Over the last 20 years, the Monster Hunter series has delivered some of the most memorable and over-the-top monster designs, captivating fans with their terrifying, delightful, and stunning appearances. Whether you started your hunting journey with the original PlayStation 2 game or joined the fray with the chart-topping Monster Hunter: World in 2018, there's likely a monster that has captured your heart and become your favorite.
Capcom's renowned hunting RPG series features over 200 monsters, and we've meticulously selected the top 25—the crème de la crème, the beasts we love to celebrate despite the challenges they pose. With Monster Hunter Wilds set to expand this roster, it's the perfect time to revisit some of the series' most iconic creatures.
25. Malzeno
Malzeno, a formidable Elder Dragon, made a striking debut in the Sunbreak expansion for Monster Hunter Rise. Its visual allure is enhanced by a glowing aura that envelops its body, and its ability to drain life-force from its surroundings adds a chilling dimension. This vampiric monster's presence in the dilapidated castle ruins of Sunbreak enhances its gothic atmosphere, making the battle against Malzeno a memorable and haunting experience.
24. Behemoth
Introduced through a crossover with Final Fantasy 14, Behemoth brought a unique challenge to Monster Hunter World. Its mechanics, borrowed from its Final Fantasy counterpart, require hunters to strategize like in an MMO, with roles such as tank, healer, and damage dealers. The dread of dodging its instant knockout Ecliptic Meteor attack remains vivid, but the triumph of mastering it is unparalleled.
23. Vaal Hazak
Vaal Hazak, a grotesque Elder Dragon dwelling in the darkest depths of the Rotten Vale, debuted in Monster Hunter: World. Its poisonous gas and red-fleshed wings, coupled with the rotting corpses it carries, make it a stomach-churning adversary. Vaal Hazak's design and the eerie combat environment set it apart as one of the series' most unsettling monsters.
22. Legiana
Chasing Legiana through the steep cliffs of the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter: World is a thrilling experience. This swift wyvern's icy attacks demand precision and agility, teaching hunters the value of staying nimble and alert. The original Legiana, rather than its Iceborne variant, is the one that truly tests and educates hunters.
21. Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse, the bane of many a hunter, is an aggressive flying wyvern known for its explosive tactics. Encountering this apex predator often means a swift team wipe, as it relentlessly seeks out targets and drops bombs. Bazelgeuse underscores the importance of timing and patience, ensuring every battle with it is a memorable explosion of action.
20. Black Diablos
Black Diablos, the more aggressive female variant of Diablos, becomes fiercely territorial during mating season. Its ability to burrow and erupt from the desert sands creates chaos and demands preparation for a prolonged fight. Trading blows with this heavily armored beast is a grueling yet exhilarating challenge, setting it above the standard Diablos.
19. Shara Ishvalda
As the final boss of Monster Hunter: World's Iceborne expansion, Shara Ishvalda epitomizes the grand scale of the series' epic battles. Starting as a rock-like creature, its true form as a majestic Elder Dragon emerges, complete with finger-like appendages on its wings. The battle against Shara Ishvalda is a breathtaking set piece that lingers in our memories.
18. Furious Rajang
Furious Rajang, an intensified version of the original Rajang, is a powerhouse with electrifying golden fur. Its high-speed, acrobatic attacks can easily turn hunters into mere corpses. Though not necessarily loved, Furious Rajang commands respect for its relentless and formidable nature.
17. Astalos
Astalos, first seen in Monster Hunter Generations and revamped in Monster Hunter Rise's Sunbreak, is a hyper-aggressive flying wyvern. Its lightning attacks and prismatic wings make it both beautiful and deadly. Each encounter with Astalos is a critical moment, requiring quick decisions to either flee or stand firm.
16. Amatsu
The Elder Dragon Amatsu, adorned with golden horns, is a sight to behold as it swims through the skies. Its control over storms and wind, showcased in Rise's Sunbreak expansion, creates a dramatic and memorable fight. Amatsu's set piece in Sunbreak, where it swirls through darkened skies, marks it as a true end-game threat.
