Monster Hunter Rise was released for Nintendo Switch in March 2021, with a PC port coming out in January 2022. The base version of the game features a total of 46 Large Monsters, including variant Apex Monsters as well as ones added via DLC updates. However, those are not all the Monsters that will feature in the game.
The game's first expansion pack, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak adds a plethora of new Monsters for players to fight. These Monsters are currently the newest additions to the franchise's latest installment.
Updated July 4, 2022: Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak has officially been released for Switch and PC as of June 30th, 2022. Alongside the six previously-revealed monsters, a total of twelve additional monsters have been confirmed to be included in the game. Among these are brand-new monsters, familiar faces from previous Monster Hunter games, as well as variants of monsters that were included in the base game. Some will be arriving in future updates scheduled within the next year, while others will take some serious HR leveling-up to unlock. All of these monsters will provide plenty of challenges to hunters, both new and old.
18 Aurora Somnacanth
The Somnacanth made its debut as a brand-new monster in the base game of Monster Hunter Rise. It's one of the more unique monsters in the franchise, as its attacks utilize both the Sleep and Blastblight ailments. It's also one of the best choices for weapons with the Sleep element for hunters who like to lull their enemies to rest.
However, in Sunbreak, players can now battle the Somnacanth's variant, the Aurora Somnacanth. While it moves in a very similar fashion to its original form, the Aurora Somnacanth's abilities are strictly limited to Ice attacks. This also affects the locale the monster is found in, sliding around in an icy tundra versus a flooded forest.
17 Magma Almudron
Almudron takes the place of many similarly-shaped Leviathans from throughout the Monster Hunter franchise, such as Lagiacrus. Like the Barroth, the Almudron affects players with Mudblight, limiting their movement options. However, its variant now resembles other Leviathans who have been left out of Rise entirely.
As the Magma Almudron, the monster is now found in volcano settings. Its moves find it digging through the ground, resurfacing along with a pool of lava. Many of the Magma Almudron's moves actually resemble that of the Agnaktor, a Leviathan from the third generation games who drills its way into volcanic ground.
16 Pyre Rakna-Kadaki
The original form of Rakna-Kadaki is encountered by hunters late into High Rank quests. The same goes for the Pyre Rakna-Kadaki, its variant that first appears in Master Rank 4 quests. This variant actually shares a lot of similarities with its base game form, such as its use of Fireblight, although it has one major difference.
The Pyre Rakna-Kadaki also utilizes moves with Blastblight. This makes it a much more explosive monster than its other form. Its webbing is particularly explosive, making it an arachnid version of Brachydios from the third and fourth-generation games. Additionally, it boasts some pretty powerful Blast element weapons in Monster Hunter Rise.
15 Scorned Magnamalo
Players won't get a chance to face the Scorned Magnamalo until they hit HR 100, which can only be achieved after completing the DLC expansion's main story. This may not bother some hunters, as the regular Magnamalo is enough of a challenge. This variant, on the other hand, packs quite a punch against the inexperienced.
The Scorned Magnamalo, like its original form, utilizes Hellfire status effects in its moves. Hellfire works quite similar to Blast, but the Scorned Magnamalo definitely does not hold back its strength. Many of its Hellfire attacks are more explosive and chaotic than its original form, so keep healing items handy.
14 Furious Rajang
Furious Rajang returns to the Monster Hunter franchise. This variant of the already-impossible Rajang first appeared in Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for PSP, and ever since has remained one of the most difficult monsters in the series. Thankfully in Rise, hunters can benefit from increased movement options that make the fight easier.
Some of its unique attacks should also be avoided by inexperienced hunters. This includes a ginormous ball of electricity, as well as a brutal lightning punch with its fist. It definitely wouldn't be recommended to solo this monster either, so hunters should make good use of the Join Request feature to bring in players from around the world.
13 Seething Bazelgeuse
Bazelgeuse is a late-game monster in the base game of Monster Hunter Rise. It appears again in Sunbreak, though its variant won't be available until the first free update on August 1. This gives players enough time to power up their weapons and armor before facing the monster head-on.
Little is known about how different the Seething Bazelgeuse will be from its original form. It's to be expected that, given its name and locale, it will have similar elemental properties as the normal Bazelgeuse. The base game version of the monster does have pretty powerful Blast weapons, so hopefully Seething Bazelgeuse can top it.
12 Lucent Nargacuga
Another monster that's on the horizon is the Lucent Nargacuga, which first appeared in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. On August 1, veteran players will get a chance to revisit this fight, while new players will get a bigger challenge than the standard Nargacuga. That's because the Lucent Nargacuga has much more fearsome abilities.
Like the Chameleos, the Lucent Nargacuga is capable of turning invisible in battle. This can make it hard to land good hits on it, as it also moves incredibly fast. Additionally, its skin is a lot tougher than the regular Nargacuga, so when this monster releases, hunters should make sure they bring weapons with white Sharpness.
11 Daimyo Hermitaur
Alongside Shogun Ceanataur returns the Daimyo Hermitaur, a monster who debuted all the way back in Monster Hunter 2. This Carapaceon inflicts players with Waterblight, and its attacks can prove pretty deadly if not defended against properly. The skull on its back also leaves narrow room for hunters to get good attacks in.
However, besting this beast will be prosperous for certain hunters. In the past, Hermitaur armor has contained abilities like Guard and Defense Up. This makes it a perfect choice of armor for hunters who use weapons like Lance, Gunlance, Charge Blade, and Sword & Shield, since they'd benefit from the increased protection skills.
