These Monster Hunter Monsters Are Even Stronger Than Elder Dragons

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Summary

  • Shen Gaoren, Magnamalo, and Espinas are powerful monsters outside the Elder Dragon class.
  • Jin Dahaad rivals classic Elder Dragon fights in Monster Hunter Wilds.
  • Arkveld is an invasive species at Elder Dragon level, capable of devastating entire ecosystems.

In the realm of Monster Hunter, some of the scariest creatures in video games dwell. A large number of the deadliest adversaries you’ll encounter across the series belong to the mighty and enigmatic Elder Dragons category. However, these monsters exhibit powers that are seemingly beyond the norms of nature.

Additionally, beyond these entities, there exist other formidable creatures that boast comparable power and infamy. These creatures are categorized as natural phenomena and have the potential to wreak havoc on ecosystems. They either hold dominion over their respective habitats or are invasive species capable of standing toe-to-toe with Elder Dragons.

10.

Shen Gaoren

The Walking Fortress

Shen Gaoren represents the biggest member within the Carapacean family, a group known for producing colossal crab-like creatures such as Hermitaurs and Ceanataurs. Standing tall among all the monsters in the series, even surpassing the Lao Shan Lung whose skull it utilizes as armor, Shen Gaoren is one of the most imposing figures. Its design takes inspiration from Spider Crabs, with elongated, spindly legs serving as both its defining characteristic and primary method of attack.

In a conflict reminiscent of battles against other colossal ancient dragons such as Lao Shan Lung and Zorah Magdoros, this enormous crustacean beast is relentlessly pursued. This titanic creature, with its intimidating size alone, can be considered a formidable and hazardous adversary, potentially ranking among the elder dragon tier. Many ordinary monsters would merely constitute a meal for this giant crab, while several elder dragons might struggle to fend it off.

9.

Magnamalo

The Harbinger of Malice

A terrifying Wyvern with fangs, making an appearance during a destructive event happening every 50 years near Kamura Village. Magnamalo are hazardous creatures, capable of turning the gases from their diet into ‘Hellfire’. This Hellfire can surround Magnamalo, amplifying the reach and potency of their spear-like tail and claw-like arm spikes. Additionally, they can release this fire into their surroundings, causing it to ignite like Teostra’s powder, thus expanding the radius of their movements.

In simpler terms, Magnamalo has the ability to use HellFire in combat against other ancient dragons. This allows it to nullify their abilities or force them into the air and push them back down. Some elder dragons that can potentially be defeated by Magnamalo include Teostra, Kushala Daora, and even Velkhana. Malzeno is one of the few elder dragons of similar size that might match Magnamalo’s ferocity, but this is only because their powerful moves often neutralize each other.

8.

Espinas

Passionate Poisoner Wyvern

Sunbreak. This creature is notorious for posing a threat to Elder Dragons. At first sight, it might appear to be a more powerful cousin of Rathalos and Rathian, but do not let its initial appearance deceive you. Espinas can be easily underestimated, and the consequences of such misjudgment are often chaotic and costly hunts.

Espinas typically appears calm, but when angered, it reveals an immense power. Legend has it that it can ward off ancient dragons such as Kushala Daora with its toxic and paralyzing fire blasts. In Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, the Flaming subspecies of Espinas even battled against Teostra’s fiery assaults and sent the Emperor of Flame plummeting from the heavens in its ecological video.

7.

Jin Dahaad

Apex Of The Frozen Ruin

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that among all creatures residing within the Iceshard Cliffs, Jin Dahaad stands unrivaled, towering as the supreme monster in size, surpassing even the mighty Shen Gaoren in length and mass, though it may fall short in height. This colossal leviathan is a sight to behold, possessing an extraordinary ability that allows it to freeze its own form and the surroundings – be they ground or walls – enabling it to maneuver its environment with uncanny agility. In addition to this, Jin Dahaad can unleash devastating blasts of ice, a testament to its immense power.

Engaging with Jin Dahaad offers an engaging challenge as its combat dynamics share resemblances with Safi’Jiiva and Behemoth. If you persistently attack its head, it becomes enraged, and it responds with a potent attack that demands immediate evasion for survival. Among the Wilds’ monsters, Jin Dahaad offers an experience most akin to a classic Elder Dragon fight in the main game, except for Zo Shia.

6.

Ahtal-Ka

Empress Of Ruins

In a tale filled with colossal dragons, formidable wyverns, and enormous spiders, this mantis-resembling Neopteron initially appears quite ordinary. However, the battle takes an unexpectedly stylish twist when she deftly maneuvers a mammoth mech dragon, seamlessly integrating it with her webs.

