Monster Hunter Wilds: A Diverse and Impressive New Monster Roster

Monster Hunter Wilds has captivated players with its extensive array of new monsters, delivering fresh and exhilarating hunting experiences that set it apart in the series. The thrill of encountering entirely original creatures to battle, carve, and craft with is a hallmark of the franchise, and Wilds excels in this area by introducing a substantial number of unique foes right from the start. With a low-rank portion dominated by newcomers and returning classics often reimagined with new variants, the game offers a revitalized adventure that keeps hunters engaged and eager for more. As of 2025, this latest entry stands as a testament to the developers' commitment to innovation, building on the success of its predecessors while carving its own path forward.

The Scale of New Monsters

Monster Hunter Wilds boasts a total of 29 large monsters in its base game, as documented in the hunter's field guide. This figure, however, includes various variants, which can spark debate among players about whether they qualify as distinct entities. Focusing on new additions, Wilds features an impressive 20 new monsters, incorporating guardian variants that add unique twists to familiar fights. For instance, excluding some variants like Guardian Fulgar Anjanath and Guardian Rathalos reduces the count to 15, but many of these variants significantly alter gameplay dynamics, such as Guardian Arkveld's heightened enraged state. This ratio of new monsters is particularly striking in the low-rank story, where encounters like Congalala stand out amidst an otherwise fresh roster.

The new monsters in Wilds are diverse and creatively designed, as evidenced by the following list from the hunter's field journal. Guardian variants are included here, with the more contentious ones bolded for clarity:

• Chatacabra

• Quematrice

• Lala Barina

• Balahara

• Doshaguma

• Uth Duna

• Rompopolo

• Rey Dau

• Hirabami

• Ajarakan

• Nu Udra

• Guardian Doshaguma

• Guardian Rathalos

• Jin Dahaad

• Guardian Ebony Odogaron

• Xu Wu

• Guardian Arkveld

• Zoh Shia

• Guardian Fulgar Anjanath

• Arkveld

This lineup showcases the game's emphasis on originality, with only a few entries like Arkveld and its guardian variant feeling less differentiated.

Uniqueness and Design Highlights

The new monsters in Wilds are not just numerous but exceptionally unique, thanks to innovative design elements. Xu Wu and Nu Udra, for example, leverage an octopus rig to create fluid, dynamic battles that feel unlike anything in previous entries. Zoh Shia and Arkveld form a compelling flagship duo, with Zoh Shia serving as a refreshingly grounded final boss—eschewing the typical gargantuan scale for a more intense, personal showdown that feels incredibly rewarding. Ajarakan, with its fiery, wrestling-inspired moveset, is a standout modern classic, offering fast-paced, visually spectacular fights that are as fun to watch as they are to engage with. The overall cast is memorable and diverse, ensuring that each hunt feels distinct and challenging.

Comparison to Monster Hunter World and Rise

When stacked against other major entries in the series, Wilds holds its own or even surpasses them in terms of new monster introductions. Monster Hunter World, for instance, started with a comparable base roster but expanded to a whopping 71 monsters after updates like Iceborne and collaborations. Wilds begins on a similar footing, with its 20 new monsters matching World's initial offering, and its success suggests potential for similar post-launch growth. In contrast, Monster Hunter Rise lagged significantly, featuring only about 11 new monsters in its base game. While Rise's Sunbreak expansion added memorable originals like the Universal Monsters-inspired trio (Lunagaron, Garangolm, and Malzeno), Wilds' starting lineup is more robust and varied.

The table below summarizes the key differences in monster counts across recent games, highlighting Wilds' strong position:

This comparison underscores Wilds' achievement in maintaining series standards while pushing boundaries.

Future Expansion Potential

Given Wilds' massive success in 2025, the future looks bright for additional monster introductions. Players can reasonably expect the inevitable Master Rank expansion, which will likely follow World's model by adding original monsters and collaborations, such as cross-over events akin to Leshen and Behemoth. This could propel Wilds' roster well beyond its current numbers, ensuring longevity and replayability. The game's solid foundation provides ample room for growth, promising even more creative hunts that build on the existing diversity.

In conclusion, Monster Hunter Wilds delivers an outstanding start with its rich array of new monsters, blending quantity with quality to create an immersive and thrilling experience. The unique designs and strategic variants ensure that every hunt feels fresh, setting a high bar for future updates. As the game evolves, it has the potential to outshine its predecessors, continuing to innovate and captivate hunters worldwide. 🎮🔥

This assessment draws from Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and in-depth reviews. Eurogamer's coverage of Monster Hunter Wilds has emphasized the game's ambitious approach to monster design, noting how the introduction of numerous new creatures and inventive variants revitalizes the hunting experience for both series veterans and newcomers. Their analysis highlights the community's excitement over the fresh roster and the anticipation for future expansions that could further enrich the game's ecosystem.