Monster Hunter

Overview

The Monster Hunter franchise is best known for its similarities to Phantasy Star Online and insane popularity in Japan. It is an action-RPG that involves character growth by gaining better armor and equipment. The main goal of the games is to increase your hunter rank by completing quests. In the quests you will also get loot from dead monsters like bones and claws to make better weapons and armor.

Main Titles

Monster Hunter is known for breaking its primary releases into generations. The general release structure involves a base game, a portable entry, and at least one G-rank expansion.

First Generation:

• Monster Hunter (PS2) - The first game in the franchise. Introduced the basic concepts of the series, as well as the core set of monsters for the first generation. Online play shut off as of 2021.
• Monster Hunter G (PS2/Wii) - An expanded edition of the original Monster Hunter, Monster Hunter G was never released outside Japan. Like the original Monster Hunter, its online servers have been shut down as of 2021.
• Monster Hunter Freedom (PSP) - Called Monster Hunter Portable in Japan, it is considered the definitive first generation Monster Hunter game, this includes all content from Monster Hunter G as well as ad-hoc multiplayer, with all content accessible offline.

Second Generation:

• Monster Hunter 2 (PS2) - Also called Monster Hunter dos, this entry was never released outside Japan. A standalone game, Monster Hunter 2 expanded on what existed in generation 1 by adding new monsters, areas, items, and weapons. Most notably, it included a seasonal system, PvP monster raising, and numerous other hunting systems that have not recurred since.
• Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (PSP) - The portable entry for generation 2 (known as Monster Hunter Portable 2 in Japan), Monster Hunter Freedom 2 expanded on the concepts of Monster Hunter 2 while being its very own game. Supplanted by Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.
• Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (PSP) - The definitive second generation Monster Hunter game, this included all Freedom 2 content plus significantly more, including G-Rank missions - effectively making Freedom 2 obsolete. It is called Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G in Japan.

Third Generation:

• Monster Hunter 3 (Wii) - Also called Monster Hunter Tri, this entry represented a reboot of the franchise, removing most previous monsters while adding new mechanics such as monster fatigue, underwater combat and exploration, and more polish overall. Online servers shut down as of 2021.
• Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (PSP/PS3) - A standalone portable title, this entry was never released outside Japan, where it managed to become the best-selling PSP game in that region. It was also released on the PS3. It is considered a great beginner Monster Hunter title.
• Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (3DS/Wii U) - The G-rank expansion to Tri, 3U made that game obsolete while incorporating much of the content introduced in Portable 3rd and adding G-Rank missions. Called Monster Hunter 3 G in Japan.

Fourth Generation:

• Monster Hunter 4 (3DS) - The first fourth-generation title, Monster Hunter 4 focused on introducing more variety and verticality to Monster Hunter's level designs, a more in-depth story, and building upon the mechanics of the third generation. It was the last main title to not receive an international release.
• Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (3DS) - The G-Rank expansion to Monster Hunter 4, 4U added a wide variety of monsters while continuing to refine and balance the concepts introduced in the base game. Called Monster Hunter 4 G in Japan.
• Monster Hunter Generations (3DS) - Serving as a coda to the franchise, Generations focused on bringing back old maps and monsters from earlier entries while adding "styles" to each weapon. Called "Monster Hunter Cross (X)" in Japan, it is sometimes known as Monster Hunter Portable 4th by fans.
• Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (3DS/Switch) - Serving as a G-Rank expansion to the original Generations, GU has the single highest monster count in the entire franchise. Called "Monster Hunter Double Cross (XX)" in Japan, it is sometimes known Monster Hunter Portable 4th G by fans.

Fifth Generation:

• Monster Hunter World (PS4/XBONE/PC) - The first fifth-generation title, Monster Hunter World served as yet another reboot, introducing large amounts of quality of life and level design refinements. Sometimes known as Monster Hunter 5 by fans.
• Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (PS4/XBONE/PC) - The G-Rank expansion to World, Iceborne focused on the endgame content while expanding existing quests in Monster Hunter World. Sometimes called Monster Hunter 5 G by fans.
• Monster Hunter Rise (Switch/PC) - The portable fifth-generation title (sometimes referred to as Monster Hunter Portable 5th), Monster Hunter Rise focused on player motion more heavily than earlier titles by introducing the Wirebug and palamute companion.

Buying Guide:

For those interested in playing through the entire history of the Monster Hunter franchise, the essential titles (as of May 2021) are:

• Monster Hunter Freedom
• Monster Hunter 2 (dos) - Optional, for those who are truly interested in the history of the franchise
• Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
• Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
• Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
• Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
• Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
• Monster Hunter World + Iceborne Master Edition
• Monster Hunter Rise

Spin-Offs

• Monster Hunter Frontier - An MMORPG with the Monster Hunter formula released only in Japan. Introduced numerous monsters, weapons, and items that haven't been seen in the main series over a series of releases. Servers shut down in 2019.
• Monster Hunter Online - An MMORPG released in China. Similar to Frontier, its servers were shut down in 2019.
• Monster Hunter Stories (3DS) - An more traditional RPG spinoff with less focus on action elements, you play as a Rider and collect eggs, which you hatch into "Monsties."
• Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (Switch) - A sequel to Monster Hunter Stories for the Switch.
• Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village (PSP/3DS) - A Japan-only release, this game lets you take control of the Felynes and issue them orders. Developed by FromSoftware.
• Monster Hunter Dynamic Hunting (iOS/Android) - A mobile fighting game spinoff.
• Monster Hunter Explore (iOS/Android) - Japan-only mobile game.
• Monster Hunter Riders (iOS/Android) - Japan-only mobile RPG, a spin-off to Monster Hunter Stories.

