Over the last 20 years, Monster Hunter has delivered some of the most memorable, over-the-top monster designs that have scared, delighted, and stunned fans in equal measure. Whether your first hunt dates back to the original game on PlayStation 2, or you hopped in when 2018's Monster Hunter: World dominated the charts, you're bound to have that one monster you've grown attached to and love more than any other.
Capcom’s hugely popular hunting RPG series boasts over 200 monsters in total, so we've gone through them all to find our top 25 – the very best of the best, and the beasts we love to gush over as much as we hate battling them. And with Monster Hunter Wilds adding to that tally, now is the perfect time to take a look at some of the best monsters the series has to offer.
25. Malzeno
Malzeno is a powerful Elder Dragon that made a significant impact when it debuted in the Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak expansion. This monster's strength is not only in its striking visual design, which features a glowing aura throughout Malzeno’s entire body, but also in its ability to drain the life-force from its surroundings. This bloodsucking vampire of a monster is terrifying in both design and execution. Hunting it around Sunbreak’s dilapidated castle ruins adds to the gothic atmosphere, cementing Malzeno and its battle as a memorable highlight that fans will remember for years to come.
24. Behemoth
Thanks to a crossover event with Final Fantasy 14, Monster Hunter World introduced the formidable Behemoth. Its unique mechanics, borrowed from its iconic Final Fantasy moveset, make it a challenging adversary. Behemoth requires strategic party composition akin to traditional MMOs, with a tank to manage aggro, a healer to keep the team alive, and damage dealers to capitalize on opportunities. Dodging Behemoth's instant knockout Ecliptic Meteor attack remains a nerve-wracking experience, but the thrill of mastering it is unparalleled.
23. Vaal Hazak
A grotesque Elder Dragon that lurks in the darkest depths of the Rotten Vale, Vaal Hazak was first introduced in Monster Hunter: World, found in a den filled with an endless sea of bones. It spews poisonous gas from its mouth, swiftly dispatching unprepared hunters. Even years after its introduction, Vaal Hazak's red flesh-laced wings and the rotting corpses hanging from its body send shivers down our spines. This monster is not for the faint-hearted, and its design and combat arena set a high standard in the series.
22. Legiana
Chasing the swift wyvern Legiana across the steep cliffs of the Coral Highlands is a standout moment in Monster Hunter: World. Legiana's speed and precision make it a deadly assassin, and mastering its icy attacks is a true test of skill. Allowing this agile beast any room to maneuver can be fatal. The original Legiana, not its shrieking variant from the Iceborne expansion, teaches hunters the importance of agility and humility, making it a valuable lesson for newcomers and a reminder for veterans.
21. Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse is the bane of many hunters' existence. This flying wyvern has caused countless late-night frustrations and team wipes. When you see Bazelgeuse approaching, it's often too late, as this aggressive apex predator seeks out targets and drops bombs across the battlefield. It serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and timing in hunting. Prepare for an explosive battle that you won't soon forget.
20. Black Diablos
Black Diablos are not just a variant of Diablos; they are female Diablos preparing to mate, becoming more territorial and aggressive. They can bury themselves in the sand and erupt from beneath the desert dunes, sending anything in their path flying. Fighting a Black Diablos is a long and grueling battle, requiring preparation and endurance. While the standard Diablos is impressive, it's the Black Diablos that truly stands out.
19. Shara Ishvalda
As the final boss of Monster Hunter: World's Iceborne expansion, Shara Ishvalda epitomizes the grand scale of the series' best monster battles. Initially appearing as a rock monster, its rugged exterior is chipped away to reveal a majestic Elder Dragon. Its finger-like wing appendages create a terrifying yet awe-inspiring form. The final confrontation with Shara Ishvalda and its unique finger-wings is etched into our memories forever.
18. Furious Rajang
Furious Rajang, the more aggressive and powerful variant of the original Rajang, is a formidable opponent. Its glowing golden fur charges with electrical energy, essentially turning it into a Super Saiyan. Hunters have spent countless hours being tossed around by Furious Rajang's high-flying acrobatics and rapid combos. While we may not love it, we certainly respect its prowess.
17. Astalos
Astalos, first seen in Monster Hunter Generations and revamped in Monster Hunter Rise's Sunbreak expansion, is a hyper-aggressive flying wyvern. Its flashy lightning attacks and prismatic wings make it both beautiful and deadly. Every encounter with Astalos requires a quick decision to either flee or stand your ground. Bring a weapon capable of knocking it down a peg if you choose to fight.
16. Amatsu
Adorned with golden horns, the Elder Dragon Amatsu is a sight to behold as it swims through the skies. Its ability to control storms and wind makes it a fearsome adversary, throwing massive tornadoes and gusts across a rainy battlefield. While initially introduced in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, it's in Rise’s Sunbreak expansion that Amatsu's whimsical nature truly shines. It signifies great calamity, making it feared throughout the land.
