. Because of its elevated position, having access to flying is highly recommended. The schematic sits on the second-highest column, which is adjacent to and just below the very tallest pillar in the area.
Before you can head to the Protoform Repository, you need to gather the specific reagents for this mount. Alongside the standard Genesis Motes and Raptora Lattice, you will also need to hunt down a specific drop from local wildlife.
You will need a Wind's Infinite Call. This item is a rare drop from the Enhanced Avian mobs. These birds are found circling and roaming the general area around the Sepulcher of the First Ones raid entrance. Just keep farming them until the item drops.
Next, you will need a Raptora Lattice. The quickest way to get this is to check the Auction House, as they are often listed by other players. However, if you prefer to farm it yourself to save some gold, you can kill the various Raptora mobs scattered around Zereth Mortis for a low chance at the drop. We have included a map below showing the general areas where these Raptora spawn.
Finally, you need a stockpile of 400 Genesis Motes. Since these are Bind-on-Pickup, you have to farm them yourself from the mobs of Zereth Mortis. A very efficient location to do this is the blue portal area, where Devourers spawn endlessly and friendly automa NPCs assist in taking them down quickly.
After you have gathered all of the required materials, head over to the Protoform Repository. You can now craft your Desertwing Hunter!
Farming the Desertwing Hunter involves a mix of weekly questing, Cypher research, and hunting down specific mobs in the open world. These addons will help you navigate and track your progress.
Pro tip: Use HandyNotes to mark the pillar where the schematic is located. If you don't have flying yet, you can use a Goblin Glider Kit or similar items to reach the second-highest column without too much trouble.