Monsters

The monsters in Monster Hunter are its real stars, from the diminutive Kelbi to the fearsome Rathalos to the towering Dalamadur. Each monster can be hunted, with many recurring in specific titles. These represent the most critical part of the gameplay loop in the core Monster Hunter franchise: hunt monsters, carve their hides, create better weapons and armor with their remains, repeat or progress to harder, stronger monsters.

Monsters can be broadly divided into Small Monsters and Large Monsters.

Small Monsters are common and can be found throughout missions. They range from peaceful to aggressive and are generally nuisances or methods to obtain low-level gear.

Large Monsters are reminiscent of boss battles in more traditional games and represent targets of hunts.

Monsters are divided into Classes, which typically denote their strength. These are:

• Lynian - Cat-like monsters which steal your goods
• Herbivore - Generally peaceful monsters which can be hunted for meat and other necessities
• Fish - Fish which can be hunted. Similar to herbivores, there are a few aggressive carnivorous fish.
• Wingdrake - Small wyverns, often resembling birds or pterosaurs. Using a grappling hook, a wingdrake can be hooked onto and used as a method of transportation.
• Neopteron - Insectoid monsters known for their rigid carapaces. These monsters can range in size from tiny to enormous, and some species can fly, while others cannot. Their materials are often used to make very sharp weapons.
• Temnoceran - Characterized by its arachnoid characteristics, such as the ability to produce silk, though they have six limbs.
• Bird Wyvern - Small to medium sized class that includes Flying with slender bodies that are bipedal and, in some cases, either have wings or lack wings. They are generally the first major hunts fought in a game.
• Flying Wyvern - Large, bipedal monsters known for their mastery of flight, a majority of the monsters in this classification have evolved powerful wings that allow them to fly. Flying Wyverns make up a large majority of the monsters in the Monster Hunter franchise.
• Piscine Wyvern - Made up of wyvern-like fish that have evolved to be specialized in swimming in just about anything, mainly water, and that lack the ability to fly.
• Carapaceon - Crustacean- or scorpion-like monsters that have hard shells and exoskeletons or crab-like bodies, which mostly require weapons with at least green sharpness to break. Most of these crustaceans resemble crabs, lobsters or scorpions.
• Amphibian - Superficially frog-like in body structure, with powerful, spring-like back legs and muscular forelegs. They are known to inhabit a diverse range of environments and are typically carnivorous.
• Fanged Beast - Beastly mammalian creatures that operate with only legs, and no wings. They are often much faster than other larger threats.
• Leviathan - Large wyverns that are specialized in swimming. Leviathans are known to usually be the top predators of their environments like Flying Wyverns.
• Snake Wyvern - Known for their serpentine features, such as long, coiling bodies and forked tongues. They can range dramatically in both size and overall body structure, with some members being large, serpentine land-dwellers, while others are smaller and more reminiscent of Flying Wyverns.
• Brute Wyvern - Greatly resembling real-life theropods, these monsters are well adapted for life on land, using their powerful hindlimbs to get around from place to place rather than using wings or other means to travel.
• Fanged Wyvern - Known for being Fanged Beast-like Wyvern monsters that have highly developed limbs.
• Elder Dragon - Unlike other monster types, which classify monsters by shared traits, Elder Dragons are creatures that defy typical classification and sit outside of the standard ecosystem, regardless of any superficial resemblance to a dragon. These monsters are usually rare creatures with immense power that have lived since ancient times, making them more of a phenomenon than a mere animal; disasters, cataclysms, living forces of nature. In other words, the toughest monsters in any given game.
• Unknown (???) - A special class applying to Gore Magala and its offshoots for story reasons.
• Relict - A special class applying to Leshen and Ancient Leshen as part of a crossover with "The Witcher" series.

Monsters Introduced in the First Generation

The first generation of Monster Hunter introduced a number of series staples, such as Aptonoth, Rathalos, Rathian, and Diablos, all of whom have reappeared in every subsequent generation.

There were 45 monsters introduced, with 14 Small Monsters and 31 Large Monsters.

Small Monsters:

Aptonoth (Herbivore) - Docile creatures that are hunted for their meat by humans and other monsters. They always travel in groups. Present in every Monster Hunter generation and nearly every game.

Apceros (Herbivore) - Herbivorous reptiles that frequent desert and volcanic areas. They are territorial monsters and will attack any intruder on sight. They will not give up fighting until the enemy has fallen or they are dead. Curiously, they work in small herds to take out any threats.

Kelbi (Herbivore) - Very small deer-like creatures that pose very little threat. They are usually either green (male) or blue (female or juvenile). Males have large, prominent horns, with some individuals having massive, curved horns. Their horns are used in medicine and are said to cure many diseases.

Mosswine (Herbivore) - Small, moss-covered pigs. They have a gray, spiky head plate. Mosswine are known to have a great appetite for mushrooms. Hunters and marketers commonly observe them to identify an area of Special Mushrooms. Mushrooms sometimes grow on their backs.

