8 iconic monsters we desperately want to see return in Monster Hunter Wilds with strategic hunting insights
The Legacy Monster Dilemma
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces an entirely new roster of deadly creatures to challenge hunters, yet veteran players eagerly anticipate which classic monsters will join the fray. The upcoming title represents Capcom’s most ambitious entry in their beloved creature-slaying franchise, scheduled for 2025 release with previews already showcasing innovative monster designs, weapon mechanics, and character systems.
While staple creatures like Rathalos and Zinogre virtually guarantee their inclusion, numerous iconic beasts from previous generations remain absent from modern titles. Our curated selection focuses on monsters that would seamlessly integrate into the Forbidden Lands ecosystem while offering unique gameplay experiences that leverage Wilds’ technological advancements.
The selection criteria emphasize creatures with distinctive mechanics that would benefit from enhanced graphics, expanded environments, and refined combat systems. Each monster chosen represents either a significant fan-favorite or possesses gameplay elements that align perfectly with Wilds’ emphasis on dynamic ecosystems and environmental interaction.
Jhen Mohran: The Desert Colossus
The expansive dunes of Windward Plains create an ideal habitat for Jhen Mohran, the serpentine Elder Dragon renowned for swimming through desert terrain. This colossal creature utilizes enormous tusks to burrow beneath the sand, emerging with devastating force to crush any threats to its domain. Its unique desert adaptation makes it perfectly suited for Wilds’ environment design philosophy.
During the second gameplay trailer, hunters were briefly shown navigating the desert aboard a massive transport ship. While not definitive confirmation, this visual strongly hints at the potential return of Jhen Mohran’s signature Dragonship combat sequences. These large-scale battles traditionally involve coordinated attacks against the monster while managing ship integrity and environmental hazards.
Strategic hunting tip: Focus attacks on the vulnerable tusks and back areas during the ship phase, then transition to the mouth and chest when it closes distance. Multiplayer coordination becomes crucial during the final phase when Jhen Mohran attempts to capsize the vessel.
The potential for either traditional Elder Dragon quests or raid-style events similar to Monster Hunter World’s Kulve Taroth siege presents exciting possibilities. These large-scale encounters would leverage Wilds’ enhanced multiplayer capabilities while providing the spectacle expected from next-generation monster encounters.
Seltas Queen & Seltas: Symbiotic Strike Team
First appearing in Monster Hunter 4, Seltas and Seltas Queen deliver an exceptional early-game challenge through their unique symbiotic relationship. While both insects can be confronted individually, the true challenge emerges when the smaller Seltas merges with the Queen, creating a coordinated combat unit that covers mutual weaknesses through combined abilities.
During this fused state, the Seltas provides aerial mobility and ranged support while mounted on the Queen’s back, effectively eliminating the larger creature’s movement limitations. This partnership enables devastating combination attacks where the Queen charges forward while Seltas provides covering fire or aerial maneuvers to flank unprepared hunters.
Common mistake: Focusing exclusively on the Queen while ignoring the Seltas. Prioritize eliminating the smaller partner first to disrupt their synergy and remove the Queen’s enhanced capabilities. Use sonic bombs when they attempt to merge to temporarily stagger both creatures.
The beetle-inspired designs and cooperative monster mechanics align perfectly with Wilds’ environmental interaction systems. While not the most difficult encounter, their unique gimmick provides excellent introductory lessons about target prioritization and mechanic management for newcomers to the series.
Dalamadur: The Mountain-Sized Serpent
Remembered more as a monumental setpiece than conventional hunt, this gargantuan serpent desperately warrants next-generation treatment. Dalamadur debuted in Monster Hunter 4 and has received minimal series acknowledgment since, beyond skeletal remains discovered in Monster Hunter World’s Rotten Vale that hint at its immense scale.
The Elder Dragon famously inhabited Speartip Crag, coiling its massive body around rock formations with such enormity that hunters needed to navigate multiple terrain levels to strike vulnerable points. Its sheer size previously exceeded display boundaries, requiring players to strategically position themselves to access the head, claws, and tail sections throughout the battle.
Optimization tip: Equip weapons with extended reach or mounting capabilities to access higher weak points. Environmental weapons and siege equipment become essential for dealing significant damage to harder-to-reach areas.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate showcased Dalamadur’s potential, but modern hardware could fully realize this colossal creature’s spectacle. Wilds presents the opportunity to unshackle this behemoth from technical limitations, allowing proper scale representation and more dynamic interaction with its massive form throughout the hunting grounds.
Lagiacrus: The Leviathan Legacy
As Monster Hunter Tri’s flagship monster, Lagiacrus was originally slated for Monster Hunter World before animation complications resulted in its removal from the final roster. This omission disappointed many veteran players, yet Wilds offers the perfect opportunity to correct this oversight and reintroduce the iconic leviathan.
The Summer Games Fest trailer revealed Balahara, desert-dwelling leviathans that tunnel through sand using serpentine movements to create quicksand traps. These animations demonstrate Capcom may have resolved the technical hurdles that previously prevented Lagiacrus implementation in newer titles.
