The Best Flagship Monsters In The Monster Hunter Series, Ranked

Summary

Monster Hunter features impressive flagship monsters like Kushala Daora and Nergigante.
NPCs like Valstrax and Rathalos play significant roles beyond just being unique monsters.
Each flagship monster, like Zinogre and Tigrex, brings different challenges and gameplay experiences.

The primary appeal of Monster Hunter lies in its titular creatures. While you are assigned the job of hunting these beasts, it’s primarily due to their dangerous nature. However, watching them roam through the game world, observing their interactions with other monsters, and understanding their way of life in general is captivating. It presents a dynamic, living environment.

In summary, there are monsters more dangerous than others, and the Flagship monsters fit this description perfectly. Each game within the series features a pivotal creature that dominates the narrative, although it’s not always the main antagonist. Instead, they serve as the central focus and leave an indelible mark. Here are some of the most impactful examples from the series.

10.

Kushala Daora

Monster Hunter 2

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been enthralled by the Elder Dragons since day one, but Kushala Daora was the first time an Elder Dragon took center stage in our beloved series. This wind-dominating beast with its steel wings has become my main storyline, though it doesn’t take much time for the narrative to veer off from them.

Kushala belongs to the Elder Dragon class, which essentially means it’s a type of dragon. Its unique abilities like controlling the wind and having a metallic body that causes weapons to bounce off, are quite fascinating, even if not as impactful as some dragons encountered later on.

9.

Lagiacrus

Monster Hunter Tri

Indeed, Lagiacrus became a well-known monster in Monster Hunter Tri, often serving as the emblem for the game due to its role in showcasing an important new aspect – underwater combat. Even though it was later surpassed by Ceadeus, its renown remains unshaken.

The popular Lagiacrus is anticipated to make a comeback, and it seems that underwater battles will accompany them. While they may not stand out uniquely on their own, they serve as an excellent representation of the series’ variety. Players cherish them equally for their distinctive monster design and the gameplay systems they symbolize.

8.

Magnamalo

Monster Hunter Rise

In many of the primary games, it’s common to encounter draconic creatures as the dominant foes, whether they are true Elder Dragons or not. However, Monster Hunter Rise offered a refreshing change by introducing the earthbound Magnamalo. This beast, filled with intense purple fury and boasting alarming agility, was your primary antagonist until High Rank quests were introduced.

These creatures draw substantial influence from traditional Japanese motifs seen in Rise, wielding their limbs as swords and sporting a headgear resembling ceremonial helmets. Although they might not possess the grandeur of certain other Flagship monsters, they are undeniably distinctive and exude an imposing, menacing aura.

7.

Nergigante

Monster Hunter World

In comparison to other creatures in the series, Nergigante stands out as one of the most colossal monsters, not necessitating a separate battle zone. Its imposing size leaves little room for argument about the fear it instills through its menacing structure.

Nergigante’s spikes and horns aren’t merely decorative; they’re perpetually growing and hardening, becoming even more potent once solidified. By tapping into the power of other Elder Dragons and disrupting the energy balance in the New World, Nergigante poses a threat not only to hunters but also to the entire world.

6.

Valstrax

Monster Hunter Generations: Ultimate

In Monster Hunter Rise, Valstrax was most impressively presented with the Crimson Glow version, but it initially debuted as the main Flagship monster in Monster Hunter Generations: Ultimate. There’s no more fitting description for them than calling them a biological fighter jet.

Valstrax is truly awe-inspiring, with fiery flames blazing from its wings and the ability to slice through the air like a sharp blade. To make matters worse, it can launch a scorching beam of heat from its wings and vanish only to reappear instantaneously, often right on top of you.

5.

Gore Magala

Monster Hunter 4

Gore Magala is a tormented beast, different from most others living naturally in the world. This creature endures intense suffering because it carries a virus within it. The only way to cure this virus is for it to evolve into a Shagaru Magala. Until then, it has no choice but to survive in agony. Thus, hunting Gore Magala might actually be an act of mercy.

Gore Magala, despite being blind, causes chaos without any hindrance. Its Frenzy Virus is also highly infectious, preventing healing if contracted. This formidable monster is truly menacing and ranks among the most unnerving Flagship monsters ever created in the series to date.

4.

Malzeno

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

In this series, each monster has a distinct purpose in its design and gameplay. Among them, Malzeno stands out as one of the rare few that draws heavily from human origins. This regal figure sports bat-like wings and is known as a lord of blood, much like Gore Magala, but with a distinctly different twist.

Despite being weakened by Qurio, Malzeno has formed a mutually beneficial bond. Its power is enhanced, and it locates blood as its primary objective. It can infect you with this same power, depleting your Health Points but providing an opportunity for greater restoration if you respond aggressively. Among the Flagships, Malzeno stands out for its elegant style.

Later on, Sunbreak introduced Primordial Malzeno as well, a pre-infected version of Malzeno prior to their exposure to the Qurio.

3.

Tigrex

Monster Hunter Freedom 2

In a creative twist reminiscent of a child’s imaginative play, Tigrex presents an intriguing hypothetical scenario: what if a dinosaur possessed the swiftness of a tiger and the wings of a dragon? This fanciful concept gave birth to one of the series’ most formidable monsters.

Stepping into the world of Freedom 2 for the first time, I found myself face-to-face with a formidable foe: Tigrex. This beast is more than just a symbol of the series; it’s a relentless force to be reckoned with. They will chase you down without mercy, catching you off guard when least expected. If their keen eyes lock onto you, consider yourself already defeated. Navigating battles against Tigrex requires not only courage but also sharp wit. They present a formidable challenge on par with any Elder Dragon.

2.

Zinogre

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

Since Zinogre made its debut in the Monster Hunter series, it has swiftly earned the affection of numerous hunters. Its robust spikes and sleek fur are just two of its many striking features, but what truly sets Zinogre apart is its command over lightning.

Instead of having an innate skill, Zinorge harnesses lightning from Thunderbugs. These bugs dwell securely within Zinogre’s fur, enabling it to tap into their power. A formidable creature indeed, Zinogre cleverly exploits its surroundings for advantage. It’s no wonder they’ve made such a lasting impact.

1.

Rathalos

Monster Hunter

There’s no doubt about it; Rathalos isn’t just any creature. Known as the flagship monster from the debut Monster Hunter game, Rathalos transcends its role. It serves as the series mascot and embodies what a monster in this franchise truly represents. It’s formidable, setting the standard for powerful monsters throughout the games.

Over time, Rathalos has consistently remained a fan favorite in the series, appearing in nearly every game. It’s hard to top a timeless classic like it.

2025-02-18 13:36