Summary

TheMonster Hunter series is not shy from introducing whacky new monster types and mechanics to the game’s core meta. In most main series additions to the franchise,new variants, types, andclassesof monsters have been introduced in some capacity. Consequently, in theMonster Hunter: Risegames, Apex Monsters was introduced as one of its core features to make it distinguishable from other games in the franchise.

Apex Monsters are unique beasts, the pack leader among adversaries, attackinghunters, villages, and settlements. These creatures areimmensely powerful, surviving the harsh environment ofMonster Hunterto lament themselves at the top of the pecking order in power and strength.

Apex Arzuros roaring

Water, Ice

Fire, Ice, Thunder

Resembling a bear with razor-sharp claws and aggressive behavior, the common Arzuros is no easy feat to battle due to its large size and extensive weaponry, which makes it dangerous. Its Apex form is even more deadly, differing in appearance, with the monster having cuts all over its body and being gray/black compared to the yellow-tanned coloration of its counterpart.

This particular monster has intense rage and anger, throwing rocks at hunters, calling large swarms of beasts to attack, and even stealing honey from unexpected victims.

Apex Rathalos readying to shoot flame from its mouth at night

Fire

Dragon, Thunder

The famed Rathalos got a new form inMonster Hunter: Riseto add to its countless other variants. Apex Rathalos is a Rathalos on steroids, with more powerful attacks and larger fireballs.

Much like Apex Azuros, it can call on other monsters for aid and is far more extreme than its usual variation, bringing fireballs down from the sky to defeat hunters who dare challenge it. With wounds all over its body, Apex Rathalos is fueled by rage, pain, and anger - making it a powerful foe.

Apex Rathian surrounded by fire and water

While Rathalos and Rathians are often tied in terms of power, the Rathian usually comes out on top due to its highly toxic barbs. Apex Rathian doubles down on its venom capabilities, shooting spines at hunters in a flurry of deadly proportions.

Stronger than most Rathian variants, Apex Rathian is one of the game’s toughest Apex monsters and flyingleviathans. Apex Rathian comes in just below Apex Diablos in terms of power due to lacking the raw brute strength of its Leviathan peer.

Hunter with lance fighting Apex Diablos.

None

The Diablos are among the strongest flying leviathans in theMonster Huntergames. Known for being the king of the desert, traveling the dusty depths of sand to attack hunters, Diablos is highly aggressive, with massive protruding horns used to charge at hunters and dig underground.

The Apex Diablos features even larger thorns with stronger powers, faster, more frequent attacks, and constant aggression, making the fight one of the hardest inMonster Hunter: Rise.The creature also has stronger movesets using roars in conjunction with explosive charging.

Apex Mizutsune artwork

Water

Thunder, Dragon, Ice

Mizutsune is an elegant leviathan that controls bubbles to immobilize preying hunters. The beast also attacks in dance-like moves, withconsiderable skillin the heat of battle. This graceful creature in Apex form is transformed into a beast with unmatched aggression and power, using hellfire in its bubbles to attack hunters.

Apex Mizutsune also has a larger tail and is far more terrifying and powerful than its other variants, rivaling but not beating Apex Zigore, which comes top of this list.

Monster Hunter 4 Custom Thumbnail with official render of Apex Zinogre

Thunder

Ice, Water, Dragon, Fire

Apex Zinogre is the king of all Apex Monsters. An incredibly strong variant of the fanged electric wyvern known as Zinogre, its apex form pushes its electrical prowess to the next level with an abundance of new electric moves, such as creating massive lightning strikes using thunder bugs.

This far more aggressive and powerful version is said torival the strength of elder dragons, making it easily the strongest Apex Monster on this list. Apex Zinogre is one of the most powerful beasts inMonster Hunter: Rise.

Monster Hunter Rise Tag Page Cover Art