During the last 20 years Monster Hunter has delivered among the most memorable, over-the-top monster designs which have scared, delighted, and surprised followers in equal measure. Whether or not your first hunt dates again to the unique recreation on PlayStation 2, otherwise you hopped in when 2018’s Monster Hunter: World dominated the charts, you are certain to have that one monster you have grown connected to and love greater than some other.
Capcom’s massively common searching RPG sequence boast over 200 monsters in whole, so we have gone by way of all of them to search out our high 25 – the perfect of the very best, and the beasts we like to gush over as a lot as we hate battling them. And with Monster Hunter Wilds including to that tally, now’s the right time to try among the greatest monsters the sequence has to supply.
25. Malzeno
Malzeno is a robust Elder Dragon that made fairly an impression when it flew onto the scene in Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak enlargement. This monster’s power comes not solely by way of its visible design, which incorporates a glowing aura permeating all through Malzeno’s whole physique, but in addition its means to actually drain the life-force from something round it. This bloodsucking vampire of a monster is horrifying in each design and execution. Searching it round Sunbreak’s dilapidated fort ruins solely additional provides to the virtually gothic atmosphere and aesthetic, which cements Malzeno and the struggle in opposition to it as a standout second that followers will not overlook anytime quickly.
24. Behemoth
Because of a crossover occasion with Closing Fantasy 14, Monster Hunter World obtained the hulking Behemoth as a brand new foe for hunters to tackle. Its distinctive mechanics, pulled from the beast’s iconic Closing Fantasy moveset, make it a formidable foe. Behemoth forces you to consider get together composition within the phrases of a conventional MMO, designating a tank to drag aggro, a healer to maintain everybody alive, and harm sellers to press the benefit. Trying to dodge Behemoth’s on the spot knockout Ecliptic Meteor assault nonetheless offers us nightmares to this present day, however once you lastly nail it, there’s nothing else fairly prefer it.
23. Vaal Hazak
A grotesque Elder Dragon that resides within the darkest depths of the Rotten Vale, Vaal Hazak was first launched in Monster Hunter: World, present in a den full of a by no means ending sea of bones. Spewing disgusting toxic fuel from its mouth, Vaal Hazak could make fast work of any unprepared hunter. Even years after its first sighting, the mere considered Vaal Hazak nonetheless sends shivers down our spines due to its crimson flesh-laced wings and the rotting corpses that grasp from its physique. Who designed this monstrosity? We simply wish to discuss. As you’ll be able to most likely inform, this isn’t a struggle for the faint of coronary heart or somebody with a weak abdomen. Vaal Hazak’s design and fight area give different monsters within the sequence a severe run for his or her cash.
22. Legiana
Chasing the speedy wyvern Legiana throughout the steep cliff sides of the Coral Highlands is a standout second in Monster Hunter: World. Legiana’s excessive pace and precision make it a lethal murderer, and studying methods to dance round its icy assaults is a real check of ability. Giving this quick and fluid beast any room to maneuver can very simply spell your dying. So regardless of what number of instances you go up in opposition to it, you will at all times want to remain in your toes. Legiana has a shrieking variant launched within the Iceborne enlargement, but it surely’s the unique we pay respects to right here. Legiana teaches hunters concerning the significance of staying fleet-footed and by no means being overconfident. This makes Legiana a helpful educating second for a lot of new hunters and a pointy reminder for veterans.
21. Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse is the bane of our existence. This flying wyvern has been the reason for many late-night frustrations and journeys again to camp after a whole teamwipe. In case you see a Bazelgeuse flying towards you, it is most likely already too late, as this extremely aggressive apex predator actively seeks out targets throughout the battlefield and drops bombs on something in its path of whole destruction. Working towards endurance whereas searching can get misplaced within the shuffle as you progress additional into Monster Hunter video games, and Bazelguese is right here to remind gamers the significance of ready for the right second to strike. All which means that you’d greatest prepare for an explosive struggle, one that you simply most likely will not overlook anytime quickly..
20. Black Diablos
Black Diablos should not a variant of Diablos. They’re really feminine Diablos on the point of mate. This causes them to grow to be extra territorial and aggressive, and so any monster or hunter that comes inside their area ought to method with warning. The Black Diablos can bury itself within the sand and later erupt from beneath the desert dunes, sending something in its path flying upward. The sheer carnage a Black Diablos could cause makes it a troublesome creature to struggle, and you may want to arrange for an extended haul. Getting right into a tussle with a Black Diablo is a slugfest, as you commerce blows forwards and backwards in hope of chipping away at its heavy plates of armor. Whereas customary Diablos is cool, everyone knows it’s the Black Diablos that reigns supreme.