Advanced tactic: Bait the thunder explosion by maintaining medium distance, then punish the recovery animation. Focus on breaking the horn to reduce thunder attack potency and create better crafting materials.
While underwater combat remains confirmed as absent, Lagiacrus maintains formidable terrestrial capabilities. This is particularly true for Ivory Lagiacrus, the land-based subspecies that favors ground combat over aquatic environments. Its most devastating technique involves coiling before unleashing explosive thunder energy, complemented by dangerous claw swipes and tail strikes that demand careful positioning and timing to evade.
The technical foundation established by Balahara’s tunneling mechanics suggests Capcom may have finally engineered solutions for Lagiacrus’ complex animation requirements, making its Wilds inclusion increasingly plausible.
Qurupeco: The Cunning Summoner
Affectionately nicknamed ‘disco chicken’ by series veterans, this beloved Bird Wyvern possesses the unique ability to mimic other monster cries, summoning additional creatures to its location. Monster Hunter Wilds’ expansive environments create the perfect setting for Qurupeco’s return, allowing its signature mechanic to shine through enhanced ecosystem interactions.
Picture confronting this deceptive trickster, only to have it summon a pack of hungry Doshaguma or amphibious Chatacabra to disrupt your hunting party. These unexpected arrivals introduce strategic decisions: repel the interloper for safer combat or eliminate both creatures for additional rewards and crafting materials.
Practical strategy: Always carry dung bombs to quickly eject unwanted guest monsters. Monitor Qurupeco’s animation cues to anticipate summons and interrupt them with well-timed attacks or sonic bombs.
Territorial conflicts between monsters would occur more frequently, continuing the spectacular turf war system introduced in World that adds cinematic drama to hunts. Qurupeco’s mechanics would naturally encourage environmental awareness and preparation for unpredictable combat scenarios that test hunter adaptability.
Agnaktor: The Volcanic Leviathan
Originally introduced in Monster Hunter Tri, Agnaktor stands among the most mechanically interesting leviathans from third-generation titles. Its distinctive hardening ability allows the creature to develop formidable armor when cooled, then become vulnerable when heated, creating dynamic combat phases that reward timing and observation.
This mechanic introduces engaging hunt dynamics where hunters must capitalize on brief vulnerability windows when Agnaktor’s plating softens, all while avoiding fiery laser beams and aggressive claw assaults. The constant shift between defensive and offensive states demands adaptive strategies and careful resource management.
Common pitfall: Overcommitting during soft phases and getting caught by sudden armor reactivation. Instead, use hit-and-run tactics during vulnerability windows and focus on positioning during hardened phases.
Capcom has consistently omitted Agnaktor from recent titles, likely due to the same animation complexities that excluded Lagiacrus from World and Rise. However, Balahara’s inclusion demonstrates similar tunneling animations that could finally enable Agnaktor’s return in the Forbidden Lands, bringing its unique armor mechanics to modern hunting grounds.
Gammoth: The Frozen Behemoth
Gammoth remains the sole Fated Four member yet to receive contemporary treatment, while Astalos, Mizutsune, and Glavenus have all appeared in recent titles. Though huntable in Generations Ultimate, Capcom’s wooly mammoth-inspired creature has been conspicuously absent from the modern monster lineup despite fan demand.
These massive creatures represent the largest Fanged Beasts in the franchise, combining deliberate, powerful attacks with devastating area control. While their movements appear slow, Gammoth’s spiked trunk delivers tremendous impact, and their ability to generate blizzards that freeze targets enables follow-up attacks with crushing force from their enormous legs.
Optimization approach: Target the trunk first to reduce its blizzard capability, then focus on the legs to create trip opportunities. Use fire-element weapons to accelerate snow melt and reduce environmental hindrance.
With Monster Hunter Wilds emphasizing herd behaviors and ecosystem dynamics, witnessing multiple Gammoth moving through the Forbidden Lands would create memorable spectacles. Their inclusion would complete the Fated Four reunion while introducing massive-scale creature encounters that leverage next-generation hardware capabilities.
Strategic Hunter Preparation
Our Monster Hunter Wilds aspirations extend beyond creature comebacks, encompassing comprehensive wishlist items from cross-platform functionality to innovative weapon types. Each returning monster selected offers distinctive gameplay value that would enhance the Wilds experience through unique mechanics, visual spectacle, or strategic diversity.
Preparation recommendation: Familiarize yourself with these creatures’ original encounters through previous titles or community resources. Understanding their attack patterns and weaknesses beforehand will provide significant advantages when they potentially debut in Wilds.
The community’s vocal support for specific monster returns frequently influences Capcom’s development decisions, making continued discussion and enthusiasm valuable for shaping the final roster. Your engagement helps demonstrate which legacy creatures players genuinely want to experience with modern technology and refined game systems.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Monsters we want to see return in Monster Hunter Wilds 8 iconic monsters we desperately want to see return in Monster Hunter Wilds with strategic hunting insights