The highly anticipated Monster Hunter Rise is on the horizon, and this new entry in Capcom’s long-running series is looking better than ever before. The combat is fluid and aerodynamic, the graphics are stylized and appealing and the music is as sweeping and beautiful as it’s ever been (the full game will be free of that unfortunate slowdown from the demo, too). Yet none of these details can hold up to the true stars of the show: the varied and scaled beasts fought in Monster Hunter are the beating heart of the series’ fun.
Sadly, every so often, a monster is denied entry to the next instalment in the series. The variety offered by each new Monster Hunter game generally makes up for this sacrifice, but there are still dozens of monsters relegated to the sidelines, awaiting their chance to return to the spotlight.
10 Gore Magala
Debuting in Monster Hunter 4, the Gore Magala possesses possibly the most striking and dramatic design of any creature in the franchise. Wreathed in black, leathery wings and secreting a deadly toxin, the Gore Magala is an intimidating sight; a hybrid of qualities belonging to both common wyverns and the calamitous Elder Dragons. Defeating Gore Magala grants access to a bevy of some of the series’ best weapons and armor, often looking nearly as striking as the monster itself.
Gore Magala takes on the role of the Hunter’s nemesis. This creature confronts the player several times over the course of Monster Hunter 4’s campaign, each battle more explosive and vibrant than the last, culminating in a spectacular final showdown. Between the immense fun of slaying the beast and its fantastic gear, Capcom has nothing to lose bringing back this iconic erstwhile flagship.
9 Lagiacrus
The Lagiacrus, a late-game boss of Monster Hunter Tri, flirted with the possibility of returning for Monster Hunter World. This beast was featured in a World tech demo but was unable to be brought to the full game. Perhaps Rise could be an opportunity to give Lagiacrus another chance.
As for what it brings to the table, Lagiacrus is one of the series’ more unique flagship creatures. A leviathan with mastery over lightning, Lagiacrus is one of the few monsters fought mostly underwater in its debut game. Though underwater hunts have been cut for a few generations now, the return of the Flooded Forest map in Rise will likely coincide with nods to these aquatic battles. As such, the time for the Lagiacrus’s return could be imminent.
8 Dalamadur
Monster Hunter is notorious for super-sizing everything, from immense creatures like the Zorah Magdaros to the huge platters of delicious food populating the hub towns. However, few monsters evoke this spirit like the fateful, fire-breathing Dalamadur.
One of the largest monsters in the franchise, the fact that a fight with this island-sized serpent was capable of running on a console like the Nintendo 3DS is almost unfathomable. Of course, with the Nintendo Switch’s upgraded hardware power, the already awe-inspiring scale of this battle has the potential to be scaled up even further.
7 Ahtal-Ka
One of the most unique foes in the franchise, Ahtal-Ka comes with a fascinating design and lots of lore. Known as the Pavilion Mantis, Ahtal-Ka’s status as a large, insect-like Neopteron causes many hunters to underestimate it. Only when this bug weaves its silky thread to summon its skyscraper-sized automaton of ancient gear weaponry does the Ahtal-Ka’s true power become manifest.
Ahtal-Ka is more than just a super fun monster to fight. It is also a window into the fascinating history of the Monster Hunter universe: this creature’s armor is composed of the ruins of a collapsed kingdom. As the campaigns of the Monster Hunter games become more cinematic, seeing these facets of the universe explored in greater detail will make any lore fan shake in excitement.
6 Kirin
The monstrous, fascinating and enigmatic Elder Dragons are some of the most high-stakes encounters of all, in a franchise where every battle is arguably a ‘boss battle.’ Even so, Kirin is one of the most egregious examples of the term “Elder Dragon” being used incredibly loosely. It has no clear features that are even similar to a reptile, looking more fantastical and unicorn-esque. Should a Hunter be caught off-guard, they will certainly be struck by the Kirin’s mastery over electricity and its lightning-fast lunges.
Monster Hunter Rise’s setting would be the perfect backdrop for the mythical Kirin. This beautiful, elegant and deadly creature would make a lovely addition to Rise’s cast of critters.
5 Bazelgeuse
A Monster Hunter World newcomer, Bazelgeuse filled an interesting niche. This explosive wyvern has the tendency to crash the hunt (baleful theme music and all), launch a vicious volley of its trademark projectiles everywhere and then vanish as soon as it came.
Bazelgeuse has made quite the impression. Memes and references to this dive-bombing dragon have inundated the Internet ever since the release of Monster Hunter World, clear indicators that the fans have not had enough of this wild card.
4 Gigginox
A poisonous, slimy wyvern that makes itself at home in cold climes, the Gigginox is one of Monster Hunter’s creepiest of crawlies. Debuting in Monster Hunter Tri, Gigginox brought with it the subtle implications of horror touched upon by its stylistic cousin (and confirmed Rise comeback monster) the Khezu.
Horror fans and users of poison weapons would be excited to see the Gigginox once again. As well as this, with the return of monster turf wars, the age-old question of the superior cave-dwelling wyvern could finally be answered if Gigginox is allowed back in Rise.
3 Astalos
One of Monster Hunter’s few thunder-elemental flying wyverns, Astalos was introduced in Monster Hunter Generations as a member of a quartet called the Fated Four, which also included the Mizutsune and the Glavenus. Both these monsters have since returned in later instalments, so why not let Astalos get in on the fun as well?
Astalos having a few friends on the inside isn’t all it has going for it. This creature’s dragonfly-like appearance gives it a unique look few other monsters are able to match. Further, its aggressive fighting style and powerful armor sets make Astalos a worthy contender for a return to the fight.
2 Teostra
Not many monsters are able to convey the presence of a true king like the Teostra. With a lustrous mane of fur and an aggressive, stately snarl, this smoldering Elder Dragon is a dignified and deeply dangerous presence on any battlefield. Its bite is often worse than its bark, too, as an unprepared hunter will be decimated by its powerful supernova.
Teostra remains one of the series’ most iconic Elder Dragons. It would be a terrible oversight on Capcom’s part not to allow this fiery monarch the chance to reclaim its throne.
1 Fatalis
Fatalis is, unequivocally, the pinnacle of the strength and ferocity wielded by this series’ Elder Dragons. Its classic draconic design and status as the final encounter in many Monster Hunter games further cement its position as foremost among giants.
The legendary presence of the Fatalis cannot be understated. It is the embodiment of a walking cataclysm, both in Monster Hunter’s lore and in battle. It’s nigh-impossible to defeat without high-rank gear. Which foe could be more suited for an appearance as an endgame boss in Rise than the fateful black dragon itself?
NEXT: 5 Ways The Monster Hunter Movie Is Accurate To The Games (& 5 Inaccuracies)