Felyne (Lynian) - Bipedal cats and are capable of human language. They typically have light fur, but can come in a variety of colors and patterns. Not hostile unless attacked. Naturally curious, some try to enter human society, and are often hired by the Guild to cook for and otherwise assist hunters.

Melynx (Lynian) - Bipedal creatures resembling cats, known for their dark hair. More curious than Felynes and possessed by kleptomania, Melynxes take what they steal back to their dens. Melynx in human villages sometimes take job opportunities, mostly as Felyne Chefs and/or Felyne Comrades.

Hornetaur (Neopteron) - A Vespoid-like monster with a thick shell. Easily damaged, there are rarely any usable materials left to harvest from them once killed. Due to their small size, many find them difficult to hit directly. If hit with normal weapons, these monsters will frequently shatter completely. Highly susceptible to poison.

Vespoid (Neopteron) - Yellow-and-purple wasp-like insects roughly the size of a housecat. They have barbed stingers at the end of their abdomens, and fly using three pairs of wings. They are known to be a nuisance for hunters, due to their stings that cause hunters to flinch, resulting in them being exposed to any further attacks.

Bullfango (Fanged Beast) - Large, wild boars with a foul temper. Fertile and wide-ranging, they have been known to form large herds. They are so aggressive that they will attack other members of their own herd if they don't recognize them. Pray, Hunter, as there is no more deadly a sound than 5 Bullfango preparing to charge. The true gods of the Monster Hunter universe.

Velociprey (Bird Wyvern) - These carnivorous monsters travel in packs and inhabit many different environments. Velociprey are capable of leaping great distances, making them difficult to flee from, especially when delivering eggs and large ores. They operate under the leader of their pack, the Velocidrome. They will respond aggressively to intruders, and will rally to the Velocidrome's call to gang up on a larger foe.

Genprey (Bird Wyvern) - Genprey are capable of inflicting paralysis with their fangs, and can leap great distances at foes.Their bodies are covered in a colorful yellow and green hide, with a pair of yellow crests over their eyes. Genprey operate under the rule of their pack leader, the Gendrome. They will respond aggressively to intruders, and will rally to the Gendrome's call to gang up on a larger foe.

Ioprey (Bird Wyvern) - Easily distinguishable from other Raptor species due to their larger size and bulbous frog-like throat sac. This enlarged throat houses the Ioprey's potent poison sac, which gives it the ability to spit toxins at its foes. Hunters familiar with Ioprey have observed that their permeable skin constantly need moisture.

White Velociprey (Bird Wyvern) - The only distinguishing feature of the White Velociprey is its coloration. they are rarely seen among packs of Velociprey, fighting alongside the leading Velocidrom. No White Velocidromes are ever encountered. It is slightly stronger than the average Velociprey.

Cephalos (Piscine Wyvern) - Their brown and beige coloration helps them camouflage themselves among the desert sands. Cephalos are surprisingly social, swimming through the loose sand and hunting in packs. They are predatory, and can work together to defeat creatures many times their size.

Large Monsters

Velocidrome (Bird Wyvern) - Velocidrome acts as the leader of the Velociprey, taking responsibility of the pack. Velocidromes sometimes prefer two leaders in a pack because it improves the hunting strength of the pack and they can split into two groups for hunting. Its large, bright red crest over its blue hide signifies to other Velociprey that it is fit to be their leader.

Gendrome (Bird Wyvern) - Gendrome are in charge of making sure their pack is kept alive and healthy. They choose which prey to hunt, and will often lead the attack. Gendrome will also actively patrol their territory alongside a handful of Genprey. Hunters can easily identify a Gendrome by their big crest and slightly larger size compared to a Genprey. The crest signifies leadership over the pack.

Iodrome (Bird Wyvern) - Iodrome is the leader of a pack of Ioprey, and always travels with its pack for protection. It is significantly larger than normal Ioprey and possesses a larger crest. Unlike other pack leaders, Iodrome has a more amphibian look, with salamander-like skin that seems to glisten with moisture, and a frog-like throat sac. It also lacks the sharp claws of its relatives, relying more on poison to bring down prey land enemies

Yian Kut-Ku (Bird Wyvern) - A bird-like wyvern with a huge beak and large ears that splay open when it is angered. With its sensitive hearing it dislikes loud noises. The Yian Kut-Ku is capable of moving at high speeds thanks to its light weight and small stature. It is also able to produce flaming projectiles coming from its flame sac, which can be shot from the mouth at attackers. It can spew three flaming projectiles at hunters when enraged and move faster.

Blue Yian Kut-Ku (Bird Wyvern) - Blue Yian Kut-Ku inhabit temperate forests, swamps, grasslands, and jungles. Although they are usually smaller than their pink counterparts, they are stronger and more aggressive. They are covered in an indigo carapace, and blue streaks can be found on its beak and ears. Like the common species, Blue Yian Kut-Ku can shoot flaming projectiles from its mouth, and is capable of moving and attacking at quick speeds.

Cephadrome (Piscine Wyvern) - Cephadrome can only survive in deserts. Their body shapes have adapted to swimming through the sands, and have become extremely streamlined. They have yellow eyes, yellow or pink fins and blue or purple scale covered skin. Cephadrome are very aggressive, but will assume evasive maneuvers if they sense that the threat is too dangerous. Their caution in fighting causes them to run away frequently by diving into the sand. They use hipchecks, tail swipes, and shoot sand streams to damage Hunters.

