With Monster Hunter Rise on its way, longtime fans of the series are excited to see what new and familiar monster Capcom has prepared for the Switch exclusive. Naturally, the list of hunts available in Monster Hunter Rise is going to be huge, with seventeen monsters already announced to be coming to the new game, and a few others possibly teased in the recent demo.
One interesting note to take with all of these monsters is that included in the list is many of the later additions that didn't even come to Monster Hunter: World until the Iceborne expansion. This could be a sign that Capcom is beginning to get more comfortable with throwing more difficult monsters into the starting lineup of Monster Hunter Rise for players to take on right away.
Magnamalo
The Magnamalo has become somewhat of a mascot for Monster Hunter Rise, appearing on all of the promotional material and seemingly supplying the gear for the Longsword in the demo. Fans can likely expect a tough fight when it finally comes time to take this monster on, especially considering the speed that similar Fanged wyverns often bring to the table. Regardless, it appears to be well worth the effort, since the preview players have gotten of the Magnamalo's gear makes for an impressive set.
Goss Harag
Another one of Monster Hunter Rise's original monsters, the Goss Harag is an interesting addition to the roster in that it's one of few monsters to use tools. Combining the normal kaiju-like strength of Monster Hunter monsters with a massive icicle that it uses like a Greatsword might make taking on the Goss Harag a tough enemy to face. Players may also want to keep an eye out as well, because when this monster turns red and starts to charge, it becomes an incredibly dangerous threat.
Lagombi
This returning monster has missed out on a few installments, having most recently appeared in Generations and skipping out on Monster Hunter World: Iceborne's tundra. However, the somewhat-easy monster will be a welcome edition to the new game as players get familiar with Monster Hunter Rise's frozen area.
Khezu
Not to be confused with Monster Hunter Tri's Gigginox, the Khezu is self-described as a "creepy Flying Wyvern" that can cling to cave wall and hunts through an enhanced sense of smell. These monsters twist and undulate in such an off-putting way that half of the difficulty comes from stomaching the idea of even touching the thing. That being said, veteran players should be excited to see this monster return, as it might really test a player's skill with features like the Wirebug in Monster Hunter Rise.
Great Baggi
The "Great" brand of creatures are often fairly easy when it comes to wyvern hunting, and the Great Baggi looks like it will be continuing that tradition. What's most dangerous about these enemies is how they are often followed by some collection of lesser versions of themselves, evening the odds slightly to their side with sheer numbers. Of course, jumping into Monster Hunter Rise with friends quickly turns the advantage back to the players, who should be able to make quick work of the monster.
Barioth
A familiar sight for many who have learned the ropes in Monster Hunter World, the Barioth is a Fanged Wyvern that spends most of its time in the snow and attacks with lightning-fast speed. This may be a monster that will be introduced a bit later in the progressing "story" of Monster Hunter Rise, and should be treated with care. The Barioth can cart players in a heartbeat when enraged, so immobilizing the monster will be the key to victory here.
Mizutsune
Having recently made an appearance in the Monster Hunter Rise demo, players can actually get a little practice against this monster right now, given that they still have attempts left. This fairly unique monster has a few interesting abilities that can really throw players who aren't quite ready for the bubbles to start swirling around the arena. Players should look out for the green and red bubbles when fighting a Mizutsune, as they can heal and power up the player.
Tigrex
Another enemy that first appeared when Monster Hunter World: Iceborne launched last year, the Tigrex is similar to the Barioth in that it attacks with incredible speed. However, this monster lacks the ability to harness ice and freeze or blight the player, though it certainly makes up for it with the increase in attack power that it has been given. Hopefully, a Tigrex being announced this early might also mean that the Brute Tigrex variant is also on the way, either right away or some time in the future.
Rathalos
The flagship monster of the entire Monster Hunter series, Rathalos and its slightly weaker companion Rathian, have been a staple for the series since the very first game. It would have been a strange omission for these monsters to not appear in any game, let alone the next main-entry in the series. Though, with these two included, farming for materials will likely be quite the task, as Rathalos' drop rates are the most notorious for Monster Hunter's "desire sensor" rumors.
Somnacanth
These Leviathan class enemies are another new addition to Monster Hunter Rise, coming with a strange description and extended lore. Apparently, the Somnacanth are the Monster Hunter universes version of mermaids, or more accurately the manatees that are claimed to have been mistaken for mermaids. It's an interesting take on the real-world myth that continues to show the way that Capcom draws in its inspirations from actual animals and mythologies.
Bishaten
This new addition to the Monster Hunter roster is another unique creature in the way that it uses its environment to fight, though its description comes off as less vicious and more playful. Supposedly, the Bishaten enjoys playing pranks on people, often in the form of using its peculiar tail to throw fruit at its enemies. These might turn out to be difficult hunts thanks to the fact that these fruits might hold multiple status effects that can hinder players seemingly at random.
Royal Ludroth
Another Leviathan class monster, the Royal Ludroth was first introduced in Monster Hunter Tri alongside a number of similar swimming enemies. Their huge manes are the most valuable collectable to gather from them, as the spongy material that it is made of is often used to craft armor and weapons, as well as reinforce seaside structures in-universe. Besides their unique features, the Royal Ludroth doesn't require much extra attention besides the standard approach to wyvern hunts in Monster Hunter Rise.
Great Wroggi
A familiar face from Monster Hunter 3rd Portable, the Great Wroggi is similar to other Bird Wyverns with the "Great" moniker added to their names. Unsuspecting players and those still in early gear might get caught off guard, but jumping into Monster Hunter Rise with the right weapons should guide players through.
Aknosom
This is Bird Wyvern is built to intimidate, perching up on a single leg like a parasol with a false eye that is meant to give off a terrifying visual to send players running. Interestingly, this enemy may be less built after a real-life creature and more related to a Nioh 2-type yokai that fans of Japanese myths might be familiar with. The Kasa-Obake stands on a single leg and has a large eye on its head similar to the way Aknosom attempts to scare away intruders on its territory.
Great Izuchi
Another "Great" monster that is actually the subject of one of the Monster Hunter Rise demo's hunts, is one that players can get familiar with right now. As most enemies with the added title goes, the Great Izuchi does indeed summon lesser versions of itself to help in the fight, though they can often be dispatched with wild swings while fighting the main monster.
Tetranadon
This turbo-sized monster caught quite a bit of attention when Monster Hunter Rise was first announced, as the design stands out significantly against most others in the series. It isn't often that players see a giant, hairy hippo jump into the fray like the Tetranadon, which appears to be able to move at pretty high speeds for its size. This might be a tougher early enemy to face, and its design might lead to some interesting weapons and armor down the line.
Arzuros
Capcom has released an entire video highlighting Monster Hunter Rise's Arzuros, though it can also be found wandering around in the background of hunts in the current demo. So players can already try their hands at fighting the enemy through both the wyvern riding tutorial as well as by ignoring a hunt's target to track down the extra monster. Though, players may want to be careful when facing off this huge badger-like enemy, as it can rip through newcomers if they aren't attentive to its swiping claws.
Monster Hunter Rise is set to release March 26th for Switch.