15. Raging Brachydios
Raging Brachydios, a giant rock monster with fiery hands, keeps hunters on their toes with its explosive slime. The more volatile nature of its slime compared to the regular Brachydios makes every battle a fast-paced challenge, rewarding those who master its rhythm with a sense of accomplishment.
14. Glavenus
Glavenus, with its massive blade-like tail, is a spectacle to behold. Its unique habit of sharpening its tail with its teeth adds a metal edge to its design. Though not as widely recognized as some other monsters, Glavenus's brutal attacks and distinctive appearance make it a memorable foe.
13. Teostra
Teostra, a veteran of the Monster Hunter series since 2006, is known for its mastery of fire. Its ability to heat up and produce flames, coupled with its devastating supernova attack, makes it a formidable challenge. As a classic monster, Teostra provides a solid foundation for the series' enduring appeal.
12. Namielle
Namielle, an Elder Dragon that commands both water and electricity, is a unique and powerful adversary. Its ability to cover the battlefield in water and unleash electric shocks creates a dynamic and elevated fight, offering a refreshing change of pace for hunters.
11. Gore Magala
Gore Magala, a nightmare of a creature with its six limbs and grabbing claws, is a young Elder Dragon that uses pollen-like scales to track its prey. Its transformation into the more fearsome Shagaru Magala provides a fascinating glimpse into the monster's lifecycle, making it a standout on this list.
10. Rathalos
Rathalos, the iconic red wyvern and series mascot, has appeared in every Monster Hunter game. Its presence across various titles and crossovers underscores its status as a fan-favorite and a challenging foe for both newcomers and veterans.
9. Fatalis
Fatalis, one of the strongest monsters in the series, is known for its ability to level castles. Its inclusion as the final fight in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne's update cemented its status as a true end-game challenge. Fatalis's fire breath and sheer scale make it a monster to be feared and respected.
8. Kirin
Despite its graceful appearance, Kirin is a deadly Elder Dragon with lightning-fast attacks. Its quick dashes and electric strikes demand perfect positioning and alertness. As a series staple, Kirin embodies the idea that beauty can be deadly, earning its place as a beloved yet feared icon.
7. Mizutsune
Mizutsune, a leviathan with fluid movements and water-based attacks, offers a mesmerizing battle experience. Its ability to hinder movement with bubbles adds a strategic layer to the fight, making it both enchanting and challenging. Mizutsune's dance-like movements make it a standout spectacle.
6. Lagiacrus
Lagiacrus, introduced in Monster Hunter 3, is a formidable leviathan that challenges hunters underwater. Its ability to outmaneuver and strike from below makes it a memorable and defining fight for a generation of hunters. The anticipation of facing Lagiacrus again remains strong.
5. Crimson Glow Valstrax
Crimson Glow Valstrax, a post-launch addition to Monster Hunter: Rise, resembles a fighter jet with its glowing red wings and flame-throwing capabilities. Its unique design and swift aerial attacks make it one of the most visually striking and memorable monsters in recent history.
4. Savage Deviljho
Savage Deviljho, the red variant of the original Deviljho, is a relentless force with larger radius breath attacks and a constant state of rage. Its ferocious nature and increased difficulty make it a legendary challenge, proving that there's always a tougher fight around the corner.
3. Nargacuga
Nargacuga, resembling a black panther with wings and a spiked tail, is a terrifying predator that lurks in the shadows. Its speed and ferocity make it a formidable opponent, and its consistent design across games showcases its enduring appeal as a fan-favorite monster.
2. Nergigante
Nergigante, the signature beast of Monster Hunter World, is an Elder Dragon known for its regenerating spikes. Its climactic battle in a crystalized den adds to its mystique and challenge, making Nergigante a standout monster in the series with its design and thematic elements.
1. Zinogre
Topping our list is Zinogre, the thunder cat and fanged wyvern that exudes confidence and power. With its ability to supercharge using Thunderbugs, Zinogre's electric attacks create a dazzling light show. Its fast-paced action and iconic design capture the essence of the Monster Hunter series, making it our top pick.
These are our top 25 monsters from the Monster Hunter series. While there are hundreds more that didn't make the cut, these are the creatures we've cherished facing the most. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite monster is.