19. Shara Ishvalda
As the ultimate boss of Monster Hunter: World’s Iceborne enlargement, Shara Ishvalda completely encapsulates the large scale of the sequence’ greatest monster battles. Initially showing to be some form of rock monster, Shara Ishvalda’s first kind boasts a rugged exterior that you simply slowly chip away at. However as rocks crumble off its physique, Shara’s actual kind begins to point out: this can be a large-scale Elder Dragon, and it acts as one of many final Monster Hunter set items. Finger-like appendages on its wings seem extra like two large palms sprouting from its physique, creating one thing each terrifying and majestic in kind. The ultimate confrontation with Shara Ishvalda and its unusual finger-wings will perpetually be etched into our reminiscences.
18. Livid Rajang
Livid Rajang, the extra aggressive and highly effective variant of the unique Rajang, is a drive to be reckoned with. Its glowing golden fur prices up with electrical vitality because the struggle performs out, primarily turning it Tremendous Saiyan. Hunters have spent numerous hours being tossed across the battlefield by the Livid Rajang, due to its high-flying acrobatic wrestling stunts that depart us as little greater than lifeless corpses. Between its extremely quick motion across the area and its fast combos, Livid Rajang looks like a preventing recreation character hitting you with infinite combos. We do not have to like the Livid Rajang, however we positive do respect it.
17. Astalos
Astalos was first seen in Monster Hunter Generations, however obtained fairly the glow up in Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak enlargement. This flying wyvern’s hyper-aggressive nature means close to sure dying for any hunter or monster foolish sufficient to stroll into its line of sight. It is kind of like that high-school bully that’s at all times seeking to struggle, even when there is not any precise motive to. Because of its flashy lightning assaults and prismatic wings, Astalos is as lovely as it’s harmful. Because of this each encounter with Astalos is a vital second since you’ll have to make a fast resolution to hightail it out of there, or stand and maintain your floor. Simply be sure you carry a weapon large enough to bonk it on the pinnacle and take it down a peg or two for those who resolve to struggle.
16. Amatsu
The Elder Dragon Amatsu is a sight to behold. Adorned with golden horns, it swims by way of the skies like a fish within the ocean. Its means to regulate storms and wind makes Amatsu a fearsome monster to hunt; It’ll throw out large tornadoes and gusts of wind throughout a wet battlefield area, which all make for a memorable struggle. Whereas initially launched in Monster Hunter Moveable third, it is in Rise’s Sunbreak enlargement that Amatsu’s whimsical nature actually shines, the place it’ll hurl you thru the skies and pull you in by way of tunnels of wind like a surfer gliding by way of a tube of water in the direction of a monster’s maw. Greater than something although, Amatsu signifies nice calamity, making it feared by everybody all through the land. Its set piece second in Sunbreak, the place it swirls round darkened skies to announce itself as a real end-game stage risk, helps put it above many different monsters on this record.
15. Raging Brachydios
There’s one thing a few large boy monster who simply needs to hit stuff, and Raging Brachydios is precisely that. A large rock monster with fireplace palms and a thirst for blood, Raging Brachydios will maintain you in your toes by smashing the bottom and erupting the slime on its physique to create arena-wide explosions. The Raging variant of the Brachydios is way deadlier than the common model due to a extra unstable slime that coats its physique, inflicting quicker and stronger explosions. Don’t fret, we discover the slime form of gross, which is why we’re decided to make sure this monster would not reside to see one other day. This variant ensures you are at all times on the transfer, making it troublesome to place your self for large harm, however when you be taught the rhythm of the struggle it makes for essentially the most rewarding sense of accomplishment.
14. Glavenus
How might you not fall in love with a large dinosaur with a large blade for a tail? Glavenus swings its big sharpened appendage like a broadsword, cleaving something in its path in two. As its tail dulls, Glavenus makes use of its personal tooth to sharpen the blade, and we will not consider something extra steel than that. Initially launched in Monster Hunter Generations, most folk possible bear in mind Glavenus thrashing round in Monster Hunter: World’s Iceborne enlargement. Whereas Glavenus won’t be as common as Rathalos or different monsters, its distinctive design and brutal assault harm make it a standout monster and one we at all times like to struggle.
13. Teostra
Teostra is one thing of a star within the Monster Hunter sequence. Relationship all the best way again to 2006’s Monster Hunter 2, Teostra has appeared in a complete of 17 video games, expansions, and spin-offs, starting from Freedom 2 to Rise. Teostra’s command of fireplace makes searching it an extremely brutal exercise. Whether or not it is heating up its physique and producing flames so sizzling it could possibly burn hunters at vary or spewing fireplace throughout the battlefield, Teostra is to not be trifled with. Its supernova assault, triggered by a spark of its tooth, is sufficient to carry any hunter to their knees. Teostra is a traditional, and one which no Monster Hunter journey is full with out. Typically the classics do not reinvent the wheel, however present a powerful basis to construct upon afterward.