Gypceros (Bird Wyvern) - Gypceros is among the largest and heaviest known Bird Wyverns. It is naturally timid. However, it is rather intelligent and crafty, as evidenced by its willingness to feign death in order to draw a foe in for a surprise attack. Gypceros can use its luminous crest to produce dizzying flashes and temporarily disorient foes. Its elastic tail can extend and be used as a whip, and it can spit large globules of poison to intoxicate attackers. Due to its shock-resistant hide and flashing crest, it is immune to both shock traps and flash bombs.

Purple Gypceros (Bird Wyvern) - Whilst the common Gypceros' colors are blue and pink, the Purple Gypceros' are a more vivid purple and green. This Subspecies is notably more resiliant than its original counterpart, and can produce more powerful poison. Purple Gypceros is known to use its flashing attack more frequently in battle, and will chain other attacks directly into it. They are usually found in swamps and marshlands, although can occasionally be seen in the Jungle. Being omnivorous, they prefer warm and humid locations where insects and mushrooms are plentiful and water is abundant.

Rathalos (Flying Wyvern) - Terrible male wyverns called the 'Kings of the Skies'. Along with Rathians, they stake wide territories centered around their nests. Rathalos descend on invaders from the sky, attacking with poison claws and breath of fire. They are highly territorial monsters, and as such, are aggressive towards intruders. They are mates with Rathian. Rathalos have appeared in every single Monster Hunter game, are the flagship monster of the first generation, and are widely considered the face and mascot of the franchise.

Azure Rathalos (Flying Wyvern) - An azure-colored subspecies of Rathalos. More mobile than their standard cousin, they locate prey from the air and quickly swoop in for the kill. Once these master hunters select a target, there is little hope of escape. Azure Rathalos are very aggressive and intelligent, even by Rathalos standards. They are especially aggressive during mating season, when territorial disputes are more common, and competition for the best hunting grounds is fierce. They are the flagship monster of Monster Hunter G.

Silver Rathalos (Flying Wyvern) - A rare variant of Rathalos with a beautiful silver body reminiscent of the sun. Little is known about their behavior or physiology -- including the source of their rich silver sheen. He is slightly larger than the average Rathalos. The Silver Rathalos is much more dangerous than the common species. He prefers aerial attacks to ground-based ones. He will frequently barrage Hunters with his triple fireball and skyclaw attacks. When on land, he tends to use far more tail whips than bites and will charge Hunters less frequently. The Silver Rathalos also appears to go into a state of rage more often than his red or blue counterparts.

Rathian (Flying Wyvern) - Fire-breathing female wyverns, also known as the "Queens of the Land". With powerful legs and poison-secreting tails, they hunt mainly on the ground. Sometimes seen preying as a couple, Rathians and Rathalos cooperate well. Rathian is very territorial, choosing to patrol from ground while her Rathalos mate patrols from the sky. She will become very aggressive to potential threats, especially when in close proximity to her nest and young. Rathian and Rathalos will always go after hunters that are carrying their eggs. Rathian, along with Rathalos, are the only monsters to appear in every Monster Hunter entry to date.

Pink Rathian (Flying Wyvern) - A subspecies of Rathian with vibrant pink scales. Pink Rathians wield their toxic tails more skillfully than normal Rathians, and use a wide variety of attacks to weaken their prey before eventually moving in for the kill. Pink Rathian has a more heavily-armored body and has greater health and attack power than her green relative. She can often be found in various quests alongside her gender counterpart, the Azure Rathalos.

Gold Rathian (Flying Wyvern) - A rare gleaming gold-scaled Rathian species. When wreathed in hellfire, its breath grows more lethal and its tail swipes broader. Her body is covered in an exceptionally strong golden shell, making it difficult to attack without the Hunter's weapon bouncing off. She is slightly larger than the average Rathian. The Gold Rathian is weakest to the Thunder Element and is, like all Rathians, capable of inflicting Poison and shooting fireballs. She is able to wield her flame sac with greater control and ferocity than the common species.

Basarios (Flying Wyvern) - These juvenile Gravios are famous for their rock-hard carapaces. They often burrow underground, mimicking rocks and savaging oblivious miners. Because their carapaces are tougher than that of a full-grown Gravios, they'll attack a threat by charging at it. They are also known to emit a poisonous gas. When resting or changing areas, it burrows underground, exposing only its back, giving it the appearance of a large gray rock. Being very heavy, it is a slow mover, and although it has wings, it rarely uses them to fly. Even when it does, its weight allows it to fly only for a short time.

Khezu (Flying Wyvern) - Loathsome wyverns that dwell in caves and other dark places. All but blind, Khezu hunt by smell. Their tail has evolved to cling to walls and ceilings. After using a electric shock to paralyze their prey, they extend their long neck and pounce. Khezu are hermaphrodites, which means an individual is both male and female. To reproduce they paralyze a creature and inject their young, known as Whelps. The Whelps grow inside their victim until it dies, or when they are strong enough to leave. Adding to Khezu's horror-movie aesthetic, no music plays when hunting one.

Red Khezu (Flying Wyvern) - A ghastly Khezu variant with a crimson hue and a much more aggressive temperament. They have greater control over its extendable neck than the common species. Their electrical organs are further developed as well, giving them a wider variety of attacks to disable and ensnare prey. Red Khezu behave much like ordinary Khezu; however, it is capable of using a unique neck-thrusting attack. This subspecies, interestingly, is immune to Fire and weak to Water, unlike the Khezu.

