Summary
TheMonster Hunterfranchise has introduced a strikingly vast assortment of creatures for hunters to face. Over two hundreddifferent monsters exist in this fantastical world, and each is defined by its distinct traits and background. There are nineteen categories that monsters can fall into, each of them boasting unique features and abilities. Of the various classes, the most powerful and impactful group is the renowned elder dragons.
Elder dragons are not defined by their appearance, but instead by the immense power and influence they hold. These ancient creatures possess incomprehensible abilities capable of enacting widespread destruction and chaos. Their legendary status within the world sets them apart from common monsters, with some being revered as gods. Every one of these creatures is a formidable foe, but a select few stand above the rest.
Updated July 22, 2025 by Blaise Santi:Monster Hunter fans have been quite busy the past few months with the recent release of Monster Hunter Wilds. However, longtime veterans of the series may have noticed something peculiar about this new generation. For the first time in the franchise’s history, there are no Elder Dragons in the game. While some speculate they’ll be added later on via updates, their absence is deeply felt by those who like to challenge themselves by facing off against the strongest monsters according to the franchise’s lore.
To get an idea of which Elder Dragons would be the most fearsome to enter the fray in Monster Hunter Wilds' near future, here are some more Elder Dragons who have made prominent appearances in recent installments of the hunting RPG.
First Appearance
Monster Hunter 2
Kushala Daora joined theMonster Hunterfranchise in the second generation of games alongside the likes of Teostra and Chameleos. Of the Elder Dragon trio, Kushala is the easiest for players to hunt, though according to lore, it’s still one of the most fearsome monsters fans can encounter. Its metallic skin makes it difficult to attack, and its fearsome tornadoes can OHKO even well-equipped hunters.
Despite its great strength, the Kushala Daora is also quite passive, which sets it apart from most other Elder Dragons of its size. Thankfully, its associated armor set is like a badge of honor for hunters who have defeated it numerous times, but there are certainly much stronger Elder Dragons, even of its biome.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Velkhana is the flagship Elder Dragon for the DLC expansion toMonster Hunter World,Iceborne. This icy dragon is a lot more territorial and aggressive than similar dragons like the Kushala Daora, making its frozen breath and ice-raining attacks incredibly deadly to any hunter that seeks to challenge it.
In a unique move that no other Elder Dragon can replicate, Velkhana can also recreate any severed limb, such as its tail, using pure ice, meaning that even slicing its tail cannot prevent hunters from facing the wrath of some of its strongest attacks. Hopefully, hunters inMonster Hunter World: Iceborneare already used to keeping weapons with the Fire element.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Like Velkhana, Malzeno is the flagship monster of the DLC expansionSunbreakinMonster Hunter Rise, acting as a major threat in the main story. Visually, it’s reminiscent of vampires, which explains its symbiotic relationship with Qurio, allowing it to drain its prey of their life force to make itself stronger. Once it drains enough, Malzeno reaches a new form known as its “Bloodening.”
However, the Malzeno wasn’t always as aggressive and parasitic as it appears. The Primordial Malzeno is a variant of the monster from before it was infected by Qurio, making it one of the more peaceful, albeit still incredibly powerful, Elder Dragons. It’s far less powerful than the Qurio’s true host, but it’s one of the most violent monsters in anyMonster Huntergame.
Monster Hunter 4
The Dah’ren Mohran is surprisingly not the first of its kind in theMonster Hunterfranchise. The third-generation games introduced the Jhen Mohran, a massive, serpentine dragon that burrows through deserts like a killer whale. However, it was certainly elevated forMonster Hunter 4by introducing its cousin, the Dah’ren Mohran, who sports a single drill-like horn and much tougher skin.
Given its better durability compared to its third-generation predecessor, the Dah’ren Mohran makes for a much bigger threat to villages and traveling ships alike. It even makes a cameo inMarvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, in which it’s swiftly defeated by Hulk and Ryu in a cutscene, which probably can’t be said the same for any of the other Elder Dragons.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
If there’s anything that indicates how dangerous the Gogmazios is, just get a look at the Dragonator lodged in its back. This sticky Elder Dragon isn’t any weaker with the devastating weapon stuck inside it, plaguing measly hunters with a fiery laser beam and coating them in tar that will render players unable to move.
As if that’s not enough to put the spooks in any hunter facing off against it, the Gogmazios can also fly, despite its massive size. Compared to weaker Elder Dragons in the franchise, the Gogmazios is quite the survivor, so hopefully, hunters are prepared to defend against its unique attacks.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Technically speaking, the Ahtal-Ka is not an Elder Dragon. However, this Neopteron is as climactic of a fight as any other final boss in theMonster Hunterfranchise, mainly because it tends to masquerade as an Elder Dragon-esque monster. The monster has assembled a wyvern-like war machine, the Ahtal-Neset, from scrap metal and debris, puppeteering it against hunters.
Given this monster’s canonical cunning and strategic mind, it is said that it can level entire towns and fortresses by piloting the Ahtal-Neset. For players to even get a chance to battle the Ahtal-Ka, they’re going to have to get through this Trojan Horse of a fake Elder Dragon.
It’s quite an achievement to be the most cinematic of all the Elder Dragons. Valstrax made its first appearance inMonster Hunter Generations Ultimate, where it is mistaken for a shooting star rather than an actual monster. However, it is known to be quite aggressive towards its enemies, using its wings to not only pierce its enemies but to blast them with a fiery glow.
Valstrax’s subsequent appearance in the series, however, is as the Crimson Glow Valstrax inMonster Hunter Rise, which is even more aggressive than its original form. What’s especially dangerous about this variant of the Valstrax is how it can spot its prey from high into the atmosphere before swooping down to attack, appearing from nowhere.
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
The Storm Dragon, Amatsu, is an Elder Dragon capable of manipulating the weather to fashion intense storms that cause devastating destruction at Amatsu’s location. Wherever Amatsu appears, a trail of cyclones and gales is left to tread the destroyed lands Amatsu has inhabited, leaving a world-shaking impact on the ecosystem.
Upon trespassing into its territory, Amatsu is quick to confront anddespatch any intruders, whether Guildsor monsters. Amatsu’s abilities often grow stronger the more damage is taken, leading to destructive lightning being harnessed to defeat opposing forces.
The Flame King Dragon, Teostra, is a fiery Elder Dragon with a notably short temperament. Teostra is a powerful and territorial beast with a remarkable affinity for Fire, and as of the fourth-generation games, it has the explosive power of Blast as well. Anythingthat embarks upon its domain will be seen as a challengerand will thus meet the Elder Dragon’s vicious fury.
While Teostra’s flames and physical prowess are imposing, its most deadly trait is its anger. Teostra’s short temper often leads it to rampage, attacking anything within its path. Because of this, Guilds often make note of Teostra’s location and attitude, so they may intervene should it endanger ecosystems or cities.
Monster Hunter Generations
Introduced inMonster Hunter Generations, Nakarkos is a voracious Elder Dragon with a ghastly appearance, resembling more a squid than an actual dragon. Nakarkos' sticky mucus offers it great offensive and defensive capabilities. In its natural habitat, Nakarkosbecomes a near-indisputable apex predatorthat will indiscriminately attack any on its turf.
Nakarkos' adhesive mucus and gluttonous appetite make it a considerable threat. When Nakarkos settles, it annihilates every living thing within its vicinity. It then begins amassing the corpses of its kills, using them to build a nest or create makeshift armor. The negative effect Nakarkos can have on an ecosystem is catastrophic.