10 Gore Magala & Shagaru Magala
The flagship monster of the 4th Generation, Gore Magala, makes its long-awaited return in the Sunbreak expansion. Along with Gore Magala comes the return of the Frenzy virus, which inflicts players with an inability to naturally recover health. However, that's not all hunters should be worried about this time around.
Late game hunts also include an encounter with the Shagaru Magala, an evolved form of the Gore Magala with glimmering wings and skin. This version is a lot more powerful, though unlike other monsters, will still prove to be an exciting hunt for players new and old. Just make sure to bring Nulberries to ward off the Frenzy!
9 Seregios
Also returning from the 4th Gen games is Seregios, who made its debut appearance in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. This monster has tough skin, making it a worthwhile fight for hunters with high Sharpness. Additionally, its weapons boast high Sharpness as well, and its Armor sets usually consist of Sharpness-increasing skills.
However, the Seregios' attacks can prove quite deadly to new hunters. With its projectile scales, the Seregios can inflict players with Bleeding. This status effect will slowly drain the health of ignorant players, but can be easily remedied by eating a Well-Done Steak. It's a small price to pay for a pretty fun monster to hunt.
8 Espinas
Espinas may be an unfamiliar monster to recent fans of the series. That's because this is its first appearance in a main series Monster Hunter title, as it's only appeared in the spin-off titles Monster Hunter Frontier and Monster Hunter Online. Even veteran players of the franchise may be facing this Flying Wyvern for the first time.
Still, it would be wise to not be too cocky going into a fight with the Espinas. While it appears like any normal Flying Wyvern, it boasts an incredible moveset, including attacks that deal Fireblight, Poison, and Paralysis. Even its Fireball attacks can inflict players with Poison, so stay alert when battling this monster.
7 Gaismagorm
It wouldn't be a true Monster Hunter game without a secret final boss to be discovered by players. The Gaismagorm fills that role in Sunbreak, as it was not announced to the public prior to the DLC's release. This massive Elder Dragon is no walk in the park either, but a well-prepared team of hunters can surely survive.
The biggest thing to look out for when facing the Gaismagorm is its Qurio. These crystallized scales can be destroyed by attacking them, weakening the monster's ability to use certain attacks. It would definitely be smart to be wary of its abilities, which include explosive claps and wall-climbing finishing moves.
6 Blood Orange Bishaten
A new variant of the Bishaten was recently revealed in Capcom's March 2022 Monster Hunter Digital Event. The regular Bishaten was introduced in Monster Hunter Rise, notable for slinging berries at Hunters who threaten it. However, the Blood Orange Bishaten has a new element to make it more intimidating.
Rather than throw berries, this new Bishaten variant makes use of explosive pinecones. While this may make the Monster more difficult to fight, it's surely going to grant players access to some sweet Blast-type weapons. Additionally, the inclusion of this Monster may lead to more variants being announced in the near future.
5 Shogun Ceanataur
The Shogun Ceanataur returns to Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, after being absent from the game's predecessor, Monster Hunter World. Originally introduced in Monster Hunter 2 for PlayStation 2, this monster is quite a pain in the neck for inexperienced players. Thanks to his last appearance, he may be even more difficult.
With the Shogun Ceanataur's appearance in Monster Hunter Generations, the Monster became able to inflict the "Bleeding" status onto players. This status effect can quickly drain a distracted player's health if not taken care of quickly. However, if the "Bleeding" effect returns in Sunbreak, perhaps the Seregios will also make a welcomed return.
4 Astalos
Joining the Mizutsune, Astalos will also be returning to the Monster Hunter franchise. As one of four mascots for Monster Hunter Generations, Astalos will prove to be quite a thrilling hunt for both new and veteran players. This Monster is notable for its super-charged wings, tail, and head horn, which generate a special kind of electricity.
Now that Astalos is confirmed for Sunbreak, fans of Monster Hunter may be in for a treat. The game's two other mascots, Glavenus and Gammoth, have yet to be confirmed. This hopefully means they'll either return in this new expansion, or Monster Hunter Rise will have two more expansion packs featuring these returning Monsters.
3 Lunagaron
This Fanged Wyvern made its first appearance in the recent Monster Hunter Digital Event. Right away, fans noticed its similarities to the Nargacuga and Tobi-Kadachi, two Monsters already featured in Monster Hunter Rise. However, the Lunagaron is unique not only for its colder habitats, but its icy fur that players may find difficult to hit.
A benefit of other Fanged Wyverns in Monster Hunter Rise is they typically have powerful weapons with high sharpness. However, Ice element weapons are usually lacking in one of those departments. It's possible that conquering the Lunagaron will offer players a powerful Ice weapon with high sharpness.
2 Garangolm
The Garangolm was also introduced in Capcom's Monster Hunter Digital Event. This massive Monster appears to be inspired by a gorilla, which may frighten fans who have experience fighting the Rajang. Hopefully, the Garangolm will be an easier fight than that, though this may be a pipe dream.
According to Capcom's website, the Garangolm's most notable feature is its rigid, armor-like body. This will probably make it a tough Monster to land hits on, so players should probably bring weapons with high sharpness. However, defeating it may grant access to an Armor set with pretty high defense stats.
1 Malzeno
This Elder Dragon was the first Monster confirmed for Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. Alongside the Lunagaron and Garangolm, it makes up one of the "Three Lords" who serve as the primary targets in the expansion's story. However, it's easy to predict that the Malzeno will be the most fearsome and difficult of the three.
The Malzeno seems to derive inspiration from Dracula, as its able to drain players on their energy. Based on the trailers alone, it looks like the Malzeno will be a pretty sinister Monster to take on. However, defeating it will be quite the accomplishment for experienced Hunters, so players should look forward to the DLC's release!
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is currently available on Nintendo Switch and PC.