Plesioth (Piscine Wyvern) - Giant piscine wyverns which can be spotted near bodies of water. Where wings would be found on other wyverns, it has developed fins specialized for swimming, and, as a result, cannot fly. Despite its fish-like appearance, it is just as comfortable on land. Plesioth are ambush predators, adapted to stalking prey from the water and attacking by surprise. It loves frogs. They are known for his hipcheck attack which can hit Hunters behind him (somehow).

Green Plesioth (Piscine Wyvern) - A subspecies of Plesioth with jade-green scales. Though primarily aquatic, the creature's movements are equally adept both in and out of water. When enraged, it has a habit of surfacing to rampage on land. Green Plesioth is a highly aggressive wyvern. It has an uncanny ability to determine if there are multiple hunters in an area. Like normal Plesioth, the Green Plesioth loves frogs, which can be used to fish them out of the water.

Gravios (Flying Wyvern) - Large wyverns found in volcanic areas. They possess a fiery breath attack and the ability to emit sleeping gas. Their bony carapaces are extremely tough, but expose a surprisingly brittle interior once destroyed. Gravios is relatively docile until provoked. Like most wyverns, it is fiercely territorial. The Gravios inhabits large areas of the Volcano, where it is sufficiently large enough to incubate and raise its juvenile Basarios. Gravios can also expel flammable gas as a waste product of its 'heat beam', and of its diet.

Black Gravios (Flying Wyvern) - A Gravios subspecies distinguished by a hard black carapace that allows them to contain their own extraordinarily high internal temperatures. They sometimes discharge this thermal energy as an extremely powerful heat ray. They are larger and heavier than the common Gravios. Far more aggressive than its grey counterpart, the Black Gravios will attack on sight. It will more commonly expel explosive gas than sleep gas.

Monoblos (Flying Wyvern) - A monocerous desert-dwelling wyvern able to burrow swiftly through the sand. It puts its horn to lethal use with a charging thrust, and while it possesses no breath attack, its roar is loud enough to split human eardrums. Monoblos has a pair of small yellow eyes with vertically slit pupils. Its back also features a frill-like carapace. The tail club is more like a mace compared to a Diablos's, lined with four spikes on each side, and a single one at the end. Monoblos are aggressive, and will attack Hunters on sight. When suitably enraged their crown will become inflamed with red streaks. They are quick to anger, and will move faster and hit harder while enraged.

White Monoblos (Flying Wyvern) - A rare Monoblos subspecies covered in chalk-tinted plating. More ferocious than its standard cousin, the White Monoblos is unrelenting in the pursuit of any prey it happens upon. This subspecies features a bright white carapace covering much of its body. As a result of this, the flushes of blood to its frill when enraged are significantly more striking. Its shell is harder than that of a normal Monoblos, thus increasing its defense.

Diablos (Flying Wyvern) - Known as the "Tyrant of the Desert", the Diablos is extremely territorial and will use its massive horns to charge at invaders. Diablos have the ability to burrow underground and use this ability to strike from below, however, their sensitive ears make them susceptible to Sonic Bombs. Despite their predatory appearance, they are herbivorous and mostly feed on cactus. Diablos are known to use their horns as weapons against attackers, but will also use them in bouts against other Diablos in battles for territory or mating rights. Diablos typically avoid flight for the purpose of transportation, as a disproportionally high mass prevents them from effectively flying for long periods of time. Instead, Diablos will use their wings to free themselves when trapped in the sand. In addition, they are capable of producing a powerful roar that will stun most aggressors. They are one of the most prevalent monsters in the Monster Hunter franchise, being present in every generation.

Black Diablos (Flying Wyvern) - These black-shelled Diablos are treated as a subspecies, but are actually just female Diablos in heat. The color change is a signal to other creatures, as they tend to become extremely aggressive during mating season. Black Diablos behave like a normal Diablos while fighting. It is not possible for Black Diablos to be male. She is a highly territorial wyvern, and will attack members of their own species if they enter her territory, and they will also attack other monsters should they approach. Found in deserts. Black Diablos are well suited to arid climates, but her ability to tunnel in sand may limit her to deserts only.

Yian Garuga (Bird Wyvern) - A close relative of the Yian Kut-Ku known for its hard black scales and tufts of white mane. More belligerent that its flighter cousins, these clever monsters are known to rationally observe their prey, even when angered. They are not to be taken lightly. Yian Garuga possesses a poisonous tail club and can produce ear-splitting roars to stop foes in their tracks. It is quite crafty and will avoid pitfall traps. In addition, it is unaffected by sonic bombs.

Kirin (Elder Dragon) - Elder dragons so rarely sighted that little is known of their ecology, though everyone knows of the high prices Kirin parts fetch. It's been said they are one with lightning itself, and that their bodies becomes clothed in pure electricity when they are provoked. Kirin can summon lightning to strike attackers or the area around it. When Kirin is threatened or provoked, it can wreath itself in lightning, which is proven to harden it's hide. Kirin has very few physical attacks and relies mostly on lightning strikes as it's main force of attacking foes. Kirin appear to be relatively peaceful and passive creatures. Using their extreme agility, Kirin can literally run circles around their opponent, getting in close to gore an enemy with their horn, only to quickly dart away and prepare another assault. Kirin are very mobile and can jump and run incredible distances in short amounts of time.