The beings known as Ahtal-Ka collect and reassemble remnants of metallic technology from humans to build colossal mech dragons, which they inhabit as their homes. It is quite plausible that these mech dwellings were employed by Ahtal-Ka for incursions into human settlements, seeking larger components for expansion. They also seized Dragonators, using them as their signature projectile weapons to hurl at pursuing hunters. At this juncture, the hunt transforms into a struggle for survival that catches you off guard.

5.

Raging Brachydios

Immortal Devastation

As a gamer, I’ve encountered some formidable foes, and the Regular Brachydios is one of them. They’re terrifying beasts, capable of deploying explosive slime molds for both hunting and self-defense. However, there are rare individuals among them who have formed a special bond with an ancient strain of explosive slime.

This antique slime was older than the rest, carrying a power overload that usually proves fatal to the Brachydios. But those who miraculously survived this encounter developed something extraordinary – an indestructible reactor deep within their very being.

Consequently, these specific species of Brachydios exhibit biological immortality, enabling them to become significantly larger and more powerful than their original counterparts. They are also markedly more aggressive towards threats, with their slime mold detonations spreading further, quicker, and possessing a greater destructive force. The enraged Brachydios can only be found in hostile terrains. Elder dragons are the sole creatures capable of surviving in these harsh environments. When elder dragons in the Guiding Lands are driven into their layers, they unleash an immense amount of volatile slime, boosting their powers and preparing the area for a cataclysmic slime explosion.

4.

Arkveld

The Chain-Bladed White Wraith

In simpler terms, Arkveld is a type of wyvern believed to be extinct by the Guild, but one appeared and began causing chaos in the Forbidden Lands. Somehow, this creature transformed beyond its normal state after taking on energy from top-tier monsters in various regions. This transformation led it to lay eggs before being hunted during a rampage. The egg later hatched into a regular Arkveld that contracted the Frenzy Virus.

Despite the heartbreaking demise of Guardian Arkvelds and their progeny, remarkably, the species managed a comeback from extinction during the course of the narrative. Today, Arkvelds can be spotted in all corners of the Forbidden Lands. Consequently, no known creatures in the realm are equipped to counteract Arkveld’s exceptional hunting abilities and their winged appendages, resembling chains, make them formidable predators that can harness elemental forces to amplify their own energy. The resilient Arkvelds are indeed a potentially destructive invasive species with the potential to disrupt entire ecosystems on an elder dragon scale, if not kept in check by the Guild’s constant vigilance.

3.

Akantor

Supreme Tyrant Of Fire

This colossal beast belongs to one of the largest categories of wingless wyverns, found on Inglis Island – a harsh and unforgiving terrain. Known for its aggressive nature, it is among the fiercest monsters of its kind. Remarkably, it can endure the scorching attacks of its primary target, Gravios. Legends speak of it as an adversary to another powerful flying wyvern, Ukanlos.

Akantors are powerful beasts resembling monsters. Their most potent attack is a soundwave blast, similar to Godzilla’s sonic roar from the Netflix anime series. This soundwave can obliterate objects over long distances with its beam-like roar. Many ships and settlements have experienced destruction due to the Akantors’ loud roars, and they often inhabit territories shared by other mighty dragon-level monsters.

2.

Rajang

Destruction Incarnate

Among the scarce dragons not considered elders, Rajang stands out as one who competes with and even pursues elder dragons for their potent abilities. Despite other Fanged Beast species being larger, Rajangs reign supreme in power. Known for hunting the cunning and powerful Kirin for its lightning-infused horns, Rajangs have demonstrated dominance, often emerging victorious in Turf Wars.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve found that even the Furious Rajang variant can take down elder dragons like Kushala Daora with ease. In my encounters with other elders such as Teostra and Nergigante, they seem to shrug off elemental damage while grappling and performing a powerful suplex maneuver to subdue their foes. What’s more, Rajangs are known to hold their own against one of the most dangerous creatures in Monster Hunter, the Deviljho.

1.

Deviljho

The Great Devourer

Few monsters are as notorious as those labeled “world eaters.” Even fewer cause unease among the Guild when they appear in a given setting. The Deviljho is an exceptionally fearsome creature. Its size and strength are equaled only by its insatiable hunger. Often on the verge of starvation, it relentlessly hunts and consumes whatever crosses its path. When provoked, its already formidable body becomes even more imposing as adrenaline floods it from past meals, revealing old wounds.

A particularly ravenous form called the Savage Deviljho, not hesitating to pursue and attack elder dragons, showcases an exceptional level of ferocity. This menacing creature is distinguished by its powerful dragon-like breath attacks, as well as corrosive spit that erodes armor. Known for being a formidable adversary, the Deviljho requires careful handling. Unlike other creatures who pose threats only when hungry or agitated, Deviljho is an ever-present danger, a relentless force of destruction and consumption, capable of causing local extinctions in any ecosystem it inhabits.

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2025-04-07 20:38