12. Namielle
Namielle is an fascinating Elder Dragon because it instructions each water and electrical energy, a combo not typically seen collectively. With its massive black wings and slimy outer layer, Namielle can slide across the battlefield and canopy it in water. Regardless of being an Elder Dragon, its moveset is nearer to that of the monster Mizutsune, capturing jetstreams of water from its mouth and shortly shifting concerning the area. As talked about, Namielle may also produce electrical energy, which it makes use of to shock hunters or different prey. Whereas initially showing a fairly passive monster, Namielle is a powerhouse when provoked. Namielle’s distinctive mixture of elemental assaults offers hunters with a pleasant change of tempo and creates a monster that feels elevated in each kind and performance.
11. Gore Magala
Gore Magala is an entire nightmare of a creature. This six-limbed younger Elder Dragon has large, grabbing claws on its again that may shred by way of nearly something in attain. Born with out eyes, it emits pollen-like scales that connect to prey, which permits Gore Megala to sense their goal’s physique warmth. Because it scatters extra scales it’ll change the colour of the sky and enter right into a frenzy, reaching a brand new, heightened energy stage. Gore Magala is highly effective by itself phrases, however as soon as it reaches maturity it sheds its pores and skin and turns into Shagaru Magala, a extra fearsome, golden winged, grownup type of its earlier self. This transformation offers a stage of perception right into a monster’s lifecycle beforehand unseen within the sequence, which makes Gore Magala a stand out creature on this record.
10. Rathalos
Rathalos, the crimson wyvern first seen on the quilt of the unique recreation, is the de facto Monster Hunter sequence mascot. Our massive pal has appeared in each single entry of the Monster Hunter sequence, in addition to making appearances in Closing Fantasy 14, Tremendous Smash Bros. Final, and even Metallic Gear Strong: Peacewalker, and so this record wouldn’t be full with out what’s arguably the franchise’s most iconic creature. The Rathalos is a fan-favorite and one that may typically give newcomers and veterans alike a tough time within the wild. So this slot is for our lovely child, our cherished pal, our good buddy Rathalos.
9. Fatalis
Fatalis is arguably one of many strongest monsters within the sequence. Initially launched within the very first Monster Hunter, this large black Elder Dragon is thought for its means to stage whole castles on a whim. It was most lately included in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne’s last replace, which made Fatalis the true last struggle of the sport. Its large scale and imposing determine make it some of the troublesome fights within the sequence, partially due to its fireplace breath having the ability to ignite a whole area and depart solely destruction in its wake. Fatalis is a monster to be actually feared, and a standing reminder of what Elder Dragons are able to.
8. Kirin
Don’t be fooled by Kirin’s sleek kind and demeanor. This unicorn-like Elder Dragon won’t hesitate to impale you on its big horn like a rooster kebab. Its fast dashes and lightning assaults will depart your head spinning. It typically circles you quicker than you’ll be able to rotate the digital camera, which suggests you’ll have to make use of excellent positioning except you wish to have your favourite Palicos wheeling you again to camp with nothing left however your life. As Kirin leaps throughout the battlefield and also you experience its splendor, maintain your head on a swivel and your blade sharpened. This monster is an ideal reminder that generally lovely issues can be lethal. Kirin is a staple of the Monster Hunter sequence and one followers come to anticipate with every new entry. Kirin is extra than simply one other monster, however a sequence icon that’s adored by followers, even when it is the reason for many hunter deaths.
7. Mizutsune
Mizutsune is a leviathan much like Amatsu. It’s armed with pressurized water jet blasts and has the power to slip across the area fluidly. Nonetheless, Mizutsune would not come packaged with Amatsu’s world ending calamity and is a bit prettier to have a look at, so it scores a better place on our record. Its means to blow bubbles that hinder your motion and ultimately knock you over makes this a fairly harmful monster to get tousled with. Nonetheless, Mitzusune’s actions are majestic, which makes every second of the battle a spectacle, akin to watching a wonderfully choreographed dance sequence centerstage. Whereas Mizutsune won’t be essentially the most technical or complicated struggle on this record, it is one which reminds us that hunts could be enchanting, and getting misplaced in such a second is what makes the sequence particular.
