Summary
Capcom’s immensely popularMonster Hunterseries first debuted back in 2004, and with the franchise at an all-time peak with the release ofMonster Hunter Wilds, it feels like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the games that led up to this point. While the gameplay, maps, and monsters between games have all been compared many times over, one aspect which often goes overlooked is the art covers, which provide players with a glimpse into the adventure before they even push start.
It’s become somewhat of a tradition that each cover art will showcase a powerful monster from the respective game, though Capcom has gotten pretty creative with the style and design of these illustrations, making for some frankly jaw-dropping visuals. It’s time to compare the very bestMonster Huntercover art based on memorability, creativity, and how well they manage to convey the spirit of the game’s world.
8Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
A Frightening Up-Close Look At The Dreaded Zinogre
While this cover isn’t as recognizable as many of the others, sincePortable 3rdwas only ever released in Japan, it definitely still deserves a mention for the jaw-dropping up-close shot of Zinogre in all its glory. As the beast lunges towards the hunter, a bright blue light peeks in from the night sky in the background, making for a shot that’s honestly hard to look away from.
This cover is an example of just how importantthe lighting of an imagecan be when setting the mood and tone of a cover, and though it may not be the flashiest in the series, it’s still a real standout. Getting this close to a Zinogre in person may be a pretty bad idea, but there’s no denying that it makes for a great photo.
It’s a given that a monster and a hunter or two will show up for aMonster Huntercover, butStories 2decides to instead shine the spotlight on the environment, where players can expect to do most of their hunting once they dive in. With the hunter riding atop Ratha and soaring over the wide open landscape, players are treated to a dazzling shot ofHakolo Islandwith its lush green fields and glistening waterfalls.
Having the snowy mountains peaking out from the background is a nice added touch that shows just how diverse this environment really is, getting players excited to jump in and start exploring. It’s not quite as epic or grandiose as some other covers in the series, butMonster Hunter Stories 2still earns a spot for its uniqueness and focus on the environment.
The cover of the fourth mainline game already provides a pretty awesome shot of Gore Magala, but what amplifies this cover is how it feeds into the gameplay changes. It wasMonster Hunter 4that expanded the core movement, which has become commonplace in some of the more modern games, such as being able to climb and vault over parts of the map.
As a way to showcase the power of the high ground, this cover showcases the hunters taking on the ferocious main boss of the game from different altitudes, while also all using numerous different weapon types that players can get their hands on. Including several hunters on the cover also advertises the4-player co-op functionality, which was a first for the handheld set of games. While there could have been a little something extra added to the environment to make it pop out a bit more, this cover still has a lot going for it.
In order to represent the morecasual and upbeat toneofMonster Hunter Stories, the cover adopts an art style drastically different from anything that had been seen in the series before. Taking the cartoon route and packing in as many colorful monsters onto the cover as possible makes it a real feast for the eyes, and allows these epic monsters to show how cool and creative they really are when it comes to design.
From Tirex to Nargacuga, all the way to Azure Rathalos, there are tons of iconic Royal Monsters that make an appearance here, with everyone showing up as part of the grand spectacle. This kind of chibi art style can be somewhat of a refined taste, but for those who appreciate it, this is a real looker, and the kind of image that wouldn’t look out of place on a bedroom wall.
Capcom are always trying to one-up their monster designs for each new game, but they really hit a creative peak with Velkhana, the flagship ice-infused dragon fromthe Iceborne expansion toMonster Hunter World. It’s really quite a sight admiring the majestic beast gliding across the air, and with the icicles hanging from the ceiling and frosty crystals, it sets a very chilly vibe which pulls players into the adventure from the very first glance.
The hunters don’t get much of a showing this time around, but the elegant ice-dragon helps to make up for this thanks to its jaw-dropping design, which perfectly fits the bright blue aesthetic of the illustration.
Fans can get a brief look at the mysterious Forbidden Lands through this cover, with the large ruins and dusty landscape portraying it as an abandoned landscape which, of course, is overrun with monsters. The big and bulky Arkveld earned the front cover spot forWilds, and while he may not be the most visually interesting creature out there, it’s still a real treat to see him in action.
As for the hunters, they get a chance to show off some of the game’s industrial weaponry, including a gigantic machine gun which fans have been eager to use ever since it showed up in an early trailer.Monster Hunter: Wilds’cover does an excellent job at setting out the aesthetic and style of the game, and makes a great first impression for the latest game in the series.
Though the originalMonster Hunter 3’scover is already pretty epic with Lagiacrus as the flagship monster, the cover for the game’s ultimate version is frankly on a whole different level. Azure Rathalos looks truly intimidating on this cover, and with the original character standing in the foreground, it highlights just how massive this legendary beast actually is in person.
Speaking of the original character, it’s fair to say that they are pretty well-prepared for any monsters who decide to come their way, being decked out in a badass set ofAzure Rathalos G armorand a giant blade to boot. Having both the hunter and monster share the spotlight without one overtaking the other makes this cover a real underrated gem, and one that will go down for the ages.
1Monster Hunter 2
The Fearsome Kushala Daora Reigns Supreme In This Epic Portrait
Most covers in the series will depict a brave and well-equipped hunter going toe to toe with a menacing creature, but forMonster Hunter 2, it’sthe mighty Kushala Daorawho chews up most of the scenery. Capcom went for a slightly darker tone for this cover, and it works wonders to amplify Kushala’s overwhelming presence, especially with the staggering amount of detail that has gone into his scaly design.
Monster Hunter 2’seye-catching cover reminds players just how terrifying these behemoths are supposed to be, and while the game itself may have gone under the radar for many, the cover definitely shouldn’t go underappreciated. Whether Capcom will ever return to this dark fantasy-esque style, only time will tell, but it would certainly be incredible to see some of the newer monsters depicted in this way.
