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.