For two decades, Monster Hunter has captivated players with its unforgettable, over-the-top monster designs. Whether you started with the original PlayStation 2 game or joined the hunt with 2018's Monster Hunter: World, you likely have a favorite beast. With over 200 monsters in the series, selecting the best is challenging, but we've compiled our top 25 – the creatures we both love and dread battling. And with Monster Hunter Wilds adding to the roster, this is the perfect time to revisit these iconic behemoths.
25. Malzeno
Malzeno, introduced in Monster Hunter Rise's Sunbreak expansion, is a formidable Elder Dragon. Its glowing aura and life-draining abilities create a truly terrifying presence. The gothic ambience of its Sunbreak hunting grounds enhances the encounter, making it a memorable and unforgettable experience.
24. Behemoth
A crossover from Final Fantasy XIV, Behemoth brought its iconic moveset to Monster Hunter: World. Its unique mechanics demand strategic party composition, reminiscent of MMOs, requiring designated roles for tanking, healing, and damage dealing. Dodging its Ecliptic Meteor remains a daunting challenge, yet a rewarding victory.
23. Vaal Hazak
Vaal Hazak, from Monster Hunter: World, inhabits the Rotten Vale's depths. Its poisonous gas and grotesque appearance, featuring rotting corpses, create a truly unsettling encounter. This is not a hunt for the faint of heart, its design and environment making it a standout in the series.
22. Legiana
Hunting Legiana across the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter: World is a test of skill. Its speed and precise attacks demand constant vigilance. While a Shrieking variant exists in Iceborne, the original Legiana remains a memorable and challenging encounter, teaching hunters the importance of agility and caution.
21. Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse is notorious for its aggressive nature and devastating aerial bombardments. Its unpredictable attacks and tendency to wipe out entire hunting parties make it a frustrating yet memorable foe. It serves as a potent reminder of the importance of patience and calculated attacks.
20. Black Diablos
Black Diablos, the territorial and aggressive female Diablos, adds a unique challenge. Its sand-burrowing attacks and brutal close-quarters combat make it a formidable opponent. The intense, back-and-forth nature of the fight makes it a truly memorable slugfest.
19. Shara Ishvalda
Shara Ishvalda, the final boss of Monster Hunter: World's Iceborne expansion, showcases the series' epic scale. Its initial rocky exterior reveals a massive Elder Dragon form, creating a visually stunning and memorable final confrontation.
18. Furious Rajang
Furious Rajang, the enraged variant of Rajang, is a powerhouse. Its electrifying golden fur and acrobatic fighting style make it a relentless and challenging opponent. Its speed and powerful combos create a thrilling, almost fighting-game-like experience.
17. Astalos
Astalos, enhanced in Monster Hunter Rise's Sunbreak, is a hyper-aggressive flying wyvern. Its lightning attacks and prismatic wings create a visually striking and dangerous encounter. Each encounter demands quick decision-making: flee or fight.
16. Amatsu
Amatsu, an Elder Dragon controlling storms and wind, creates a visually spectacular and challenging hunt. Its ability to manipulate the environment makes each encounter unique and memorable, particularly its whirlwind attacks in Sunbreak.
15. Raging Brachydios
Raging Brachydios is a relentless brawler. Its explosive slime attacks and ground-shaking power keep hunters constantly on the move. The volatile nature of its slime makes this a high-stakes, rewarding battle.
14. Glavenus
Glavenus, with its bladed tail, is a visually striking and brutal opponent. Its unique tail-sharpening mechanic adds a memorable element to the fight. Its design and combat make it a standout, despite not being among the most popular.
13. Teostra
Teostra, a series veteran, commands fire with devastating effect. Its fiery attacks and supernova ability make it a consistently challenging and memorable encounter, a classic for any Monster Hunter player.
12. Namielle
Namielle's unique combination of water and electricity attacks creates a dynamic and engaging fight. Its fluid movements and powerful elemental attacks provide a refreshing change of pace.
11. Gore Magala
Gore Magala is a terrifying Elder Dragon. Its heat-sensing scales, transformative abilities, and powerful attacks create a truly memorable and frightening encounter. Its evolution into Shagaru Magala adds another layer to its intrigue.
10. Rathalos
Rathalos, the series mascot, is an iconic and challenging opponent. Its consistent presence throughout the series and appearances in other franchises cement its place as a fan-favorite.
9. Fatalis
Fatalis, a powerful Elder Dragon capable of destroying castles, is a truly formidable opponent. Its massive scale and devastating fire attacks make it one of the series' most challenging and memorable fights.
8. Kirin
Kirin's elegant appearance belies its deadly power. Its lightning attacks and swift movements make it a challenging and memorable encounter. Its graceful yet dangerous nature makes it a standout in the series.
7. Mizutsune
Mizutsune, a leviathan similar to Amatsu, utilizes water-based attacks and fluid movements. Its bubble-based attacks and graceful combat style create a visually stunning and engaging fight.
6. Lagiacrus
Lagiacrus, a leviathan from Monster Hunter 3, presents a unique underwater challenge. Navigating the fight underwater against this powerful creature creates a memorable and intense experience.
5. Crimson Glow Valstrax
Crimson Glow Valstrax, a high-speed variant, is a visually stunning and unique addition to the series. Its fiery attacks and jet-like movements make it a memorable and dynamic encounter.
4. Savage Deviljho
Savage Deviljho, an enraged variant, is a relentless and powerful opponent. Its constant rage and devastating attacks make it a truly memorable and challenging fight.
3. Nargacuga
Nargacuga, a swift and deadly predator, utilizes stealth and powerful attacks. Its design and hunting prowess make it a truly terrifying and memorable opponent.
2. Nergigante
Nergigante, Monster Hunter World's signature monster, is a powerful Elder Dragon. Its regenerating horns and devastating attacks create a challenging and memorable fight. Its unique environment adds to the overall experience.
1. Zinogre
Zinogre, our top pick, is a powerful and visually stunning wyvern. Its lightning attacks and electrifying presence make it a truly memorable and exhilarating opponent. Its design and combat capture the spirit of the Monster Hunter franchise.
These are just our top 25; many others deserve recognition. Share your favorite monster in the comments!