Lao-Shan Lung (Elder Dragon) - A giant dragon that has only been rarely sighted. It periodically prowls close to inhabited areas, and the damage it causes is comparable to that wreaked by a natural disaster. Its habits are a mystery, and no one knows why it occasionally wanders. Lao-Shan Lung introduces the siege mechanic and was the first massive raid monster in the franchise. They are extremely docile even when facing multiple foes. They appear to care little about Hunters, as they mainly ignore them on their way to the town Fortress. That said, they will put in a great deal of effort to break the fort rather than simply run away. They lack any sort of elemental or special abilities and instead relies solely on its immense physical bulk and strength, being strong enough to smash through huge forts with enough effort and barrel straight through villages and towns without a second thought.

Ashen Lao-Shan Lung (Elder Dragon) - A giant dragon few have seen and lived to tell the tale. When on the rampage it wreaks havoc on all in its path. Despite its reputation as a Subspecies, Ashen Lao-Shan Lung is actually a regular Lao-Shan Lung which has been exposed to many years of volcanic debris. As a result, its carapace is highly discolored, taking on a muted grey-blue color. They retain the city crushing strength of normal Lao-Shan Lung however their bodies are much harder to penetrate due to the ash and soot solidifying their bodies. Ashen Lao-Shan Lung is extremely docile, only directly attacking creatures that disrupt its feeding. The creature often takes little notice of hunters, but will destroy any structure which stands in its way.

Fatalis (Elder Dragon) - A legendary black dragon said to have prowled these lands from the days of old. Many skilled hunters have sought to challenge it, but none ever return. Fatalis is a traditional black dragon, with a long, serpentine neck and tail, along with a pair of large, yet muscular wings. Fatalis is an extremely powerful monster, able to wipe out entire hunting parties with relative ease. Its primary weaponry lies in its flame breath, fabled to have reduced a kingdom to ashes within a single night, which can be utilized to produce either a stream of fire or explosive projectiles. Fatalis is also able to release a cloud of flammable dust and set it alight, similar to Teostra, and it is known to use its whip-like tail and powerful, bone-crushing jaws to defend itself from nearby attackers. Not much is known about Fatalis' habits, other then that it is extremely hostile to all living creatures—especially humans.

Crimson Fatalis (Elder Dragon) - Crimson Fatalis is a Fatalis whose shells and scales have become a reddish-crimson color after generations of exposure to the Volcano. One of its four horns is extremely overgrown in comparison to the rest. Extremely aggressive and violent, even by Fatalis standards. Crimson Fatalis' rage is nearly everlasting. The dragon's natural element of lava and its extreme rage go hand in hand. It will kill anything in its path without a second thought. It is the final online/Guild boss in the first generation (Monster Hunter G and Freedom), and by far the most powerful monster in it.

Monsters Introduced in the Second Generation

The second generation built upon the first, with all the previous 45 monsters making a return. This generation introduced significantly more monster variety.

There were 36 new monsters introduced, including 10 Small Monsters and 26 Large Monsters.

Small Monsters

Anteka (Herbivore) - Herbivorous monsters living in the snowy mountains. Normally docile, but when provoked it will attack with its giant antlers. Its high quality pelt has many uses and its antlers are highly valued. They are commonly perceived as the snowy region's counterpart to the Kelbi of the forest and jungle regions. They walk on four hoofed feet and sport large, impressive pairs of antlers upon their heads.

Popo (Herbivore) - Herd-forming herbivores. Covered in thick fur to endure the cold, they are found in snowy regions. Popo are gentle, but known to use their massive tusks bravely when defending their young. Popo meat is very nutritious; the tongue is said to be especially palatable. Popo are very docile creatures and will run when one of their members in a group is under attack or when a Wyvern enters their area. They will also group together when a large monster is near, like the Aptonoth in more temperate climates.

Shakalaka (Lynian) - A small, four-limbed monster known for always wearing a mask. Their camouflage-like qualities make them difficult to spot, but if you do, you're in trouble! Their leader, the King Shakalaka, is known to wear a crown like object. Shakalaka should not be underestimated; they can easily take out an unsuspecting hunter with exceedingly quick attacks and inflictions of poison. They are rather clumsy when they attack, but may also be armed with Bounce Bombs and Sleep Bombs. They are known to sometimes drop fake, explosive treasure in the form of a "shiny". Like the Felyne and Melynx, they will dig underground when defeated, leaving behind their masks, which can then be carved. Their intelligence allows them to live in a multitude of environments.

• Great Thunderbug (Neopteron)
• Giaprey (Bird Wyvern)
• Remobra (Snake Wyvern)
• Hermitaur (Carapaceon)
• Ceanataur (Carapaceon)
• Conga (Fanged Beast)
• Blango (Fanged Beast)

Large Monsters

• King Shakalaka (Lynian)
• Vespoid Queen (Neopteron)
• Giadrome (Bird Wyvern)
• Bulldrome (Fanged Beast)
• Daimyo Hermitaur (Carapaceon)
• Plum Daimyo Hermitaur (Carapaceon)
• Shogun Ceanataur (Carapaceon)
• Terra Shogun Ceanataur (Carapaceon)
• Congalala (Fanged Beast)
• Emerald Congalala (Fanged Beast)
• Blangonga (Fanged Beast)
• Copper Blangonga (Fanged Beast)
• Tigrex (Flying Wyvern)
• Nargacuga (Flying Wyvern)
• Rajang (Fanged Beast)
• Furious Rajang (Fanged Beast)
• Akantor (Flying Wyvern)
• Ukanlos (Flying Wyvern)
• Hypnocatrice (Bird Wyvern)
• Lavasioth (Piscine Wyvern)
• Shen Gaoren (Carapaceon)
• Kushala Daora (Elder Dragon)
• Rusted Kushala Daora (Elder Dragon)
• Chameleos (Elder Dragon)
• Lunastra (Elder Dragon
• Teostra (Elder Dragon)
• Yama Tsukami (Elder Dragon)
• White Fatalis (Elder Dragon)

Monsters Introduced in the Third Generation

The third generation represented a major revamp to the series, with very few returning monsters from the last two generations.