15. Raging Brachydios
Raging Brachydios is a giant rock monster with fiery hands and a thirst for destruction. Its volatile slime causes arena-wide explosions, keeping hunters on their toes. This variant is deadlier than the regular Brachydios, ensuring constant movement and challenging positioning. Mastering its rhythm leads to a deeply satisfying sense of accomplishment.
14. Glavenus
Who wouldn't fall in love with a giant dinosaur wielding a massive blade for a tail? Glavenus swings its sharpened appendage like a broadsword, cleaving anything in its path. It sharpens its tail with its own teeth, adding a metal edge to its design. Though not as popular as some other monsters, Glavenus stands out for its unique design and brutal attacks.
13. Teostra
Teostra is a celebrated figure in the Monster Hunter series, appearing in 17 games, expansions, and spin-offs since its debut in Monster Hunter 2. Its command of fire makes it a brutal adversary, capable of burning hunters from a distance and unleashing devastating fire attacks. Its supernova attack, triggered by a spark from its teeth, is enough to bring any hunter to their knees. Teostra is a classic that remains a cornerstone of the series.
12. Namielle
Namielle is an intriguing Elder Dragon that commands both water and electricity. With its large black wings and slimy outer layer, it can slide around the battlefield and cover it in water. Despite its passive appearance, Namielle becomes a powerhouse when provoked, using jetstreams of water and electric shocks. Its unique combination of elemental attacks provides a refreshing change of pace.
11. Gore Magala
Gore Magala is a terrifying creature. This six-limbed young Elder Dragon has huge claws on its back that can shred through anything in reach. Born without eyes, it emits pollen-like scales to sense its prey's body heat. As it scatters more scales, it enters a frenzy, reaching a heightened power level. Upon reaching adulthood, it transforms into Shagaru Magala, offering a rare glimpse into a monster’s lifecycle.
10. Rathalos
Rathalos, the red wyvern featured on the cover of the original game, is the de facto mascot of the Monster Hunter series. Appearing in every entry and various crossovers, Rathalos is a fan-favorite that challenges both newcomers and veterans. This iconic creature holds a special place in the hearts of hunters everywhere.
9. Fatalis
Fatalis is arguably one of the strongest monsters in the series. Introduced in the first Monster Hunter game, this massive black Elder Dragon can level entire castles. Its most recent appearance in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne’s final update made it the true final challenge. Its fire breath can ignite an entire arena, leaving only destruction in its wake.
8. Kirin
Do not be fooled by Kirin's graceful appearance. This unicorn-like Elder Dragon will impale you on its giant horn without hesitation. Its quick dashes and lightning attacks can leave you disoriented. Kirin's speed requires perfect positioning to avoid being wheeled back to camp by your Palicos. A staple of the series, Kirin is both adored and feared by fans.
7. Mizutsune
Mizutsune, a leviathan similar to Amatsu, uses pressurized water jets and can slide fluidly around the arena. While not as catastrophic as Amatsu, Mizutsune is more visually appealing. Its bubbles can hinder movement and knock you over, making it a dangerous foe. However, its majestic movements turn the battle into a captivating dance, reminding us that hunts can be enchanting.
6. Lagiacrus
Lagiacrus, introduced in Monster Hunter 3, is a true menace. Diving underwater to face this long-necked, dinosaur-like monster is a memorable experience. Navigating the fight in slow, bulky armor puts you at a disadvantage, making each strike a strategic game. Lagiacrus defines a generation of hunters and remains unforgettable.
5. Crimson Glow Valstrax
Crimson Glow Valstrax, introduced as post-launch DLC for Monster Hunter: Rise, resembles a fighter jet speeding across the sky. Its glowing red wings shoot flames as it darts through the air, making for one of the coolest monster introductions in the series. Using its sharp wings as blades, it offers a unique and memorable design.
4. Savage Deviljho
Known as the original Deviljho, this Monster Hunter legend is famous for its relentless nature and massive damage output. The Savage Deviljho, introduced in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, is a red variant with new moves and an intensified rage. Its constant frenzy and larger radius breath attacks make it even more formidable, proving that there's always a tougher challenge around the corner.
3. Nargacuga
Nargacuga resembles a black panther with wings and a spiked tail. It lurks in the shadows, waiting to ambush hunters. Its speed and ferocity make it a terrifying predator. Despite minimal changes across games, Nargacuga's design and gameplay make it a fan-favorite, eagerly anticipated in each new installment.
2. Nergigante
Nergigante is Monster Hunter World’s signature beast, starring in one of the game’s climactic fights. Covered in regenerating spiky horns, it requires constant aggression to prevent them from growing back. Its crystalized rock den adds to its mystique, making Nergigante a standout monster in the series.
1. Zinogre
Our top monster, the fanged wyvern Zinogre, captures the essence of Monster Hunter. Its confidence and lightning attacks make it a thrilling adversary. By storing Thunderbugs in its horns, Zinogre can supercharge itself, creating an electrifying light show. Its fast-paced action, devastating power, and iconic theme make it a beloved creature that embodies the spirit of the franchise.
These are our top 25 monsters from the Monster Hunter series. With hundreds of other monsters not making the list, these are the creatures that we cherished facing the most. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite monster is.
