As of April 2021, Monster Hunter Rise has added ten new hunting monsters to the series. There are some notes to that though; for example, that two of them are smaller creatures. Only eight of them are epic large ones. There are also two new pet monsters that join Palicos, the Palamutes and Cohoots.
The game is also not shy about bringing back old monsters to the mix, such as Anjanath and Tobi-Kadachi. What other monsters from this franchise’s past should come in later via DLC or free updates? Capcom has promised a big update at the end of April, so it’s time to start wishing. Here are a few monsters fans would love to see make a comeback.
10 Lagiacrus, The Sea Serpent
Lagiacrus first appeared in Monster Hunter 3 on the Wii in 2010. The last time fans saw it in the series was in Monster Hunter Generations for the 3DS, way back in 2016.
This sea-serpent-looking monster has a curious history as it was planned not for this game, but its predecessor, Monster Hunter World. Footage can be seen of the creature in early builds for it but it was ultimately cut for whatever reason.
9 Ahtal-Ka, The Giant Mantis
Ahtal-Ka is a fairly recent monster, first appearing in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate on the Switch in 2018. That game was actually the one and only time it ever appeared in the series.
It’s a shame too, because the idea of fighting a praying mantis is more unique than most monster types. It’s also a terrifying idea to fight a giant bug with this menacing appearance, and players deserve to get another crack at it.
8 Akura Jebia, The Japan-Exclusive Scorpion
Akura Jebia is a classic monster, first seen in Monster Hunter Frontier Season 3 on PC in 2008. The last time players got to fight this beast was in Monster Hunter Frontier Z, also for PC, in 2016.
Both of those games were exclusive to Japan, and the latter of the two canceled its online service in 2019. This scorpion-inspired critter has never been seen in a main game in North America, and players worldwide deserve the chance to take it on.
7 Anorupatisu, A Draconic Creature Full Of Spikes
Anorupatisu first appeared in Monster Hunter Frontier G2 on PC in 2013. The last time it was seen in the series was also in Monster Hunter Frontier Z in 2016. As with the previous entry, the games in which it appeared were exclusive to Japan, meaning North American players never got to see this monster.
While it may look like many other dragons or wyverns in the series, it does have a unique swordfish-looking beak that makes it stand out and could make for a fun fight. Hopefully, DLC will give players everywhere a chance to witness this unique creature.
6 Kecha Wacha, A Colorful Elephant Monkey
Kecha Wacha first appeared in Monster Hunter 4 on the 3DS in 2013 in Japan, which was released two years later in North America. The last time fans caught a glimpse of it was in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate for the Switch, in 2018.
There is already a monkey creature in Rise, Bishaten. This creature is great, but the more monkey-inspired monsters, the better. Kecha Wacha has a wild design too, making it very distinct from Bishaten.
5 Gonngenn Hermitaur, The Most Unique Of Its Kind
Gonngenn Hermitaur first appeared in Monster Hunter Online for PC in 2013. This was its first and last appearance, making it another Japanese exclusive. Other types of Hermitaur have appeared since then, in games that even shipped to North America.
However, none of the other Hermitaur look as unique as this design. The Gonngenn Hermitaur features what looks like giant crystallized claws, similar to Akura Jebia‘s design.
4 Laviente, The Horned Snake
Laviente first appeared in Monster Hunter Frontier Season 7.0 on PC in 2009. Its most recent appearance in the series was in Monster Hunter Frontier Z on PC in 2016. Like many monsters on this list, both of these online games were exclusive to Japan, so Laviente has yet to appear in North America.
While its body is similar to other scaled beasts in the series, there aren’t many snakes in the Monster Hunter franchise. There are creatures with slender bodies and snakelike designs such as the Somnacanth in Monster Hunter Rise, but Laviente is legitimate snake, which is both fascinating and frightening.
3 Gobul, The Gaping-Mouthed Lantern Fish
Gobul first appeared in Monster Hunter 3 on the Wii in 2010 in North America. Players last got the chance to fight it in Monster Hunter Explore for mobile devices in 2015, which ended its service in 2016. Oddly, this game came out in Canada, but otherwise was exclusive to Japan.
This lantern fish-inspired monster interestingly was put into Monster Hunter World via mods on the PC version of the game, for those curious on check old Gobul out. However, it still deserves an appearance in Rise to give players another crack at this unique monster.
2 Kamu Orugaron, The Big Bad Wolf
Kamu Orugaron has only made one appearance in the franchise, in Monster Hunter Frontier Season 6.0 for PC in 2008. This was another Japan exclusive, and North American players deserve a chance to witness this creature firsthand.
This giant wolf would make a great addition to Monster Hunter Rise. Fans cannot argue that the series can always use more fuzzy creatures like this.
1 Forokururu, The Series' Wildest Bird
Forokururu first appeared in Monster Hunter Frontier G Genuine on PCs in 2014. The last time it was seen in the series was in Monster Hunter Frontier Z in 2016. It’s been an exclusive to Japan, and thus North American fans have never witnessed its splendor.
There have been many birds in the series, but nothing as crazy as this. With all its wild colors, this creature is reminiscent of a Quetzalcoatl from Mesoamerican legend (or Final Fantasy VIII).