There were 56 monsters introduced, including 19 Small Monsters and 37 Large Monsters.

Small Monsters

• Epioth (Herbivore)
• Rhenoplos (Herbivore)
• Slagtoth (Herbivore)
• Fish (Fish)
• Altaroth (Neopteron)
• Bnahabra (Neopteron)
• Gargwa (Bird Wyvern)
• Jaggi (Bird Wyvern)
• Jaggia (Bird Wyvern)
• Baggi (Bird Wyvern)
• Wroggi (Bird Wyvern)
• Delex (Piscine Wyvern)
• Ludroth (Leviathan)
• Uroktor (Leviathan)
• Giggi (Flying Wyvern)

Large Monsters

• Great Jaggi (Bird Wyvern)
• Arzuros (Fanged Beast)
• Royal Ludroth (Leviathan)
• Purple Ludroth (Leviathan)
• Great Wroggi (Bird Wyvern)
• Qurupeco (Bird Wyvern)
• Crimson Qurupeco (Bird Wyvern)
• Barroth (Brute Wyvern)
• Jade Barroth (Brute Wyvern)
• Gobul (Leviathan)
• Lagombi (Fanged Beast)
• Great Baggi (Bird Wyvern)
• Lagiacrus (Leviathan)
• Ivory Lagiacrus (Leviathan)
• Abyssal Lagiacrus (Leviathan)
• Gigginox (Flying Wyvern)
• Baleful Gigginox (Flying Wyvern)
• Duramboros (Brute Wyvern)
• Rust Duramboros (Brute Wyvern)
• Nibelsnarf (Leviathan)
• Volvidon (Fanged Beast)
• Barioth (Flying Wyvern)
• Sand Barioth (Flying Wyvern)
• Uragaan (Brute Wyvern)
• Steel Uragaan (Brute Wyvern)
• Agnaktor (Leviathan)
• Glacial Agnaktor (Leviathan)
• Deviljho (Brute Wyvern)
• Savage Deviljho (Brute Wyvern)
• Zinogre (Fanged Wyvern)
• Stygian Zinogre (Fanged Wyvern)
• Brachydios (Brute Wyvern)
• Green Nargacuga (Flying Wyvern)
• Lucent Nargacuga (Flying Wyvern)
• Brute Tigrex (Flying Wyvern)
• Ceadeus (Elder Dragon)
• Goldbeard Ceadeus (Elder Dragon)
• Jhen Mohran (Elder Dragon)
• Hallowed Jhen Mohran (Elder Dragon)
• Alatreon (Elder Dragon)
• Amatsu (Elder Dragon)
• Dire Miralis (Elder Dragon)

Monsters Introduced in the Fourth Generation

The fourth generation brought back a large number of monsters from the first two generations while innovating in monster design. It has the widest variety of monsters of any generation.

There were 58 monsters introduced, with 5 Small Monsters and 53 Large Monsters, many of which were variants and subspecies of existing monsters.

Small Monsters

• Larinoth (Herbivore)
• Moofah (Herbivore)
• Maccao (Bird Wyvern)
• Zamite (Amphibian)
• Konchu (Neopteron)

Large Monsters

• Seltas (Neopteron)
• Desert Seltas (Neopteron)
• Seltas Queen (Neopteron)
• Desert Seltas Queen (Neopteron)
• Kecha Wacha (Fanged Beast)
• Ash Kecha Wacha (Fanged Beast)
• Tetsucabra (Amphibian)
• Berserk Tetsucabra (Amphibian)
• Drilltusk Tetsucabra (Amphibian)
• Nerscylla (Temnoceran)
• Shrouded Nerscylla (Temnoceran)
• Zamtrios (Amphibian)
• Tigerstripe Zamtrios (Amphibian)
• Najarala (Snake Wyvern)
• Tidal Najarala (Snake Wyvern)
• Great Maccao (Bird Wyvern)
• Malfestio (Bird Wyvern)
• Nightcloak Malfestio (Bird Wyvern)
• Glavenus (Brute Wyvern)
• Hellblade Glavenus (Brute Wyvern)
• Gammoth (Fanged Beast)
• Elderfrost Gammoth (Fanged Beast)
• Mizutsune (Leviathan)
• Soulseer Mizutsune (Leviathan)
• Astalos (Flying Wyvern)
• Boltreaver Astalos (Flying Wyvern)
• Ahtlal-Ka (Neopteron)
• Ruby Basarios (Flying Wyvern)
• Gore Magala (???/Unknown)
• Chaotic Gore Magala (???/Unknown)
• Seregios (Flying Wyvern)
• Dreadking Rathalos (Flying Wyvern)
• Dreadqueen Rathian (Flying Wyvern)
• Bloodbath Diablos (Flying Wyvern)
• Deadeye Yian Garuga (Bird Wyvern)
• Stonefist Hermitaur (Carapaceon)
• Rustrazor Ceanataur (Carapaceon)
• Molten Tigrex (Flying Wyvern)
• Grimclaw Tigrex (Flying Wyvern)
• Silverwind Nargacuga (Flying Wyvern)
• Redhelm Arzuros (Fanged Beast)
• Snowbaron Lagombi (Fanged Beast)
• Thunderlord Zinogre (Fanged Beast)
• Raging Brachydios (Brute Wyvern)
• Dah'ren Mohran (Elder Dragon)
• Dalamadur (Elder Dragon)
• Shah Dalamadur (Elder Dragon)
• Oroshi Kirin (Elder Dragon)
• Gogmazios (Elder Dragon)
• Shagaru Magala (Elder Dragon)
• Nakarkos (Elder Dragon)
• Valstrax (Elder Dragon)