6. Lagiacrus
One other leviathan makes the record and with good motive. Lagiacrus, initially launched in Monster Hunter 3, is a real menace. Diving under the water and discovering this big, lengthy necked, dinosaur-like monster is a reminiscence seared into the deepest components of our mind. Having to navigate this struggle underwater in your sluggish and hulking armor places you at an obstacle, and in order Lagiacrus swims circles round you, studying methods to seize every alternative to land a strike turns into a recreation of its personal. Lagiacrus is a formidable opponent, and one we hope to fulfill once more down within the ocean’s depths, but it surely’s been almost a decade since we have final seen it. Lagiacrus defines a era of hunters and people hunters will always remember their first struggle in opposition to the Monster Hunter 3’s cowl artwork beast.
5. Crimson Glow Valstrax
Have you ever ever thought “I want the monsters in Monster Hunter appeared extra like a fighter jet dashing throughout the sky?” Properly, you are in luck. Crimson Glow Valstrax, launched as post-launch DLC for Monster Hunter: Rise, is a variant of Vlastrax that has been given afterburners. Its glowing crimson wings shoot flames because it darts throughout the sky, making for one of many coolest introductions to a monster within the sequence historical past. Utilizing its massive sharp wings as blades, Crimson Glow Valstrax is among the sequence’ most unusual monster designs in current reminiscence.
4. Savage Deviljho
Each hunter’s favourite pickle boy, the unique Deviljho is one thing of a Monster Hunter legend. Recognized within the early video games for its relentless nature and talent to dish out absurd quantities of harm, the Deviljho rose to fame in the neighborhood fairly shortly. In Monster Hunter 3 Final the Savage Deviljho was born, a crimson variant with some new strikes and a a lot wanted facelift. Its fixed rage and bigger radius breath assaults make the savage model way more, effectively, savage. Its near-constant frenzy leads it to assault something and every part in its sight, leaving no stone unturned in its neverending try to quench its bloodthirst. Savage Deviljho is proof that regardless of how troublesome you assume a struggle could be, there’s at all times one thing even tougher proper across the nook.
3. Nargacuga
Nargacuga’s options resemble that of a black panther… effectively, a black panther with wings and a large spiked tail. It lurks within the shadows, ready to get the drop on unsuspecting hunters. Its ferocious nature and pure means to hunt prey makes the Nargacuga fully terrifying. Whether or not it is getting ambushed by one in a battle or having to go toe to toe in opposition to this vicious predator, Nargacuga makes a powerful case for being among the finest monster designs within the sequence. Pace is one in all Nargacuga’s greatest strengths, so that you greatest be ready to remain on the transfer. Regardless of Nargacuga by no means actually altering from recreation to recreation, it is a prime instance of getting a monster proper the primary time, and having everybody stay up for preventing it time and again.
2. Nergigante
Nergigante is Monster Hunter World’s signature beast. This harmful Elder Dragon is the star of one of many recreation’s climactic fights, a battle the place you lastly get to tussle in opposition to the fearsome foe depicted on the collector’s version field artwork.. Nergigante is roofed in spiky horns that regenerate over time, and the one solution to forestall large harm from coming your method is to remain aggressive and cease them from regenerating. Nergigante’s den, coated in crystalized rock, makes for a thematically applicable area that solely provides to this monster’s mystique. Its means to pummel you into the bottom in a flash could make gentle work of even seasoned hunters. Between its design, area, and theme, Nergigante stands tall among the many best monsters of the sequence.
1. Zinogre
Our high canine, our greatest fanged wyvern. The thunder cat Zinogre takes our primary spot. Zinogre exudes a confidence not like some other monster within the Monster Hunter universe. If Livid Rajang goes Tremendous Saiyan when its fur glows yellow, then Zinogre goes Tremendous Saiyan Blue. Its wonderful scaled design and potent lightning assaults make Zinogre a really implausible monster. Because of storing Thunderbugs in its horns, it has the power to supercharge itself with electrical vitality, which covers the world in a lightweight present rivaled solely by a rave or late-night membership tour. Anytime this brawny wyvern instructions the display screen, we welcome it with open-arms, able to lock horns with it. Zinogre just isn’t a monster to be messed with, and one which we’re at all times cheering for when it makes its return. Not solely did Zinogre seize the hearts of followers when it debuted in Monster Hunter Moveable third, but it surely captured the true spirit of the franchise. This creature is the blueprint for a wonderful struggle that incorporates fast-paced motion, devastating energy, and a rocking theme that worms its method into our brains.
These are our high 25 monsters from the Monster Hunter sequence. There are actually a whole lot of others that did not make the reduce, however from our adventures, these are creatures that we cherished going through essentially the most. Tell us within the feedback under what your favourite monster is.
Jesse Vitelli is a contract author and printed writer. A former affiliate editor at Prima Video games, he additionally has bylines at Kotaku, Inverse, Sport Informer, and extra.