Monsters Introduced in the Fifth Generation

The fifth generation is where Monster Hunter finally gained mainstream success in the West, with Monster Hunter: World selling over 16 million copies worldwide. It represents yet another massive, significant overhaul for the series. Once again, the focus was put on newer monsters.

There have been 69 monsters introduced thus far, with 18 Small Monsters and 51 Large Monsters.

Small Monsters

• Kestodon (Herbivore)
• Gastodon (Herbivore)
• Gajalaka (Lynian)
• Grimalkyne (Lynian)
• Gajau (Fish)
• Barnos (Wingdrake)
• Mernos (Wingdrake)
• Noios (Wingdrake)
• Raphinos (Wingdrake)
• Jagras (Fanged Wyvern)
• Girros (Fanged Wyvern)
• Shamos (Fanged Wyvern)
• Boaboa (Lynian)
• Cortos (Wingdrake)
• Wulg (Fanged Wyvern)
• Bombadgy (Fanged Beast)
• Izuchi (Bird Wyvern)
• Rachnoid (Temnoceran)

Large Monsters

• Great Jagras (Fanged Wyvern)
• Kulu Ya-Ku (Bird Wyvern)
• Pukei-Pukei (Bird Wyvern)
• Coral Pukei-Pukei (Bird Wyvern)
• Jyuratodus (Piscine Wyvern)
• Tobi-Kadachi (Fanged Wyvern)
• Viper Tobi-Kadachi (Fanged Wyvern)
• Anjanath (Brute Wyvern)
• Fulger Anjanath (Brute Wyvern)
• Tzitzi-Ya-Ku (Bird Wyvern)
• Great Girros (Fanged Wyvern)
• Paolumu (Flying Wyvern)
• Nightshade Paolumu (Flying Wyvern)
• Radobaan (Brute Wyvern)
• Legiana (Flying Wyvern)
• Shrieking Legiana (Flying Wyvern)
• Odogaron (Fanged Wyvern)
• Ebony Odogaron (Fanged Wyvern)
• Dodogama (Fanged Wyvern)
• Bazelgeuse (Flying Wyvern)
• Seething Bazelgeuse (Flying Wyvern)
• Beotodus (Piscine Wyvern)
• Banbaro (Brute Wyvern)
• Scarred Yian Garuga (Bird Wyvern)
• Frostfang Barioth (Flying Wyvern)
• Acidic Glavenus (Brute Wyvern)
• Great Izuchi (Bird Wyvern)
• Aknosom (Bird Wyvern)
• Bishaten (Fanged Beast)
• Goss Harag (Fanged Beast)
• Tetranadon (Amphibian)
• Almudron (Leviathan)
• Somnacanth (Leviathan)
• Rakna-Kadaki (Temnoceran)
• Magnamalo (Fanged Wyvern)
• Apex Arzuros (Fanged Beast)
• Apex Diablos (Flying Wyvern)
• Apex Mizutsune (Leviathan)
• Apex Rathalos (Flying Wyvern)
• Apex Rathian (Flying Wyvern)
• Apex Zinogre (Fanged Wyvern)
• Nergigante (Elder Dragon)
• Ruiner Nergigante (Elder Dragon)
• Zorah Magdaros (Elder Dragon)
• Vaal Hazak (Elder Dragon)
• Blackveil Vaal Hazak (Elder Dragon)
• Xeno'jiiva (Elder Dragon)
• Kulve Taroth (Elder Dragon)
• Behemoth (Elder Dragon)
• Leshen (Relict)
• Ancient Leshen (Relict)
• Velkhana (Elder Dragon)
• Namielle (Elder Dragon)
• Shara Ishvalda (Elder Dragon)
• Safi'jiiva (Elder Dragon)
• Thunder Serpent Narwa (Elder Dragon)
• Wind Serpent Ibushi (Elder Dragon)
• Narwa the Allmother (Elder Dragon)
• Crimson Glow Valstrax (Elder Dragon)

Promotions

Energy Drinks: No time-consuming, social life killing RPG is complete without a licensed energy drink! This Japan- only beverage was put out by Bandai on March 27, 2008 to coincide with the release of Monster Hunter 2nd G, an expansion for MH: Freedom 2 for the PSP. The drink had a limited run through April, and was sold at 7-11 only. Bandai estimated that the drink sold 50 million units!